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While the U.S. federal government does not consider ICE motorized bicycles to be motor vehicles, they are subject to the same consumer safety laws as conventional, unassisted bicycles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=107_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ319.107.pdf |title=Public law 107-319 107th Congress |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2009-08-31}}</ref>
While the U.S. federal government does not consider ICE motorized bicycles to be motor vehicles, they are subject to the same consumer safety laws as conventional, unassisted bicycles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=107_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ319.107.pdf |title=Public law 107-319 107th Congress |format=PDF |date= |accessdate=2009-08-31}}</ref>


In Canada and in most of it's provinces, primarily the Province of Ontario, home-built motorized bicycles are strictly illegal on public roads unless (a) they are put together by a licensed manufacturer and (b) they come with an official label from Transport Canada, indicating they are T.C. Certified. In fact, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation recently legalized professionally-built electric bicycles (E-bikes--see below).
In Canada and in most of its provinces, primarily the Province of Ontario, motorized bicycles are strictly illegal on public roads unless (a) they are put together by a licensed manufacturer and (b) they come with an official label from Transport Canada, indicating they are T.C. Certified. In fact, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation recently legalized professionally-built electric bicycles (E-bikes--see below).


===Electrically Powered Bicycles===
===Electrically Powered Bicycles===
Line 78: Line 78:
In the United States, laws on electric-powered motorized bicycles is under state jurisdiction, and is less well developed (see the main [[Electric bicycle laws]] article for details on the law in individual states). As long as the bicycle is capable of pedal propulsion, most U.S. states do not distinguish between designs that can be solely driven by electric power versus those that merely assist pedal propulsion by the rider.
In the United States, laws on electric-powered motorized bicycles is under state jurisdiction, and is less well developed (see the main [[Electric bicycle laws]] article for details on the law in individual states). As long as the bicycle is capable of pedal propulsion, most U.S. states do not distinguish between designs that can be solely driven by electric power versus those that merely assist pedal propulsion by the rider.


In Canada, eight provinces currently allow electric power-assisted bicycles. In comparison some custom designs of electric bike have a range of up to {{convert|40|mi|km}} and a maximum speed of +{{convert|55|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.
In Canada, eight provinces currently allow electric power-assisted bicycles. In comparison some custom designs of E-bike have a range of up to {{convert|40|mi|km}} and a maximum speed of +{{convert|55|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}. The Province of Ontario introduced a three-year trial ending October 2009 for these bicycles, which are now officially defined as Power-Assisted Bicycles by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation with specific parameters.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Ontario Ministry of Transportation - Definition of an Electric Bicycle

| url = http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/e-bike-faq.shtml#a1
⚫
The Province of Ontario introduced a three-year trial ending October 2009 for these bicycles and are now officially defined as Power-Assisted Bicycles by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation with specific parameters<ref>Ontario Ministry of Transportation - Definition of an Electric Bicycle http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/e-bike-faq.shtml#a1</ref>. In seven of the eight provinces, e-bikes are limited to 500W output, and cannot travel faster than {{convert|32|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}} on motor power alone on level ground. In Alberta the maximum output is 750W, and the max speed is 35&nbsp;km/h.<ref>http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/1030.htm</ref> Age restrictions vary in Canada. All require an approved helmet. Some versions (e.g., if capable of operating without pedaling) of e-bikes require drivers' licenses in some provinces and have age restrictions. Vehicle licenses and liability insurance are not required. E-bikes are required to follow the same traffic regulations as regular bicycles. The rules for bicycles assisted by a gasoline motor or other fuel are not included in the regulations government ebikes. These are classified as motor cycles regardless of the power output of the motor and maximum attainable speed.
| accessdate = 2011-04-09}}</ref> In seven of the eight provinces, E-bikes are limited to 500W output and cannot travel with motor power alone on level ground faster than {{convert|32|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}. In Alberta the maximum output is 750W, and the max speed is {{convert|35|km/h|mi/h|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/1030.htm
⚫
| accessdate = 2011-04-09}}</ref> Age restrictions vary from province to province, but all require an approved helmet. Some versions (e.g., if capable of operating without pedaling) of e-bikes require a drivers license in some provinces and have age restrictions. Vehicle licenses and liability insurance are not required. E-bikes are required to follow the same traffic regulations as regular bicycles. The rules for bicycles assisted by a gasoline motor or other fuel are not included in the regulations government E-bikes. These are classified as motorcycles regardless of the power output of the motor and maximum attainable speed.


