The Wheel turns your bike into a moped

Bicycles have always been a great way to get around, but the whole pedaling thing really takes away a lot of the appeal for some people -- we're sure countless dusty bikes with flat tires are hanging in garages nationwide. Well a company called RevoPower wants to put that huge fleet of two-wheeled vehicles back on the road with an innovative new product that easily converts most mountain or hybrid bikes into 20MPH mopeds. The Wheel, as it's known, manages to pack a gasoline- and oil-powered 23cc, two-stroke internal combustion engine into the space between a standard wheel's spokes, giving it a clear advantage over other modification kits which require tinkering with the existing drivetrain. Once the old wheel has been swapped out for the new Wheel, all you need to do is attach the throttle control to your handlebars and slide the fuel container into your water bottle cage (hope you don't get thirsty on your ride), and you're ready to hit the streets at an environmentally-friendly 200+ MPG. A video of The Wheel (and some overly-eager focus group members), which is due out next year for $400, is available by clicking here.

[Via Popular Science and high t3ch]

[Big Sam @ May 10th 2006 11:14AM]

Where was this when I was in college! Not that I could have afforded it...

[NNTPgrip @ May 10th 2006 11:29AM]

Great, ride a bike and still get to keep all the lard on my ass! Perfect, I seem to get winded really easy and this will save me from that. Will it turn an alternator to power a cigarette lighter? Whats the horsepower on this thing, I mean will it pull me when I become a real big sack of shit?

[Michael Smith @ May 10th 2006 11:33AM]

I could easily be sold, depending on noise level, how well I can ride with it turned off, and steep uphill performance.

[Reinyg @ May 10th 2006 11:37AM]

Just what we need something else to pollute the air we breathe

[db @ May 10th 2006 11:45AM]

I hope it has a disc brake.

[Matt M @ May 10th 2006 11:45AM]

Where does the exhaust go? Do you get to your destination smelling like a weed-whacker?

[not lazy @ May 10th 2006 11:48AM]

nntpgrip:

I couldn't have said it better.

[Flip @ May 10th 2006 11:49AM]

Awesome. Why pedal when you can pay for gas? And then America got even fatter...

[David @ May 10th 2006 11:51AM]

Its quite nice. Revopower company has taken good initiative by launching such a bicycle cum bike in $400, which is not a lot of money. Even the students will be able to afford it. Kudos to the inventor!!!!

[Gobba @ May 10th 2006 12:02PM]

Yet another American innovation sponsored and supported by the fast food and petroleum industry.

Brilliant! :-/

[ShavenYak @ May 10th 2006 12:06PM]

I have a hard time accepting the claim that this thing is "environmentally friendly". Getting 200+ MPG might cut CO2 emissions, but a typical small two-stroke engine emits more smog-producing pollutants than a Detroit-made V8.

For the same reason, riding a motorcycle to work might save you a bit of gas money, but it isn't really helping the environment, because motorcycles aren't subject to the same emissions standards as automobiles.

[Steve C @ Sep 29th 2007 10:01PM]

You do understand that producing gasoline does create more emissions than it's consumption, right? Thus, the less gasoline you consume, the less you emit, directly and indirectly. Furthermore, doesn't it simply make sense that the less gasoline you consume, the lower your total emissions would be?

Check out carbonfootprint.com
It's a carbon emissions calculator. Tell me if it asks you what your gas mileage is and how far you travel. Why would it do that?

[Lewis @ May 10th 2006 12:09PM]

Cool sounding inovation for those of us who use our bikes to actually go places instead of just to work out. If you want to use a bike to get in shape, then get a direct geared bike and ride uphills. Some mornings I don't particularly feel like being challenged on my way to work, I just want to get there. This could still be cheaper and faster than taking the bus.

[peej @ May 10th 2006 12:10PM]

This is not an environmentally friendly solution because the emissions on the two stroke engine are extremely dirty. If you want to be environmentally friendly use an electric motor because at least the emissions are controlled at the power plant.

Also, I agree with the comment above that you're gonna smell like a weed whacker because the exhaust is coming off in front of you. Neat in principle, dirty in practice.

