Turn an exercise bike into an energy bike

Step 7 Start pedaling power!

With the meter display plugged in, starting to pedal should start to deflect the volt meter. If the meter moves the wrong way (negative), reverse the leads connecting the generator to the 12V socket. Screw in an incandescent and a compact fluorescent.

If you're using a 12V generator, you'll need to use 12V rated bulbs. These are available at most RV centers. If you use a 120V generator, you'll need to use resistive loads or appliances with magnets in the motors. Many compact fluorescents will work on 120Vdc, but not all.

If you find that you have to pedal to slow or too fast to get the desired voltage, change the size of the pulley on the generator. A larger pulley will turn the generator more slowly and generate a lower voltage for a given pedal speed.

I added a smaller handlebar for smaller kids. An 8-year-old on frost sugar pops can crank out an amazing amount of energy, over 200 Watts!

Have fun pedaling different DC appliances. Read a book with pedal-powered lights. Hook a 12V TV to the Energy Bike. Make your kids pedal if they want to watch TV. They can rest during the commercials. If you have a laser engraver, make a side plate with a picture of an Energy Bike cranking out lighting bolts!

Comments

[christian2gothic]

I absolutely love your project. it's close to something i'm hoping to achieve. Do you know enough about electricity wiring in a home to know how to wire a source of power to your home to run your electricity meter backwards safely?

[g elliot s]

I don't know where anybody got the idea that this would be wired into the house wiring. Also unless you have your kid peddling while you are trying to do the wiring you will not be working with live wires. However I highly recommend for safety that some kind of a box enclosure that can be secured so that small children or pets cannot cone in contact with turning belts and pulleys or electric components. If you use a 12v generator like the author I would suggest installing a cigarette lighter style outlet so as to accommodate the many 12v appliances that come with cigarette plug. I would use a car voltage regulator and a couple deep cycle batteries so that one wouldn't have to peddle the exact speed to maintain 12 volts. If you installed a 12v to 120v ac power inverter you will have some emergency power during a power outage that could power a couple lamps and your TV or computer. A 400w to 800w inverter can be had fore about $25- $50

[Delecia]

You really need to consult an electrician in your area to do this. If not done properly you can backfeed to the power company and do some serious damage. I've been in the electrical business for many years so I know this can be dangerous.

[lucek]

For something like this it's not worth the effort. That said it's tricky wiring doing what you want. Dangerous too as unless you call you're electric company you'll be working with live wires.