Long-range bike pusher
04-07-08 | 01:13 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Long-range bike pusher
Hi guys,
I'm going to be attending the University of Arizona (in Tucson, AZ) next year and I'd like to find a relatively easy way to make the 100-mile trek from Tucson to Phoenix on my bike. I'm an avid racer and I could bike 100 miles without a problem, but I'd like some assistance just to get home faster.
I don't want to buy a whole new bike and I'd like to use my existing road bike. So, I'm planning on using a design similar to the Bidwell Bike Pusher.
My question is this- what kind of electronics should I use? Would it be a viable option to buy a cheap electric scooter and use the parts from that? And my main question is:
Is a 100 mile range on an electric bike pusher even possible? If not, would a gas engine work?
Thanks!
I'm going to be attending the University of Arizona (in Tucson, AZ) next year and I'd like to find a relatively easy way to make the 100-mile trek from Tucson to Phoenix on my bike. I'm an avid racer and I could bike 100 miles without a problem, but I'd like some assistance just to get home faster.
I don't want to buy a whole new bike and I'd like to use my existing road bike. So, I'm planning on using a design similar to the Bidwell Bike Pusher.
My question is this- what kind of electronics should I use? Would it be a viable option to buy a cheap electric scooter and use the parts from that? And my main question is:
Is a 100 mile range on an electric bike pusher even possible? If not, would a gas engine work?
Thanks!
04-07-08 | 05:25 PM
#2
Both Coasts...
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 299
Likes: 1
Pusher trailers run the risk of jack-knife and getting 100 mile battery capacity will be very difficult. I've looked into 'em and the Bidwell isn't my favorite. Yak/Bob trailer with a hub motor looks like something I would explore if you're set on a pusher setup.
However, for your needs I suggest a Golden Eagle 4-stroke engine belt drive system. Staton offers a nice chain drive setup too but the GE belt drive can be more easily disconnected in the event you need/want to pedal.
The 4-stroke Subaru or Honda are fine, quiet little engines and should get you over 100 mpg.
However, for your needs I suggest a Golden Eagle 4-stroke engine belt drive system. Staton offers a nice chain drive setup too but the GE belt drive can be more easily disconnected in the event you need/want to pedal.
The 4-stroke Subaru or Honda are fine, quiet little engines and should get you over 100 mpg.
04-07-08 | 09:20 PM
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 12
bharnett made a Bob trailer pusher. I agree with BroadwayJoe, I think I would prefer the trailer to be rigidly connected to the bike frame.
The bob trailer attached to my recumbent is retrofitted with a 600 watt brushed hub motor.
I am using lead acid gell batteries 12v 12 AH X3 for 36 volts.
The nice thing about using the trailer is I am back to having my regular bike just by unhooking my trailer.
My intent was to use it for my commute from the house to my shop 20 miles one way with some steep hills.
It works well I pedal along with the assist and just use it on the hills, I have not run the batteries out yet even when I take the long way 33 miles.
I used to do it without the assist but I commute now more with it.
The bike and fairing are homebuilt carbon fiber the bike I made in 2003.
I am using lead acid gell batteries 12v 12 AH X3 for 36 volts.
The nice thing about using the trailer is I am back to having my regular bike just by unhooking my trailer.
My intent was to use it for my commute from the house to my shop 20 miles one way with some steep hills.
It works well I pedal along with the assist and just use it on the hills, I have not run the batteries out yet even when I take the long way 33 miles.
I used to do it without the assist but I commute now more with it.
The bike and fairing are homebuilt carbon fiber the bike I made in 2003.
04-02-12 | 01:35 PM
#4
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Well I am a fan of the Bidwell Pusher...Of course there are limitations to any design but you should be ok. Is there anyone out there that has built a Bidwell Pusher?
I enjoy the low profile look of this pusher. I can't stand the look of a huge contraption hooked to my bike. Being that I am bringing this post up to date I guess the RideKick has gone mainstream now. I believe it is from the guy that designed the Bidwell that this RideKick is after.
Steve.
I enjoy the low profile look of this pusher. I can't stand the look of a huge contraption hooked to my bike. Being that I am bringing this post up to date I guess the RideKick has gone mainstream now. I believe it is from the guy that designed the Bidwell that this RideKick is after.
Steve.
Last edited by DIYsteve; 04-02-12 at 01:38 PM. Reason: edit
04-02-12 | 07:37 PM
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
I have a Lightfoot Cycle Subaru powered Recumbent bicycle. It is great and would do what you are asking with ease. Lightfoot Cycles also makes either a gas or electric pusher trailer. The gas is the Subaru 1.6 HP engine. I am not sure however I believe the electric is a Eco-Speed system. Here is their link.
https://lightfootcycles.com/products-...usher-trailer/
https://lightfootcycles.com/products-...usher-trailer/
04-04-12 | 08:44 AM
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 288
Likes: 12
From: Vacouver Island B.C. Canada
Bikes: Catrike Trail/Catrike Expedition
I'm using a Crystalyte 500W hub motor in the wheel of my BOB trailer and a 36V 10ah Lit-Ion battery mounted to the trailer deck
I use the E-BOB for touring, I ride a Catrike Trail and the BOB has been a great little camp gear hauler and the 16" wheel has lots of torque (can spin out if heavy on the throttle).The best thing about the pusher when touring is unhooking and riding the trike light
I've got over 100K on a single charge but thats lots of pedaling, I use the battery sparingly because I want to make sure I've got the assist when I need it
I'd much rather have a battery over a gas motor, having to haul fuel and oil can get smelly and then there's the constant noise
The hub is almost silent, just a low range hum that's usually drowned out by traffic
I use the E-BOB for touring, I ride a Catrike Trail and the BOB has been a great little camp gear hauler and the 16" wheel has lots of torque (can spin out if heavy on the throttle).The best thing about the pusher when touring is unhooking and riding the trike light
I've got over 100K on a single charge but thats lots of pedaling, I use the battery sparingly because I want to make sure I've got the assist when I need it
I'd much rather have a battery over a gas motor, having to haul fuel and oil can get smelly and then there's the constant noise
The hub is almost silent, just a low range hum that's usually drowned out by traffic
04-05-12 | 07:06 AM
#7
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Wow...some money for that electric assist there Trikin...nice setup for the really serious biker. Well I am going to give the Bidwell build a try and bring it up to date with some newer motor and electrics. I am guessing it will have a cost build under $700. Why not get the Ridekick then...well it has a 24v 450watt motor...I would beef it up running a 36v 750watt setup.
Anyone know anyone that has built a Bidwell Pusher?
Steve.
Anyone know anyone that has built a Bidwell Pusher?
Steve.
