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How To Build A Bicycle Generator

by saullopez52 on July 21, 2010

Table of Contents
How To Build A Bicycle Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: How To Build A Bicycle Generator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: PowerPoint Presentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: Obtain a bicycle and remove the back tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: Build a stand to elevate the bicycle off the ground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 4: Attach the drive belt along the back rim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 5: Attach the motor to the stand. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 6: Place a diode in series with the motor and battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 7: Connect battery to the diode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 8: Connect the battery leads to the inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Step 9: Plug the appliance of your choice into the inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Intro: How To Build A Bicycle Generator

The intention of this project is to build a straight forward human powered generator from a used bicycle and to use it to power light bulbs, blenders, cell phones, laptops,
and other small appliances. This project will help one develop engineering skills while learning about a clean way of generating electricity.
The project was created as part of Infrastructure Academy's environmental technology curriculum for high school students, so it is intended to be both achievable and
affordable.
Before continuing with the actual bicycle generator, one should understand how it works, and the components that make it up. View the PowerPoint presentation before
moving on to the next step.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Parts Tools
- 2" X 4" Wood
- Wrench
- V-belt
- Saw
- Diode
- Wood screws or nails
- Battery
- Hammer or Screwdriver
- Inverter
- Tape Measure
- Wire
- Screwdriver
- Motor (12-V or higher)
- Perforated plumbers steel
(if motor does not have mounting bracket)
Note: The bicycle generator could be accomplished by skipping steps 5, 6, 7, and 8, to save money, but connecting anything other than a halogen lamp directly to the
motor is not recommended due to the varying voltages.

Image Notes
1. If using this configuration with a light bulb, make sure it can take the wattage the
motor is outputting or it will burn out.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 1: PowerPoint Presentation

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 2: Obtain a bicycle and remove the back tire.

You will need to unscrew the back rim to remove the tire and tube. Since the only part of the bicycle that needs to work is the chain and pedals, a junk bike or an old used
bike would work just fine.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 3: Build a stand to elevate the bicycle off the ground.

The design of the stand is completely up to you. A few examples are shown below. Just be sure that the stand keeps the bike elevated and secure. If your bike has pegs
attached to it, make sure your stand accommodates that feature.
The stand should be built so that the rear wheel of the bike is about 5-7 inches off the ground. The dimensions of your stand will be specific to your bike.
Before beginning construction of the stand, be sure to draft a design with appropriate dimensions. A design on paper will save time and prevent mistakes.

Image Notes
1. Be careful when cutting wood, especially if you are using power tools.

Image Notes
1. Precise measurements will save time later.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Image Notes
1. The bolts of the back tire will be placed in these notches.

Image Notes
1. It isn't screwed together yet.

Image Notes
1. A simpler alternative

Step 4: Attach the drive belt along the back rim.

A drive belt can be purchased at any auto parts store. You will need to remove the back rim to attach it. Make sure to measure the distance from the motor to the rim so
you obtain the appropriate size.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 5: Attach the motor to the stand.

A 12-volt DC motor or higher is recommended. The wattage of the motor depends on what you want to power. The motor should be securely mounted to the stand.
Mount the motor at a distance that will tightly secure the drive belt on the motor shaft. The belt and motor shaft should spin concurrently make sure there is no slipping
between them.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 6: Place a diode in series with the motor and battery.

Make sure the diode is only allowing current to flow from the motor to the battery. The cathode should be pointing towards the positive terminal of the battery.

Step 7: Connect battery to the diode.

The battery should be connected in series with the motor and diode. The negative lead form the motor should attach to the negative terminal of the battery. The positive
lead from the motor should be attached to the diode, and the diode to the positive terminal of the battery.

Image Notes
1. Cathode

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Step 8: Connect the battery leads to the inverter.

You could use an adapter to connect the battery to the inverter, or you will need to solder or tape the batterys leads to the inverter so the circuit is secure. Be sure to
correctly connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery to the inverter or you will blow the fuse in the inverter.

Step 9: Plug the appliance of your choice into the inverter.

Once the motor is secured to the belt, you will need to use a multimeter to measure how much voltage is being exerted while you pedal. Depending on how much you
exert, you will be able to power small appliances. With the knowledge youve gained, try to make changes that will make your generator better and more efficient.
Fun Ideas
Here are just a few suggestions to what you can do using your new bicycle generator.
Charge your phone and exercise: Ever charged your phone and just waited until it was done charging? Why not get a workout and charge it at the same time! See how
much time it takes to charge your phone. Try to set a time and try to beat it in the future.
Human-Powered Smoothie : Think you can make a smoothie without wasting energy in your home? See if you can generate enough energy in your bicycle generator to
run a blender. Then, see if the blender has enough power to make a smoothie.
Eco-Breakfast: If you are the type of person who wakes up in the morning wanting to exercise, then try this. Use the bicycle generator to make some waffles and toast.
Theres nothing like building up an appetite, exercising, and cooking at the same time.
Think about some more fun ideas you can execute using the generator and test them out!