In Japan, electric motor bicycles are required to incorporate a pedal-assist drive in order to avoid registration as a motorcycle.
In Japan, electric motor bicycles are required to incorporate a pedal-assist drive in order to avoid registration as a motorcycle.

Revision as of 20:30, 9 April 2011

A VéloSoleX motorized bicycle

A motorized bicycle, motorbike, cyclemotor, or vélomoteur is a bicycle with an attached motor and transmission used either to power the vehicle unassisted, or to assist with pedaling. Since it always retains both pedals and a discrete connected drive for rider-powered propulsion, the motorized bicycle is in technical terms a true bicycle, albeit a power-assisted one. However, for purposes of government licensing and registration requirements, the type may be legally defined as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, moped, or a separate class of hybrid vehicle. Powered by a variety of engine types and designs, the motorized bicycle formed the prototype for what would later become the motorcycle.

Design and Usage

Motorized bicycles have utilized all variety of engines, from internal-combustion (IC) two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines to electric, diesel, or even steam propulsion. Most motorized bicycles are based or derived from standard general-purpose bicycle frame designs and technologies, although exceptions abound. In addition, modifications to a standard bicycle frame to support motorization may be extensive.

The earliest motorized bicycles were ordinary utility bicycles fitted with an add-on motor and transmission to assist normal pedal propulsion, and it is this form which principally distinguishes the motorized bicycle from a moped or motorcycle. In a day when gasoline engine and transmission designs were in their infancy, and power-to-weight ratios were low, a dual-purpose propulsion system seemed particularly advantageous. As time went on, pedal propulsion was increasingly replaced by constant use of a two or four-stroke gasoline engine. Nevertheless, the concept of using motor assist for the ordinary bicycle has persisted, and the concept has periodically resurfaced over the years, particularly in times of austerity or fuel shortages. In countries where automobiles and/or fuels are prohibitively expensive, the motorized bicycle has enjoyed continued popularity as a primary mode of transportation.[1]

The design of the motorized bicycle or motorbike varies widely according to intended use. Some motorized bicycles are powerful enough to be self-propelled, without use of the pedals. A development of the motorized bicycle is the moped, which commonly has only a vestigial pedal drive fitted primarily to satisfy legal requirements, and suitable only for starting the engine or for emergency use. The alternate design philosophy to the moped is the so-called motor-assist or pedal-assist bicycle. These machines utilize the pedals as the dominant form of propulsion, with the motor used only to give extra assistance when needed for hills or long journeys.

History

For history of the bicycle in general, see History of the bicycle
For history of the electric bicycle, see Electric bicycle
See also Timeline of motorized bicycle history

The two-wheeled pedal powered bicycle was first conceived in Paris in the 1860s. By 1888 John Dunlop's pneumatic tire and the chain drive made possible the safety bicycle, giving the bicycle its modern form.

The origins of the motorized bicycle or motorbike can be traced back to the latter part of the 19th century when experimenters began attaching steam engines to stock tricycles and quadracycles. The first true motorized bicycle is generally considered to be the French Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede of 1868.[2][3] The Michaux-Perreaux was followed by the American Roper steam velocipede of 1869, built by Sylvester H. Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts.[2][3] Roper demonstrated his machine at fairs and circuses in the eastern U.S. in 1867,[4] and built a total of 10 examples.[5] These early attempts at propelling a bicycle by means other than the human body were not successful, either practically or commercially. It was not until the 1890s, with the advent of the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE), that the motorized bicycle could be considered a practical machine.[6]

Félix Millet's 1897 motorcycle, showing the common ancestry of motorized bicycles and motorcycles. Note the radial engine built into the back wheel.

