It’s time to start some new projects. I have two projects in mind. The first is an electric recumbent cargo bike. The second is a small commuter bike that I’m calling ShortHopper that you can follow in that Category.
I’ll be posting blogs about both projects. I’ll start with ShortHopper.
This bike will look something like the photo. The idea behind the bike is to be very small such that it can be collapsed and put in a trunk of a car or be easier to carry on the train. It will be used for long cross town trips where I want to ride the train to the general area and then have an electric bike to make short hops from place to place, thus the name: ShortHopper.
ShortHopper will have 20″ wheels and a front hub motor. The seat and handlebars will collapse to make it smaller. It might be foldable but will have to think about that feature.
I’ll start with a rear triangle made for 26″ wheels. Using 20″ wheels with that triangle will allow space for a small battery without having to do much fabrication.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Glad you’re back! I’m excited to see progress on two fronts!
Hey thanks @pdxebiker! It’s good to be back. I’m ready to flame on.
I currently own a Montague which fits in my trunk but otherwise is too big and too heavy to carry on a bus or train. This shorthopper looks like an ideal solution for me. I guess it’s too early to ask you if you have a traveling case for it. Gene
I like the idea of the folding bike. I might incorporate that into this design. My thinking right now is that a smaller, lighter bike (with electric motor), would be easier to get on and off a train hook or bus rack. It might fit into a trunk without folding. I’m going to go measure a trunk and see what the limitations are. The main goal is easier use on a train hook. It might be easier to swing the weight of the motor and batteries onto the hook if the bike was smaller. I haven’t given any thought to a case. It could be handy.
@Woodard… I like the shorthopper concept. How are you modeling the frame geometry?
Gene T. is that you?
Hi @DanR. I’m starting with a complete rear triangle and designing it up from that using traditional bicycle frame design techniques. I’ll make a post with details soon. I have been shooting some video about it too and will explain what I’m doing.
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