[techwriter1 @ Feb 13th 2007 4:39PM]

I’d wonder why it wouldn’t be considered environmentally friendly. It’s a modified 2 stroke that meets all CARB and EPA regs. You can pedal when you want, so you get exercise. You can turn on 1 horse power to give you a boost when you get tired.
Has anyone considered how bad batteries are for the environment? Plus if this was electric, you couldn’t pedal for exercise. I would have to have too much drag like the dumb electric bikes.

[Tom @ May 10th 2006 12:17PM]

Why would you buy this one that is gas powered when you can get electric powered ones. Yeah they dont go as far, but its not like you wont be able to get home, its a freakin bike!! My dad got one of the electric kits for his bike to save on gas. Its the same concept, small motor in the front wheel, battery pack behind the seat, throttle control on the handle bar. He uses it for work on nice days.

[Brian @ May 10th 2006 12:18PM]

I find it a little strange that everyone in the video seems to be going downhill. I wouldn't want to use this thing except for assistance climbing hills.

[James @ May 10th 2006 12:49PM]

you can get a motorcycle for $400 + cost of bike...

[Steve @ May 10th 2006 12:56PM]

Looks like they're using a rotary engine. A rotary rotary, not a Wankel rotary. 85 years ago this idea was kicking butt on the race course:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megola

[Max @ May 10th 2006 1:17PM]

This is a great way to bridge the gap until until battery density improves enough to make electric versions of this viable. I'm a student at NYU and this is very appealing to me, but $400 is still quite a bit...that's more than I paid for my bicycle. But hey, what are summer jobs for eh?

But what everyone wants to know...Is there a supercharger kit? :)

[ksmith @ May 10th 2006 1:21PM]

A guy I work with has two gas powered bikes he?s been using for a couple years now. They get about 180-200 mpg. He picked up his kits from a guy named Dave Staton (staton-inc.com). The kits don?t have the visual appeal of this Revopower one, but they up side is that you can order them with a four-stroke engine which eliminates your need to mix fuel and oil, plus it burns cleaner and smells less.

[David @ May 10th 2006 1:22PM]

Does it make a neat sound, or do I still have to do the thing with the playing cards?

[tracy @ May 10th 2006 1:33PM]

thats the dumbest thing ive seen in awhile. it will break and you wont be able to fix it. your ass will get fatter. it will polute the air allot and will leave you smell'n like a weed wacker. it will be noisy. you will look like a dork useing it. and thats 400$ for just the wheel, no tire or tube! get a scooter ..it will last, has real emissions equipment, and isnt a hack together like this thing

[techwriter1 @ Feb 13th 2007 5:17PM]

Why would you want a scooter, not this Wheel? I guess if you want to keep you fat bottom you would. The Wheel goes on your bike and you can still pedal as normal for some exercise or engage the engine for a boost if you out of shape like me. Can’t wait to get one! They look cool too!

[Lee Gibson @ May 10th 2006 2:00PM]

Hmmm...how could I make riding a bicycle less fun? I know! I'll make the front wheel weigh about 20 lbs, and smell really awful! I'm a freakin' GENIUS!

[Atanas Boev @ May 10th 2006 2:04PM]

Chinese will do a mockup in no time. And it will not cost $400.

[techwriter1 @ Feb 13th 2007 5:18PM]

Hopefully their worldwide patents that they talk about on their website will hold them over for a good long while. Who wants to buy the WalMart version? Start thinking about supporting American businesses to help the USA economy.

[maddmike @ May 10th 2006 2:12PM]

Mabye they could make it run on BioDiesel, the when you get where you're going you smell like french fries!

[Jake @ May 10th 2006 2:55PM]

David: Card comment = hilarious.

I agree with #13, the only thing I would want it for is hills. Does it work?

Overall, cool concept. I ride to work sometimes and there's this one hill that is just too big. Call me a fat ass if you want but unless you're a workout warrior I'd challenge any of you (even the teens) to take on this hill.

[erik @ May 10th 2006 3:18PM]

Definitely not a rotary engine, check the web site. Also, they win the award for worst web site ever, stupid loading screens for every click.