One of the first gas motor-assisted bicycle designs was developed by Félix Millet in France around 1892/93. Millet's designs had both pedals and a fixed-crankshaft radial engine built into the back wheel.

In 1896, E.R. Thomas of Buffalo, New York began selling gasoline engine kits for propelling ordinary bicycles. After forming the Thomas Motor Company, he began selling complete motor-assisted bicycles under the name Auto-Bi. The Auto-Bi is generally considered to be the first production motorized bicycle made in the United States.[7]

The 1900 Singer Motor Wheel was a wheel incorporating a small ICE powerplant that could be substituted for the front wheel of a bicycle. A later design, the 1914 Smith Motor Wheel, was attached to the rear of a bicycle by means of an outrigger arm, a design later taken up by Briggs & Stratton.

In England, the Phelon & Rayner motorized bicycle was introduced in 1901, and was sold through 1903. The original Phelon & Rayner machine used a 260cc, 1.75-horsepower gasoline engine mounted to a standard 28-inch bicycle frame.

In the United States, the California Motor Company was formed in 1901 to sell complete gasoline-engine motorbikes in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose.[8] The company began with a 200cc[9][10] single-cylinder, 1.5-horsepower, four-stroke engine designed by R.C. Marks. Mounted to a standard bicycle frame, the California could reach speeds of approximately 25 mph (40 km/h).[10][11] The California weighed around 75-80 pounds, and featured a leading-link front fork, a leather spring saddle, a front Duck roller brake, and an Atherton rear coaster brake.[11][12][13][14] A leathern belt-drive directly connected the engine output shaft to the rear wheel.[11][15][16] During the summer of 1903, George A. Wyman rode a 200cc, 1.5-horsepower California from San Francisco to New York City, becoming the first person to cross the North American continent aboard a motor vehicle.[17]

As early as 1903, motorized bicycles were being fitted with larger and heavier loop frames designed to specifically accommodate larger displacement engines, which produced higher speeds. These new motorbike frame designs soon incorporated a new riding position which no longer centered the rider over the pedals, but instead moved the rider's feet forward, where they rested on pegs or platforms. The new riding position was designed to increase rider comfort and control when using the motor for propulsion, and soon owners began relying on the gasoline motor for all but emergency use. Front suspension and (on some machines) rear suspension increased control at high speeds. By 1915, some manufacturers were omitting pedal propulsion entirely, resulting in the introduction of the first true modern motorcycle.

Derny motor-pacing cycle (motor mounted in frame, drive via chain to rear wheel).

At the same time, purpose-built motobikes like the Derny and VéloSoleX, with stronger frames and sometimes with only token ability to be wholly human-powered were introduced in France. Many years later, manufacturers would re-introduce this concept as the moped, a small motorcycle fitted with pedals that can be used as a starting aid but which cannot, practically, be ridden under pedal power alone.

In France, the gasoline-powered motorized bicycle, known popularly as the vélomoteur or vélomoto was popular during the 1930s, and continued to be widely sold in early postwar years as a means of transportation during a period of gasoline shortages and limited automobile production.

In the 1930s, the United Kingdom and its former colonies also developed “clip-on” motors for bicycles (35 to 49cc), followed by the “Autocycle” with a purpose-built frame incorporating pedals and a two-stroke engine (often a 98cc Villiers engine), but without a gearbox (e.g. the Malvern Star). Autocycle manufacturers were well established in countries such as Britain and Australia before World War II.

In 1939, the American bolt-on Whizzer gas-engined bicycle kit was introduced, utilizing a 138cc side-valve four-stroke engine and belt drive.[18] Despite some initial engine reliability issues, the Whizzer enjoyed modest popularity during World War II due to fuel and automobile shortages, and was used by war plant workers and others with priority for transportation. After the war, the Whizzer became popular with youth who desired faster speeds from their heavy cruiser-framed Schwinn bicycles.[18] In 1949, the company introduced a complete production bike, the Pacemaker. Sales of the Whizzer conversion kits continued until 1962.[19] In the United Kingdom, the motorized bicycle saw a resurgence of popularity and such bolt-on motors as the Cyclaid and the Cyclemaster motor wheel saw brief periods of immense popularity. The Cyclemaster, which was a hub motor which could be fitted to an ordinary bike, started at 25cc (painted black), but later the size went up to 32cc (painted grey).

