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riccbhard
Apprentice
USA
79 Posts |
 Posted - May 13 2006 : 8:02:16 PM
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I am thinking about taking off the electric motor on my electric Schwinn scooter and replacing it with a gas engine. New batteries are near $100. I figured since it already has a large sproket on the wheel and a chain drive it and it has part of the frame over the rear (power) wheel, it would be easy to adapt a gas engine. The battery compartment under your feet would be nice to put electrical hookups, etc....
Now to my question, first, about what HP engine should I put? The only horizontal shaft I have is a B&S 5HP, a little much for a scooter I would assume. I wanted to put an alternator on it aswell (possible?), so, 2.5, 3HP? 2HP, even?
Would a externally regulated alternator work? I can get a 68 Camaro 30A alternator for $30 and a electronic regulator for $12. My idea for the alternator drive was to put a pulley behind the clutch and run a belt from that to the alternator so the alternator is always spinning whether the drive is going or not. I dont know if I would have enough room on the engine shaft...
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2006 : 10:31:34 AM
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What type of batteries does the scooter use? $100 US sounds very excessive.
I don't know the size of this scooter offhand, but most people are using small 2 stroke engines from chainsaws, trimmers, etc. since the Briggs engines are huge in comparison. Of course, these engines are basically torqueless, so they require reductions of 10:1 or so.
As for an alternator, you could certainly do it but again it comes down to size and weight. If I was doing this, I would use the old scooter motor as a generator, or pick up a used small engine generator from a lawnmower shop.
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riccbhard
Apprentice
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2006 : 11:03:16 PM
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Batteries last I checked were around $100. None the less, what I don't like about electric is that you have to wait hours for it to recharge anyway. With a gas engine you just mix it, pour it, and go (2 cycle), or pour it and go (4 cycle). I was looking at the Suburu Robin series. I can get a 2 cycle one here: http://smallenginewarehouse.com/product.asp?PN=EC04-0209&desc=Robin+America+Engine+2HP+Two+Cycle+engine+could+be+used+for+scooters+more
The thing that may turn me away from that engine is "Muffler: None"
Looks like the shaft may accomodate a pulley and clutch.
The scooter looks like this; in fact it's the exact same one I believe (I havent seen my own in a while, it's been in the shed, but I've seen it at places like Sam's Club.).
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/69/40/27/43/0069402743501_215X215.jpg
The big box under your feet is where the batteries are located (it's a 24V system, and there are 2 batteries, so I assume both are 24V and are wired in parallel for current, or each one is 12V and wired in series). That space would be nice for electrical hookups.
I just noticed something that may be a problem. The sproket side of the wheel is on the right side of the scooter. Dosen't the engine have to be located with the shaft pointing to the left? (If looking at it from behind) to spin the right direction? I'm pretty sure the wheel just comes off like a bike wheel so I may be able to take it off and flip it around, although I may loose functionality of the brake system.
The scooter in the picture is a Schwinn S350, which I am 95% sure that is the same one as mine.
EDIT: I know that the seat post can be removed which takes the basket with it. The basket can be removed from the post I'm sure to allow room for the motor.
I bet that the "STOP" button on that engine can be rewired for a kill switch on the handlebars.
Edited by - riccbhard on May 14 2006 11:07:50 PM
Edited by - riccbhard on May 14 2006 11:10:20 PM |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - May 15 2006 : 09:15:55 AM
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You can always add a muffler. In fact you probably would anyway considering how terrible the typical small engine muffler is. I assume you don't want to have to wear earplugs when you ride.
You may have to move the sprocket to the other side of the wheel. If that can't be done (and it's sometimes as easy as mounting the wheel backwards) then you can always run a jackshaft.
Regarding the alternator, that engine is a poor choice if you intend to run the alternator from the crankshaft. That engine spins about 10,000 RPM...
The kill switch is easily modified. In general it's just a switch that grounds the primary of the ignition coil to the engine block.
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riccbhard
Apprentice
USA
79 Posts |
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Aaron Cake
Administrator
Canada
6718 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2006 : 09:01:14 AM
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What a nice little engine...
It will be better in the sense that it has a much more pleasing sound, will be more quiet, won't have that 2 stroke stink and will make more torque down low. If I had my choice it would be the engine that I would choose.
Regardless of which engine you go with, make sure to get one that has a clutch or an engine to which a clutch can be easily added.
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riccbhard
Apprentice
USA
79 Posts |
Posted - May 16 2006 : 4:26:11 PM
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I sent them an email asking what kind of shaft each one has (1.6HP and 1.1HP). If they have keyed shafts it will be easy to attach a go kart clutch.
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Scooter
