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So here in Texas, the government is ridiculous with vehicle laws. I mean, in Idaho, you can register your ATV and drive it everywhere except a federal highway.
Here in Texas, you can't even make a motor assisted bicycle without needing a moped license, registration, insurance...... the list goes on, and on, and ON!
And I'm kinda lazy, I don't want to just ride my bike(a cheap $80 Walmart special Schwinn BMX bike).
I could make it into an electric bike, but it can't go above 20 mph without me pedaling, and the motor can't be over 750W. And the weight of batteries and everything just makes the idea unattractive.

But I think I found a loophole!
After searching Texas law section 551.351, I think the way to go is to make a motor assisted scooter. Like a Razor kick scooter is what they mean.
It wouldn't require registration or anything, and it would still be a convenient way to get around town.
This is what the law says:
"“Motor-assisted scooter”:

(A) means a self-propelled device with:

(i) at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation;

(ii) a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions;

(iii) a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters;

(iv) a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device;  and

(v) the ability to be propelled by human power alone"

The 40 cc limit is the main problem. I don't want to get a China special 2 stroke off Ebay that will steadily disintegrate.

So here's my idea.
Get a scooter, and put a gas motor from an RC vehicle on there, whether it ca car, a boat, or an airplane. Gear adequately, attach a sprocket/gear to the rear wheel, convert the throttle to manual.... basically just get the biggest RC car motor I can(up to 39ccs) and stick it on there. I'd be fine with slightly exceeding the 40cc limit, it's not like the cops would know.
I'm dead set on gas, since nitro is very hard to find in my area, not to mention nitro fumes are a terrible idea on city sidewalks.
I don't really know much of anything about gas RC motors other than that they're high revving, amazingly compact 2 stroke motors.
How feasible is it to convert one to chain drive(maybe #219 chain)? If not, any suggestions on how to get power to the rear wheel? Friction rollers, maybe?
Am I asking too much of an RC motor? I would like to be able to take off with foot power and cruise at speeds around maybe 15 mph with the motor.
How much HP do these motors even make?

If you have any input, advice, experience, or general knowledge about this idea PLASE SHARE!!

How about a weed-eater motor?
BITD, there was a company called ...umm ...WCS (I think) that made 1/4 scale sprint cars that came with a weed-eater motor. Not sure if the motor is under 40cc but a used one should be cheap.

I have considered that, but it is my understanding that weed eaters are louder than gas rc cars. Am I mistaken? I don't want to make the neighbors or cops mad, but on the bike forums and such, some people described students on a college campus not getting in trouble for assisted scooters.
If it's about the same noise level, a weed eater engine would be great, since there would be lots of parts, and I know that Echo engines are very reliable. Plus the obvious cost advantages, and the fact that our Echo ~22cc trimmers feel pretty powerful.

Well, you could put about (11) .21 engines on it and be under 40cc

LOL!
Syncing the carbs would be an absolute NIGHTMARE!!!

How do a weed eater engine and a comparable displacement RC engine compare in terms of noise?

Well. The rc motor is distinct compared to the weed eaters. Which if are used in the area as landscape equipment won't arouse suspicion. They are also available 4 stroke too which are quieter.

How does a push trailer fit into the Taxas laws. Here’s one I found on YouTube so you can see what I’m talking about.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XvniYfjx0K8&t=139s

Or this... the kid looks happy! lol
And it would be quieter, but still sound pretty cool...

Ok then... here's the link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rHOqwmqZIQ

JTSpeedDemon wrote: ↑Tue Nov 12, 2019 5:52 pm I'm dead set on gas, since nitro is very hard to find in my area, not to mention nitro fumes are a terrible idea on city sidewalks.

Might want to check your laws in Tx about what is allowed on a city sidewalk before worrying about what to build. I know in most cities any self propelled vehicle is not allowed on a sidewalk. That was actually one of the big problems years ago with the company "Segway" when they tried to make those electric Segway things appeal to people, they had all sorts of trouble getting laws changes to make them legal on sidewalks. I think most cities stood there ground and wouldn't allow them.

BAHAHA! No sorry, don't have the resources for a jet powered scooter!
That push trailer was actually powered by a Briggs and Stratton flathead, my favorite go kart powerplant! Problem is, I don't think it would even be worth trying to put that kinda money into my cheapo BMX bike. It's just junk more than anything.
Steve71 - Yeah, but technically bicycles aren't allowed on sidewalks here. And I've ridden right by several cops without any issues. They just have better things to do than lecture a kid on a bike for riding on the sidewalk.
I would think that those 4 stroke weed eater motors wouldn't make much power at all.... but I guess they're quieter.

True, bikes are not supposed to be on sidewalks in many places either, most cops won't bother with bikes, but the self propelled part is where more cops do tend to start enforcing those laws though. So just something to consider because it would suck to spend time and work to build something and then not be able to use it much.

romulus22 wrote: ↑Thu Nov 14, 2019 5:12 am How does a push trailer fit into the Taxas laws. Here’s one I found on YouTube so you can see what I’m talking about.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XvniYfjx0K8&t=139s

My favorite comment:

"Shakes like a Harley...probably way more reliable though."


My dentures fell out while I was watching that video.

Sourced a powerplant!
Got this for $3 from a neighbor that has previously sold me a project. It's an Echo PB-200 blower, minus the tube. 21.2cc.
This is actually a secret project from my parents, because my dad has put a limit on my number of projects, so this exceeds that limit. But it's not gonna stop me.
Anyways, it turns over nice, feels like good compression, and incredibly, it had a clean and dry tank! I don't have to clean that out! Great spark! When I looked into the cylinder, it looked a little scored, but it should be fine since it has compression.
The purge bulb was totally busted, so a new one is on the way. Otherwise, I think it should fire up once I install that.
I may end up building a scooter for it from scratch, since I'll probably get a welder this year for Christmas. Otherwise I can just modify a Razor scooter.
My plan is to get it running, and eventually stick it on a scooter. I'll remove all of the plastics to make it more compact and aesthetically appealing, I'll have to change the exhaust direction, and maybe a few other things.
I'm really pleased with this purchase, since it was only $3, Echos are extremely reliable, plus this engine was made by Kioritz Corp in Japan, compared to our newer Echo trimmers, which are made by Yamabiko Corp in China. Made in Japan = QUALITY!!

Even if it ends up needing some rebuild you can't pass that up for only $3