Elsewhere in Europe the motorized bicycle continued to be popular, particularly in France and Italy. An Italian manufacturer, Vincenti Piatti, designed a 50cc engine for driving portable lathes and this was also used to power a bicycle frame in the form of the Mini Motore. Piatti later licensed the design to Trojan for production in Britain as the Trojan Minimotor. In West Germany, a compression-ignition (diesel) engine kit using an 18cc variable head engine made by Lohmann was produced during the 1950s.[20] In France, where postwar reconstruction, taxes, and fuel shortages limited automobile access, motorized bicycle kits and complete models were produced by a variety of smaller manufacturers, often using a two-stroke gasoline engine mounted above the front wheel. In 1946, production of the very successful French VELOSOLEX commenced, continuing until 1988. The VéloSoleX was a mass-produced motorized bicycle, which used a tire roller (friction drive) to the front wheel. After French production ceased, the VELOSOLEX continued to be produced in China and Hungary. An in-wheel gasoline engine was used on the Honda P50 moped which ceased production in 1968. The velomoteur and motor scooter enjoyed a second renaissance in the 1960s and 1970s as a new generation of youth discovered they could ride a motorized vehicle without need of a driver's license. Other countries had relaxed licencing requirements e.g. lower age limits for motorized bicycles, which increased their popularity.

During the 1960s, the moped craze arrived in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. Mopeds had been produced for years in France and Italy, but were largely unknown in other countries. The moped's surge in popularity was motivated by the arrival of new machines produced in Japan by Honda and other manufacturers, which could be operated without a driving license and with a minimum of effort to meet existing regulation by the authorities. The new moped designs were really low-powered motorcycles, equipped with pedals largely to meet legal requirements. Most could only be pedaled with difficulty over short distances on level ground.

Current Trends

Today, motorized bicycles are still being developed both as complete designs and as add-on motor kits for use on standard bicycles, either by part-time hobbyists or by commercial manufacturers. With the development of new, lighter, and more powerful batteries, electric motors for power assist are increasingly popular, often using hub motors to facilitate after-market conversions. Converting bicycles or tricycles has proven useful for some people with physical disabilities such as knee injury or arthritis.

In 2003 production of the French gasoline-powered VELOSOLEX ceased in Hungary. However, production continues in China and has restarted in France. In the United States, Velosolex America markets the VELOSOLEX worldwide.

Currently there are several U.S. companies manufacturing aftermarket internal combustion engine (ICE) motor conversion kits for conventional bicycles. These include both four-stroke and two-stroke gasoline engine designs. Among these, Golden Eagle Bike Engines currently produces a rear-engine (rack-mounted) kit using a belt to drive the rear wheel. Staton-Inc., a motorized bicycle manufacturer of long standing, also uses a rack-mount with a either a tire roller-mount (friction drive) or a chain-driven, geared transmission. Other manufacturers produce kits using small two- or four-stroke gas engines mounted in the central portion of the bicycle frame, and incorporating various types of belt- or chain-driven transmissions and final drives. American companies marketing the latter types include EZ Motorbike Company, Dax, and Spooky Tooth Cycles.

Motorized bicycles using electric motors have also re-entered the market. Electrically-powered bicycles use batteries, which have a limited capacity and thus a limited range, particularly when large amounts of power are utilized. This design limitation means that the use of the electric motor as an assist to pedal propulsion is more emphasized than is the case with an internal combustion engine. While costly, new types of lithium batteries along with electronic controls now offer users increased power and range while reducing overall weight. Newer electric motor bicycle designs are gaining increasing acceptance, particularly in countries where increasing traffic congestion, aging populations, and concern for the environment have stimulated development and usage.

Legal status

Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Motored Bikes

The legal definition and status of motorized bicycles using internal combustion engines varies from nation to nation.