[steve @ May 10th 2006 3:23PM]

that looks kool
but wouldnt it be safer if it was on the back
jw
wait it doesnt work on road bikes
thats a let down.....
im gonna need to go buy a mountain bike once i can afford that wheel thing..........

[Michael Smith @ May 10th 2006 3:59PM]

You can read thier response about emmision concerns at
www.revopower.com
Under 2 stroke vs 4 stroke engines.

[tim @ May 10th 2006 4:04PM]

To all you naysayers, I think it is a great idea. I already comute to work on my bicycle every day. Roghly 18 miles one way. I take the bus for a portion because of a lack of good (riding in the middle of 6 lanes of interstate traffic blows) river crossing options and a safe bike route once I am closer to work.

Anyway according to RevoPowers site, the emisions can be quite low for a two stroke. They say converntional wisdom is that two strokes are dirty (think Lawnmowers), but they can be made clean(er). I don't know enought about engine technology to call them on it. Do you? Also they claim 65 dBa for noise output. I am interested because sometimes I don't feel like riding or a need to get home faster. The bus is hit or miss on the faster thing. Also the last bus across the river is sometimes earlier than I need to stay at work, so a power assist options would be nice. Thats the point of this. Increased options.

Asso my understanding is that two stroke engines are much simoiler whcih theoretically should make a more reliable engine that is easier to serivce (i.e. fewer parts).

What I like is that it is a retrofit to the bike I ALREADY OWN, yet does not permanantly change the bike. If I want to convert my bike back to a regular bike, then I can do so. That is really cool.

Also if you buy a moped, you have to have a liscense and jump through a lot of hoopla. In addition you can't ride a moped in the bike lanes or on a bike/walk trail where you could with a RevoWheel bike. Gas is readily available so no hassles of charging up something electric (i.e. at work. I am lucky there is one bike rack for the whole building, let alone an electric outlet).

One final advantage is that the wife would bitch up a storm (coincerning getting run over) if I tried to buy a moped or motorcycle, but I could probably get away with buying and using such a "power assist" solution.

In summary, do some of you people think before you post or do you just post something you know nothing about? Thought so. This is a geat idea and once I hear/smell this thing in action, I would be very interested in purchasing one. $400 adds up to 133 gallons of gas at current prices. This thing would pay for itself after about a year.

[Jason @ May 10th 2006 4:40PM]

Atanas,

That's because the Chinese rip off every good idea, patent rights be damned.

I swear, the Chinese think it's their communist given right to rip off every invention on the planet.

[hussein rawat @ May 10th 2006 4:54PM]

i always understood that the point of biking was that we do not contribute to global warming. and all this does is make bikes guilty of that! sorry not for me.

[scott @ May 10th 2006 5:40PM]

im tired of waiting 40 minutes to get somewhere on a bus when i could literally get there faster by walking...

I like my bike, i love riding it cause i dont need a license to drive and this is perfect for when youre hungery and home is a long way away...

wonder what it sounds like... a weedwhacker or a chipmunk...

im gonna get one, period...

[tekdemon @ May 12th 2006 3:12AM]

Too bad it'll still be illegal to ride in NYC...just like pretty much anything with a motor is...including Segways.

Actually it'll be illegal to ride anywhere in NY state because NY state's DMV is run by crazy people it seems.

[Robert @ May 12th 2006 7:07PM]

This thing is not perfect, but it's at least another option. It can do very well if you consider the world market.

For those saying it still contributes to global warming, well duh, but so does your methane emmisions from the bean burrito you had for lunch. 200mpg is much better to 15mpg.

Who are all of you hypocrits talking about lazy Americans and fast food? It seems like all of the people who do bike commute think this is a good idea while everyone else is looking for another excuse why they should stay in their car. 20 mph seems like a good speed for what this is. Anything faster and you should be on a true motorcycle with protective gear while a slower speed can be achieved easily on a conventional bike.

Someone mentioned that $400 + cost of a bike comes close to the price of motorcycle, which is true if you're buying a NEW bicycle compaired to a well used motorcycle and exclude maintenence costs. There are cheap scooters, but like everything else you get what you pay for.

