power trailer, pusher trailer, motor trailer
I just joined this forum & found this thread soon thereafter. I built one and am gathering parts for a more sophisticated version. I made the first one about 20 yrs. ago. I've renewed my interest recently. You can see my first one in Google videos here;
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1262019802413200431
Another (FWD) powered bike I made is here;
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1617515413703517331
Several people seeing the video have contacted me for further info and I answered all of their questions. The trailer is the easiest way to power a bike I could devise. No welding was necessary, no modification of the bike was necessary and no extra stresses are placed on the bike. I have several ideas for different versions, accessories etc. I built it in 2 evenings entirely from scrounged and garage sale items for a total of $40.
It handles extremely well. It doesn't affect the handling of the bike in the least except when making the tightest low speed u-turns. Even those are easily manageable after you've done it a couple times.
The one I'm making next uses a 7 lb. Honda GX31, 4-stroke, 1.5 hp engine w/a double-bearing centrifugal clutch. The wheel is a 16 inch bike wheel laced onto a 3 speed hub. Primary reduction will be by cogbelt and final drive will be chain. 3 spd. hubs freewheel so the trailer will be easy to tow when the engine is not running. The one in the video does not tow easily due to the drag of turning the chain and clutch. 3 spd. hub ratios are 75%, 100% (direct drive), and 133%. I plan to gear it for 15, 20 and 27 mph to start with; perhaps changing it for higher speeds after I break in the engine. I'm retired and plan to use this vehicle for long tours, so I have to start thinlking about cargo capacity.
I may also experiment with a CVT I have for this engine, but I expect the 3 speed hub will be more efficient.
I hope to make a very quiet muffler from a propane bottle or fire extinguisher canister. If it's disguised and very quiet, I can go anywhere with no more than a glance from the constabulary. Who would suspect a trailer is actually pushing the bike?
You might have noticed I have another Google video showing my sailbike.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5500733746990462049
I plan to upgrade that to a larger more efficient wingsail.
Ideally, I'd like to be able to use wind and pedal power as much as possible, reserving the engine for long or steep uphills, strong headwinds, laziness, full belly, old age etc.
Closing now to scour this forum for more ideas.