How to Add an Engine to Your Bike

For many people, biking is not only a method of transportation but a way of life. The cardiovascular health benefits associated with biking are well-documented, with many mental health professionals claiming that 30 minutes of biking three to five times per week can be as effective as pharmaceuticals in terms of relieving depression and anxiety. One way to get more out of your bike is to add a small engine to it. Adding an engine will allow you to take your bike places where you otherwise might not be able to, such as steep hills and mountains.

Things You'll Need

  • Rear-mounted bicycle engine kit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the rear wheel of your bike. Place wheel, sprockets down, on a work surface. Rotate the drive ring in your kit so that its slots line up with the spokes on the wheel itself. Using a screwdriver, lift each spoke and secure it within its corresponding slot. Repeat the entire way around the wheel, working with the opposite of each spoke in to ensure balance.

    • 2

      Attach the mount straps (lower and front) to the bracket of the engine with the included bolts and washers. Install the engine on the back of the frame, directly behind the seat. Check to ensure that it is tightened properly.

    • 3

      Lift the belt from the track on the drive ring and slide the rear mount strap under the belt and onto the axle. The belt should be run so that it is between the gear and tension arm bearing on the rear wheel.

    • 4

      Run the cable for the throttle along the frame of the bike, making sure that it does not interfere with any moving parts or gears. Do not bend the cable or attach it too tightly, as leeway is preferred.

    • 5

      Place the throttle clips on the right handlebar, closest to the center and in front of the handle grips. The throttle should be positioned where it is most comfortable to be used with your thumb and forefinger. Install the kill button by removing the screw from the clamp, attaching it to the left handle bar and then re-fastening the clamp. The red kill button will shut the engine off when it is pressed.