[Fred @ May 13th 2006 6:58AM]

there is an electric version of this that is a bit more expensive, but worth it in my book. It charges itself as you ride it! I'm glad i bookmarked this, it was a while ago.
http://www.tidalforce.com/

[Discipulus @ May 21st 2006 1:59PM]

The electrical versions of bicycle engines that claim regenerative capabilites only recapture 1-2% of the battery charge doing that, so it's not very good. Not only does battery density have to improve, but regenerative capabilites need to improve too. Personally, I'm gonna go with an 80cc engine, and if I was gonna go electric, I'd say a 1.5kw engine (but that's just me, I like my speed). The thing with an electric engine on a bicycle is again they aren't very powerful and hence can't achieve a good speed because nobody thinks to put a transmission for the engine, just for the pedal part (kinda weird, but higher speeds would be much more achievable).

[Bob @ Jul 12th 2006 1:02AM]

www.revopower.com/ is the motor-wheel web site.

some specs are:

---25cc two-stroke (clean emission design)

---1 hp (horse power)

---clutch automatically engages when engine is running.

---starts by a hand throttle and pedaling (requires both).

---7500 rpm max with auto-clutch disengages if you go faster by peddling or going down a hill.

---gears (transmission) are inside giving a high bike speed at a much lower rpm and resulting in a longer engine life than other small engines.

---20 mph was chose as a safe speed for average bike brakes to stop an average person.

---200 mpg (miles per gallon)

---15 lbs (weight) adds only about 12 lbs to bike because it replaces a 3 lbs wheel.

---riding balance of bike (in my scientific opinion) should be more stable than the original bike because of the additional rotating mass? again, in my opinion.

---"standing still" balance of bike (according to revopower.com)is hardly affected because of low/centered placement of motor between the bike forks. No other gas motor has this balance and location.

---65 dB of noise at 7.5m (is that quiet? I don't know)

---extremely low emissions, meets EPA regulations.

---No idle when stopped, means No emissions when stopped.


Some of the other comments from other people were just to get attention in a negative way. I hope they will try to get it in a positive way as they get more life experience. Please don't learn from them.

I too think it would be safer to go 30 mph in a 25 mph zone because 99% of the cars would NOT PASS. but at 20 mph 99% WILL PASS. Passing is unsafe for both car and bike and I hate being passed on a bike for that reason.
So I emailed "Revopower" to ask for a 30 mph speed option. I would be willing to sign a safety waver and supply my own brake upgrade for safety.

I want one because I believe the bike would be just as easy to use before or after the motor is installed.
And it will be the lightest usable moped ever made.
And installation can be done by any one who can take off a front wheel (and that is most people).
And last, I can carry it up a stairs or on a bike rake or throw it in the car.

The inventor was trying to solve a problem by providing a cheap and low fuel usage vehicle for the masses.
How many for the complainers are hypocrites and how many have done anything positive to anytime in life?

Most of us are decent and caring most of the time and we all have our off days I suppose.

I can't wait for this new product!!

[Billy Jones @ Aug 27th 2006 7:27AM]

For all of you complaining about the 20 MPH top speed-- President Bush signed that into law in 2001. Federal law states MOTORIZED Bicycles are limited to 2 HP. Gasoline and 1 HP (750 Watts) electric and cannot travel faster than 20 MPH under power. (If you've got it in you to peddle faster than 20 MPH then you're only limited by the posted speed limit.) Also, motorized bicycles are ONLY allowed on streets with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less.

[the Holy Roman Empire @ Oct 23rd 2006 2:41AM]

I saw this about 6 months ago, and realized it wasn't enough power. I've got a 1/2 horsepower 2 stroke from bikeengines.com, and it gets me up to 28-30 mph on flat, which is much safer in traffic (nobody whizzing by you, and I can still stop and maneuver much faster than cars).

This wheel engine is smaller and purports 20mph, but that is probably slightly exaggerated. As for hills, they do help, but small engines like this are never going to have a lot of torque at 1/2 hp. Electrics are great for this (linear torque curve).

Another advantage of my belt drive system is the belt can be disengaged from the motor, and you can ride it just like a bike w/ an extra 12 lbs on it. I don't see how you would avoid the drag with the wheel motor if it's not running.