In France, the laws regulating moped and scooter (cyclomoteur) operation apply as well to the gas-powered motorized bicycle, variously known as a bicyclette motorisée, vélo motorisé, vélomoteur, or vélomoto. Under French law, no less than 14 years of age may operate a gas-powered motorized bicycle with an engine capacity below 50cc, and capable of a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour (28 mph). All vélomotos or motorbikes must be registered, and all riders without a full driving licence must pass a test and receive a certificate (Brevet de Sécurité Routière, or BSR) consisting of written exam and five hours of practical training, four and a half of which must be on public roads, with a driving school. Third-party insurance is necessary, a metal license tab with the owner’s name (Plaque de nom) must be attached to the handlebars, and all riders must wear helmets. Motorized bicycles are not permitted on French motorways, and riders must use cycle paths where provided.

In the United Kingdom, it is possible to register a gasoline-powered Cyclemotor or motorized bike for legal use on the roadways.[21]

In the United States, the legal status of ICE motorbikes are defined by the laws of each state. Several states allow ICE motorbikes to be operated on roadways without registration, tax, or licensing in the same manner as bicycles, providing certain restrictions are observed.[22] Many state jurisdictions use limits on top speed and/or engine displacement to determine if ICE motorized bicycles require registration and licensing - sometimes as mopeds, sometimes as motorcycles.[23] Some states prohibit the use of motorbikes on multi-use recreational paths or high-speed, limited access roadways, while others require additional safety equipment for operation on public roads, such as wearing a helmet.[24]

While the U.S. federal government does not consider ICE motorized bicycles to be motor vehicles, they are subject to the same consumer safety laws as conventional, unassisted bicycles.[25]

In Canada and in most of its provinces, primarily the Province of Ontario, motorized bicycles are strictly illegal on public roads unless (a) they are put together by a licensed manufacturer and (b) they come with an official label from Transport Canada, indicating they are T.C. Certified. In fact, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation recently legalized professionally-built electric bicycles (E-bikes--see below).

Electrically Powered Bicycles

Main article: Electric bicycle

The laws on electric-power bicycles or E-bikes vary considerably according to country. In many nations, a top limit on the power of the electric motor is imposed if the vehicle is to be legally classified and/or taxed as a motorized bicycle.

In the United States, laws on electric-powered motorized bicycles is under state jurisdiction, and is less well developed (see the main Electric bicycle laws article for details on the law in individual states). As long as the bicycle is capable of pedal propulsion, most U.S. states do not distinguish between designs that can be solely driven by electric power versus those that merely assist pedal propulsion by the rider.

In Canada, eight provinces currently allow electric power-assisted bicycles. In comparison some custom designs of E-bike have a range of up to 40 miles (64 km) and a maximum speed of +55 mph (89 km/h). The Province of Ontario introduced a three-year trial ending October 2009 for these bicycles, which are now officially defined as Power-Assisted Bicycles by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation with specific parameters.[26] In seven of the eight provinces, E-bikes are limited to 500W output and cannot travel with motor power alone on level ground faster than 32 km/h (20 mph). In Alberta the maximum output is 750W, and the max speed is 35 km/h (22 mph).[27] Age restrictions vary from province to province, but all require an approved helmet. Some versions (e.g., if capable of operating without pedaling) of e-bikes require a drivers license in some provinces and have age restrictions. Vehicle licenses and liability insurance are not required. E-bikes are required to follow the same traffic regulations as regular bicycles. The rules for bicycles assisted by a gasoline motor or other fuel are not included in the regulations government E-bikes. These are classified as motorcycles regardless of the power output of the motor and maximum attainable speed.

In Japan, electric motor bicycles are required to incorporate a pedal-assist drive in order to avoid registration as a motorcycle.

In Australia, electric power-assisted bicycles [28][29][30][31][32] do not require registration provided that it:

  • Is designed to be propelled primarily by human power; and
  • Has one or more auxiliary propulsion motors attached that have a combined output of no more than 200 watts.

Power sources

Different types of electric hub motor

Historically, internal combustion engine (ICE) designs dominated the motorized bicycle market, and still do today. Most still use small two stroke or four stroke IC engines.

