2008 Woodie Awards
Motor bicycle saves gas and environment
SHANESSA FAKOUR
Issue date: 8/29/08 Section: News
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The motor bicycle gets 35 miles to the quart of gas. For now, it travels 20 miles per hour, but once the engine is broken in, it will go 25 miles per hour.
"It's like a moped," he said.
In his hometown of Valdosta, gas prices were nearly $4. The price was not sitting well with Gillespie or his dad. Gillespie decided to take action in a cost- efficient, environmentally friendly way. He purchased the motor and its accompanying parts on the Internet and transformed his bicycle into a motor bicycle in June.
To start it, the rider has to pedal four or five times, Gillespie said. Then, the rider releases the clutch, starting the engine. For flat roads, the rider can coast on the bike. Only when riding up a steep hill does the rider need to pedal continuously and exert energy.
"I burn through half a gallon a week going back and forth to school," Gillespie said.
He said he spends about $1.45 a week on gas. Not only is saving money on gas a concern for the environmental engineering major, but the motor bicycle also releases fewer emissions into the air than driving his truck to school would.
Unfortunately, the motor bicycle has a lot of mechanical problems.
"Things break on it all the time," Gillespie said. "...at least once a week."
Still, Gillespie is willing to work on it as long as it takes.
"I hope it'll last through senior year."
Though Gillespie has two more years, he said he'll continue to think of ways to improve his travel.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 5
Rachel
posted 8/29/08 @ 8:14 AM EST
If Ethan reads this I have a few questions for him: Is the bike still functional as a bicycle without the use of the motor, say, if you run out of gas or the motor breaks en route to wherever you're going? And since Athens is so hilly, how much pedaling do you actually have to do on your route? When the motor is in use do you use the bike lane or the car lane?
Chris
posted 8/29/08 @ 12:10 PM EST
The more bikes on the road the safer it gets for the rest of us bikers. I hope more people start taking advantage of pedal power even if some of them cheat with motors. (Continued…)
aullman
posted 8/29/08 @ 11:32 PM EST
Bike commuting safety is dependant on having a safe drivable route to work. Workers who live too far from work, or along streets that are not safe for bike riding might want to see about working remotely as an alternative. (Continued…)
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