The RevoPower 2 stroke replacement bike wheel - meets EPA and CARB standards
We just ran a story about some new type of 2 stroke engine oil which is made using a byproduct of biodiesel production. While we all debate the merits of the oil and its inclusion on a website devoted to green automotive technology, I thought I'd show you a potential use for said oil.
Soon, you will be able to purchase this new device called the RevoPower wheel. The wheel replaces the standard from bike rim on your bicycle, allowing powered assist to your pedaling. The system uses a series of sprockets and chains to rotate the outer rim of the wheel using a 2 stroke engine. The engine turns off when you stop, and has no idling capability. I read their site where they explain why a 4 stroke engine was not chosen, you can find it here. I did note that the engine does meet CARB and EPA emissions requirements. However, I am pretty sure that the requirements for a non-road vehicle are less restrictive than for road-going cars and motorcycles.
For those interested in specifications, the engine produces about 1 horsepower and can power the vehicle to 20 mph. when installed on a bike, it is capable of delivering 100 mpg.
[Source: RevoPower]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James 8:30PM (6/29/2008)
I have been looking at this product for a while. It has some distinct advantages over an electric bike. Moterized bikes do no require a drivers license, insurance or registration in most states. Electric bikes are much heavier thus less manuverable and harder to brake. They also have a range limit usually in the 10 to 20 mile range. It usually takes about 4 to 6 hours to recharge an electric bike. Leaving an electic bike in a discharged state will quickly distroy it's expensive batteries. Batteries usually used with Electic bikes preform poorly in cold weather, You can use Lithium batterys but these are very expensive,
With gas power you can easily find a fuel source. You don't have to wait 1/2 a day for it to recharge. Recumbent bikes are very comfortable for long trips. You don't have to worry about charging it up after a trip (very important to keep batteries charged with an electic bike).
Let us take a 600 watt electic bike with batteries good for about 20 miles. The Batteris alone weigh in at over 60 lbs. A set of SLA batteries will run about $250 and last about a year. If you opt for LiFePO4 battieries they will set you back $1500 to $2000 but weigh in at 20 lbs and last about 5 years.
I belive this has some very attactive features over an electric bike.
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Pete Siegel, Riverside,ca 4:28PM (10/09/2008)
I've been waiting forever for this product. I already own an electric bicycle but would like to see a gas powered like this one put on the market. Wonder if oil companies are stopping this production through legal strategies. Still, It would be nice for the Revopower to furnish a company statement as to when production will be availiable for the consumer. 2008 is almost over. The company stated the product would be released mid 2008. If production is not being met this year, the consumer should by notified via press release by the companies customer service department. Afterall, that's good ethical business practice. Still Waiting.
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Ruslan Fernandez 5:19PM (12/05/2008)
This is all a long time DREAM. I just tried to go to the main website www.revopower.com and it is not available. I live in Florida and the wheel would make commuting and recreational travel a breeze. I have hopes this is just a hosting issue. The waiting is another thing that is affecting us all. The high prices of gas was a great opportunity to quickly sale hundreds of probably thousands of them, but opportunities run low so please Revo people, make something available now. Call Walmart, for sure they would help you sale them all.
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michael 3:46AM (1/27/2009)
this product was and has been coming out for yrs now all you get from this company there need investors they know it will sell tell the owners to quit trying to get other people to pay for there crack habit and put this product out to the general public
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maav 4:27AM (11/21/2009)
What happened to Revo power??? I can't get an answer anywhere. It arrived at the perfect time, with gas prices through the roof and everyone looking for alternate transportation. It promised 200mpg with it's engine in a wheel. Just replace the front wheel with Revo's wheel and away you go, sounded soooo good but it's disappeared off the face of the earth. WHAT HAPPENED????? Does anyone know?
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Peter 7:43PM (3/02/2007)
Interesting concept. It looks like you could pedal along with the motor and probably go pretty fast.
I wonder if they are limiting the top speed to keep themselves in an easier regulatory class. One HP should be enough to go well over 25mph.
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Manu Sharma 2:11AM (3/03/2007)
I thought the same thing. The speed and mileage specs you list must be with zero pedaling. You shd be able to go pretty fast with this thing and get a much better mileage.
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Manu Sharma 2:32AM (3/03/2007)
Video of Revopower
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUf1I0q4tKE
Someone mentions 240 MPG in this clip.
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anon 4:21AM (3/03/2007)
I'm not quite sure I understand this-- it obviously isn't meant to be used on long journeys and doesn't really go that fast. Makes a lot more since to me to get an electric version like one from electricrider.com which can go up to something like 35mph with no noise at all...
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TDIMeister 6:21AM (3/03/2007)
Interesting, and although I can understand why the engine is placed aft and replaces the front wheels for universal applicability, when riding a bicycle so equipped, all the extra weight and moment of inertia will result in an unusual feel for the rider.
Make sure the brakes on the bicycle to receive such an engine are up to task. I imagine it's just a matter of time before either sufficient accidents or safety groups push for regulation to make sure these powered wheels are installed only in suitably capable bicycles.
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