Power can be applied in a number of ways:

  • the front or rear wheel may be powered via a motor built into the hub (e.g. Singer Motor Wheel, Copenhagen Wheel[33]). The wheel thus doesn't relay the powered via the chain but directly by contact to the ground. The downside of this system is that often, the original wheel needs replacing for the wheel with the mounted hub motor.
  • an engine or motor mounted between the frame (called a frame mount), under the frame,[34] or behind the rider (called a rack mount) may drive the rear wheel via a sprocket with a chain or a rubber belt.[35] This is called "chain drive" and "belt drive" respectively. Besides connecting the engine to a sprocket, the engine can also be connected directly to the crank. This is called "crank drive" [36] or "mid-drive" [37] and also allows to incorporate the gears of the bicycle in the motorized system.[38] Most of these bikes and kits are under 50 cc's and do not have to be registered in most states (the exception being the Whizzer NE5).
  • power may be transferred to one or other wheel from a motor mounted directly above, by bringing a powered roller or rubber belt into contact with the tire. These are called "friction drive".

Internal combustion

Tanaka bolt-on bike motors (branded Bike Bug, Aqua Bug, Tas Spitz, Sears Free Spirit, and Little Devil) were popular through the 1960s and 1970s, and are gaining a renewed following thanks to a clean-burning "Pure Fire" line of two-stroke motors.

Electric

Main article: Electric bicycle

Electric bicycles have become one of the most popular vehicles used for transportation across the world. Millions have been sold in Asia and Europe. Sales in the United States and Australia have increase sharply since the late 1990s.

Other power sources

A steam-powered bicycle.
For history of steam cycles, see steam tricycle

Individuals have built bicycles powered by steam and air engines, and there are many known jet propelled bicycles. No large-scale manufacture of any of these is known (though jet powered bicycles have been created by hobbyists as seen in some homemade videos on websites such as Google Video and Youtube).

Environmental effects

The environmental effects of motorized bicycles varies according to the power source. Most electric bicycles are considered by some to be zero-emissions vehicles, as they emit no combustion byproducts. However, the environmental effects of electricity generation and power distribution from plants generating power from fossil fuels, as well as manufacturing and disposing of (limited life) high storage density batteries containing toxic materials must also be taken into account. Older two stroke engines, commonly use in motorized bicycles powered by internal combustion engines often emitted more pollution than automobiles due to partial combustion of oil included in the fuel, but this is not the case with four-stroke or newer 2 stroke motor designs.

