Alternative Transportation: The Motorized Bicycle

Driving vehicles is not practical for everyone, either due to lack of money, age, or personal preference. This why I like to feature other methods of transportation occasionally. As the title of this post suggests, I am featuring a little-known modification that can be made to the everyday bicycle. The motorized bicycle used to be my primary mode of transport when I couldn't afford to drive, or when I was drunk, and it comes with my highest recommendation.

The concept is incredibly simple, because it's basically as easy as putting a motor on a bicycle! There are numerous kits available online, and with some simple tools you can have a fully functioning bike in about a day. It took me a few days, because that was back when I smoked a lot of weed.

You can still pedal the bike when you engage the clutch because the engine drives a separate drive train. You start the engine by riding the bike up to about 10km/h and then disengage the clutch, which  jump-starts the motor. The throttle and clutch lever are mounted on the handlebars, so it's very easy to control your speed, which can reach 50km/h on a good bike.

Is it legal? It depends on your municipality, but in mine it is perfectly legal because the law considers it pedal assist. If it only moved under the engine's power, then it might be classified differently. Before mine was stolen, I rode it past police officers a few times with very little reaction from them. They were basically like "what the fuck is that?". If you've ever been to a third-world country, you'll see these on the streets often.

If you're looking for extreme fuel efficiency, nearly negligible repair costs, and to possibly even turn a few heads, the motorized bicycle might be for you. I picked my kit up for $179.00 three years ago, and they're still approximately the same price. Sticking an 80cc engine on a bicycle won't get you laid though; ask me how I know.