Hi there, I've got a Schwinn Meridian Trike

[pixiechik]

And I'm thinking that I want to motorize it so I can make it up hills! I live at the bottom of a hill not matter what direction I go in, and so I really think it may be necessary if I really want to use the bike to it's fullest.
I am just beginning to do research on this, so any tips you may have on which motor or any suggestions would be a great help.

kristi in Athens, GA

 

[Alaskavan]

Welcome to MBc. Your best bet would probably be either Golden Eagle Bicycle Engines, or Staton-Inc. They aren't cheap, but they are very reliable.

 

[pixiechik]

Thanks for the info, I'll start researching them. I'll probably have my local bike shop convert it.

I'm loving the bike, but frustrated by the hills!

 

[Ernie]

I just finished putting a 50cc 4 stroke on a Meridian. I'm very happy with it and would post a picture if it was possible. I didn't use a gearbox but managed to reduce 6,000 rpm down to ~ 200 anyway useing two jackshafts before the the last reduction to the Axle. I changed out the existing tires for mountain bike tires so that no-flat solid tubes would fit. (we have a terrrible thorn problem where I live in the Southwest and wind to blow them everywhere.) I have also mounted a 35cc Honda on a mountain bike but that's another story. Thanks for an interesting story on your Meridian. E. Kelly

 

[pixiechik]

Yes, please post a pic if you can, I'd love to see it.

 

[StreetRodder]

Motorizing a Meridian

I out a 4 stroke 6 HP on one if my Meridians. It went very smoothly. I had all the components attached in 2 hours. The clutch and throttle took an hour. It was on the road In under 5 hours. It maintains 18 mph in flat ground, and if I gently pedal on hills, it'll continue close to 15 mph. I'm happy with the entire project. I'm shipping to a friend who had a stroke so she can get out of the house, and enjoy being outside. Thanks for your time....StreetRodder