See also

References

  1. ^ "China: Exhaustive Effort to Cut Vehicle Emissions", China Business Information Network, 10 April 1996. pg. 1, via Financial Times Information Limited: In 1996, the city of Shanghai, China had 370,000 motorized bicycles and 470,000 other vehicles.
  2. ^ a b Setright, L.J.K. (1979). The Guinness book of motorcycling facts and feats. Guinness Superlatives. pp. 8–18. ISBN 0851122000, 9780851122007. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: invalid character (help)
  3. ^ a b Falco, Charles M.; Guggenheim Museum Staff (1998). "Issues in the Evolution of the Motorcycle". In Krens, Thomas; Drutt, Matthew (eds.). The Art of the Motorcycle. Harry N. Abrams. pp. 24–31. ISBN 0892072075.
  4. ^ "The Past—1800s: First motorcycle". The History and Future of Motorcycles and motorcycling—From 1885 to the Future, Total Motorcycle Website. Retrieved 28 June 2007.
  5. ^ Kresnak, Bill (2008). Motorcycling for Dummies. Hoboken, New Jersey: For Dummies, Wiley Publishing. ISBN 0470245875.
  6. ^ "Horseless Carriages", The Times, 21 May 1896, pg. 6, via The Times Digital Archive
  7. ^ Rafferty, Tod, The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Motorcycles, Philadelphia, PA: Courage Books, p. 16
  8. ^ Rafferty, Tod, The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Motorcycles, Philadelphia, PA: Courage Books, p. 22
  9. ^ Rafferty, p. 22: Other sources state that the Marks engine in the California was only 90cc in displacement, but a 1901-vintage 90cc low-compression four-cycle engine running the 30-octane gasoline of the day was unlikely to generate 1.5 horsepower and 25mph on the California, which weighed some 75-80 pounds, not counting fuel, oil, and rider.
  10. ^ a b Bill, L.H., The Poor Man's Automobile, Overland Monthly and Out West Magazine, Vol. 40, Issue No. 2 (August 1902), pp. 197-198
  11. ^ a b c Rafferty, p.22
  12. ^ Bill, pp. 197-198
  13. ^ Wyman, George A., Across America On A Motor Bicycle, The Motorcycle, Issue 1, Volume 1, (June 1903), pp. 46, 48, 55
  14. ^ Mitchell, Leon, 1903 California Specifications, Leon's Vintage Motorcycle Page, 1998-2002
  15. ^ Bill, pp. 197-198
  16. ^ Wyman, George A., Across America On A Motor Bicycle, The Motorcycle, Issue 1, Volume 1, (June 1903), pp. 46, 48, 55
  17. ^ Rafferty, p.22: Wyman's California was the very first motor vehicle to successfully cross the entire United States, making the journey in fifty-one days, from May 16, 1903 to July 6, 1903.
  18. ^ a b Rafferty, p. 218
  19. ^ Raffety, p. 218
  20. ^ The Lohmann kit utilized a two-cycle compression-ignition engine, and was designed to run off of a light distillate mixed with a measured amount of lubricating oil. It is considered to be a diesel engine in the sense that it is a compression ignition design without a spark plug, but does not use an injection pump or fuel injection as does a conventional diesel engine.
  21. ^ Frank Auton's struggle with the DVLA to register his Golden Eagle Cyclemotor http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0497.htm
  22. ^ See e.g. Arizona A.R.S. 28-2516, Motorized Bicycle Statute: "1. A certificate of title is not required for a motorized electric or gas powered bicycle or tricycle. 2. Registration is not required for a motorized electric or gas powered bicycle or tricycle. 3. Vehicle license tax is not imposed on a motorized electric or gas powered bicycle or tricycle...5. A driver license is not required to operate a motorized electric or gas powered bicycle or tricycle. 6. A motorized electric or gas powered bicycle or tricycle may use rights-of-way designated for the exclusive use of bicycles."
  23. ^ Arizona A.R.S. 28-2516: "For the purposes of this section, motorized electric or gas powered bicycle or tricycle means a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with a helper motor that has a maximum piston displacement of forty-eight cubic centimeters or less, that may also be self-propelled and that is operated at speeds of less than twenty miles per hour."
  24. ^ Current US Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmet Laws, Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, December 2010
  25. ^ "Public law 107-319 107th Congress" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-08-31.
  26. ^ "Ontario Ministry of Transportation - Definition of an Electric Bicycle". Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  27. ^ http://www.infratrans.gov.ab.ca/1030.htm. Retrieved 2011-04-09. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  28. ^ RTA NSW (2008-07-04). "Mopeds and power assisted pedal cycles" (PDF). Vehicles standards information. 120 Parramatta NSW 2124: NSW Centre for Road Safety, Road Transport Authority, NSW. p. 2. Retrieved 2010-09-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  29. ^ vicroads (2000 January). Summary of Registration Requirements for Motorcycles and Mopeds (PDF). Vehicles standards information. 60 Denmark Street, Kew, 3101: Vehicle Safery Branch, vicroads. p. 4. Retrieved 2010-09-25. {{cite conference}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: location (link)
  30. ^ Transport SA (2009). "Riding a power-assisted bicycle". Riding a power-assisted bicycle. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  31. ^ TMR Queensland (2010-09-20). "Legal vehicles that do not require registration". Transport and Main Roads, Queensland. Retrieved 2010-09-25.
  32. ^ BikeWest, (2010-05-19). "Powered-assisted bikes give you a little bit of help - Cycling Fact Sheet 13". Department of Transport, Western Australia. {{cite web}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Missing or empty |url= (help)CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
  33. ^ Copenhagen Wheel
  34. ^ Bicycle engine mount under the frame
  35. ^ Example of a sprocket installed to an e-bike
  36. ^ [1]
  37. ^ Mid-drive kit term
  38. ^ Use of gears in crank drive

Further reading

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