However, on the down side I have broken spokes several times. The major drawback is that you have to keep an eye on the spokes that are hooked to the drive system, because the extra torque can loosen them fast and leave you with a bent wheel/broken spokes.

Bottom line, this would be great if you live in a flat area, always use the engine, and don't mind a slow commute.

If you'd rather "turn your bike into a moped," with moped-like speeds, you'll need something more powerful.

[dale @ Apr 5th 2007 4:38AM]

Hi Guys
Most of you here have shown the usual comments about 2 strokes being dirty and haviing horrible emissions. Up until about 2 weeks ago I would have agreed with you. Huge work has been done on two strokes in the last six years with specs that are just astounding when it comes to emissions. Revo are right into this (no I dont work for them) and you need to read why they actually chose a 2 stroke over a four. I think after reading this you might have a different perspective.
https://www.revopower.com/environment-2_stroke_comparison.html
In addition to this Tohatsu have released a six year long project that has produced two strokes for outboards that out perform fourstrokes in economy and Emissions.
"Not only is the 50 TLDI ® as much as 15% lighter than competitive four- stroke outboards, it also guarantees lower fuel and oil consumption, as well as decreased hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions." If you want to learn more do a simple search on TLDI two stroke. Two strokes of the present arent the noisey oil burners we have made them out to be. This air injection and other great changes might soon see the humble two stroke back in cars. They are in boats. Happy reading.

[Jason P @ Apr 23rd 2007 10:49AM]

When I first read about this wheel in Popular Science (June 2006) I couldn't wait to buy one. At the time they said it would cost $400 and be available early in 2007. Was this an advertisement paid for by the company yet comes across as a wonderful new invention that Popular Science is reviewing for us? They claim a million people visited their website after the PopSci article. Well, a million people were mis-informed.
Now they say $599 and "hopefully" launched in the US in 2008.

Needless to say, I'm no longer interested.

[Dennis @ May 9th 2007 11:08AM]

Here is a moped kit for you bike if you want to go a bit faster;say about 40 mph?
http://www.javacycles.com/productdetail.php?prod_id=73

I think it is a 4-stroke motor? But it might burn your legs if you are not careful (by looking a the photos)

They also have the electrical version of the hub wheel on their websit. But the battery technology is still not here yet! Even with the new Ni-Fe-PO4 M1 cells from A123. You are still limited with range and have to replace the battery eventually.
http://www.slkelectronics.com/DeWalt/index.htm

I really hope people can come up with diesel or mutifule engine (there is spark ignition diesel and some are mutifule motor) So, I can run Bio-diesel or straight Vegetable oil.
This way, I'm saving on fule cost and eco-friendly to; just have sit on my fat butt and ride it.

[Dennis @ May 9th 2007 11:36AM]

BTW, I'm running WVO-(Waste vegetable Oil) on my 03 VW Golf TDI for over two years now! Much cleaner and smell better too.
(plus only cost my time and few filters and FREE oil)
I was getting around 53 mpg HWY miles when the engine was stock (unmodified at 90 Hp to the crank and 155 ft-lb of torque) Now, I'm still getting over 40 mpg at 128 Hp to the front wheels and 227 ft-lb of torque! Can't wait to install a larger turbo to reach over 150 wheel Hp and over 200 ft-lb to put my car on Road Atlants race track! I just love to smoke those gas bunners with my renewable fuel bunner!

[Paull @ May 9th 2007 1:21PM]

Some people whine about everything. Looks like a great idea to help out those of us who are athetically challenged. $400 is not that bad when you consider the guy who invented the beer tossing refrigerator wants to sell them for about $1500.

[Shannon @ Jun 22nd 2008 3:33PM]

Not sure why so many are so bent out of shape? Mo-peds have been around for ages...this is just an updated version of the classic lawn-mower-engine-hooked up to a bike. I love to ride my bike, but when I need to go 10+ miles in under an hour, and arrive not soaked in sweat, I'd love to have the assistance of a little motor. I just wish it were available today (my car died yesterday and I wont be able to make it to work Monday morning!). I would like to know how loud it is though. Also, electric would be preferable.

[P Dewsnap @ Jul 2nd 2008 11:12PM]

Brilliant! We had these in Great Britain in the 1950s.