Related Instructables

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Materials w/
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Regulated
Battery
Charging

Bicycle Power
Generator by
aibarra1604
'No-welding'
pedal generator
stand by
chunkyhampton

Stationary Bike
Generator from
Washing
Machine by
andrew.spencer.2

DIY BIKE HACK

DC BIKE
Home made
GENERATOR
timber Push
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Bike Bicycle
Light Emitting
Repair Stand by
Diode (video) by
Making stuff - fun
GREENPOWERSCIENCE
and practical

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

System by
KlockworkKevin
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Comments
50 comments Add Comment

view all 78 comments

duckyforbes says:

Jan 20, 2015. 7:09 AM REPLY

I made this for my middle school science project. I just twisted the diode around the wire from the motor and held it in place with the clamp of the inverter.
Why was the live wire from the motor the black wire and not the red wire? The red wire did nothing, but when I connected the black wire, the motor turned
(before I added the diode)

MuhammadA22 says:

Dec 25, 2014. 12:38 PM REPLY

i want to charge a 12 v 200amp battery with this method it is possible ? and i want to charge it in short time 20 to 25 mints ??? please reply some one ....

ddemille says:

Jan 8, 2014. 1:54 PM REPLY

Can you just use a altenator instead of a motor? Or are they the same thing...

_CrashA_ says:

Dec 23, 2014. 5:08 AM REPLY

No they are not the same thing. An alternator is an AC generator which requires electricity to excite the rotors magnetic field (since there are no magnets
in an alternator). When the voltage gets to about 12v+ it will disconnect the battery since it would have "self excited" the rotor by the electricity it is
generating itself. The problem is, is that the alternator needs to be spinning at an a solute minimum of about 800RPM+ to start self exciting. You need to
spin the rotor at about 1000-3000RPM depending on the alternators specifications in order to generate the amount of power its rated at / you want to
generate.

dmeyer13 says:

Apr 3, 2014. 7:19 PM REPLY

what if i hook the motor straight up to the chain instead of using a v belt and back rim

_CrashA_ says:

Dec 23, 2014. 5:04 AM REPLY

Well the ratio would differ that's for sure.

kjdmac says:

Dec 8, 2014. 11:26 AM REPLY

Thats Awesome!
but why use a motor? mechanical power from the bike is converted into electrical power, not the other way around

_CrashA_ says:

Dec 23, 2014. 5:02 AM REPLY

Because a DC motor can work as a generator as well as vice versa. At the end if the day, its just a rotating coil inside a magnetic field - which obviously
generates an electrical current.

MuhammadA22 says:
admin where are you?

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Dec 22, 2014. 1:09 AM REPLY

MuhammadA22 says:

Dec 22, 2014. 1:09 AM REPLY

admin where are you?

MuhammadA22 says:

Dec 21, 2014. 1:26 PM REPLY

i want to charge a 200amp Battery with 12 volt dc car alternator it gives 30 to 35 amp in normal speed , on extreme speed i think 45 amp? it is possible ?
how many minutes required to charge a 200 amp battery?can i charge the Battery with cycle Generator and at the same time can i use the Battery power
with an 1000 or 3000 watts inverter/ups

Danp1 says:

Aug 11, 2014. 3:13 PM REPLY

will a DC 12V 50mA 5RPM 31Kg.cm High Torque DC Gear Motor work? It would be great to get specific details about the motor, diode, batery and inverter
for those of us unskilled in the electronic arts.

Mojo_JoJo says:

Jul 3, 2014. 8:30 PM REPLY

I've been thinking of using a solar cell to charge my inverter

batteries, while I understand the use of the diode, the only problem I
have is how do you stop current being driven into the inverter circuit
by the motor/solar cell?

hnadeem2 says:

May 17, 2014. 6:59 AM REPLY

can i use a 12v 7 ampere battery

Ian11487 says:

May 13, 2014. 5:31 AM REPLY

you should put this in the green design contest

kalyanaprasadh says:

Apr 27, 2014. 5:18 AM REPLY

i made it

alert aadhavan says:

Apr 1, 2014. 8:24 AM REPLY

cool!!!!!!!!!

johnsv6 says:

Mar 29, 2014. 3:17 PM REPLY

I'm thinking mountain bike for the gears to get a flywheel going. Also, there is a double chain ring (the thingie thats connected to the cranks) Why not run
another rear wheel on the front with another chain connected to the second chain ring and be able to turn 2 alternators at the same time?

svdkisore says:

Feb 7, 2014. 5:16 AM REPLY

what is the voltage that is poduced during cycling??

Franco caca says:

Jan 12, 2014. 9:19 AM REPLY

do u have a video for the second picture?

Franco caca says:

Jan 12, 2014. 9:17 AM REPLY

how do i make the second one do u have a vide?

dsweid says:

Jan 8, 2014. 8:20 AM REPLY

can i by any chance get a bicycle generator to store energy in order to produce electricity to run a builiding??

cyfekt says:

Aug 29, 2011. 5:21 PM REPLY

Could you possibly use a larger motor, and 6 batteries??

And if you did what kind of inverter would you need??

astral_mage says:

Dec 24, 2013. 12:55 AM REPLY

depending on wat u like to power up. small fridge, lamp, net work gear. 4000k would do nicely. then yr talking batteries. wat type do u plan to use seald
lead acid, universal, or golf cart. golf cart types are the best but expensive. go universal cheaper plus u can get them from harbor freight for roughly 75
bucks or so.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

viciousz0rz says:

Nov 18, 2011. 10:19 AM REPLY

What is the overall price of a project like this (if I already have a bicycle, anyway)?

astral_mage says:

Dec 24, 2013. 12:50 AM REPLY

from 100 too 200 dollars depending on the route u take.

ExxoShock says:

Nov 3, 2012. 10:25 AM REPLY

I was wondering. What affects of a larger than 12V motor on the amount of electricity produced? Because I would like it as efficient as possible, without it
being overkill.

astral_mage says:

Dec 24, 2013. 12:48 AM REPLY

go with a geo metro alternator abut 50 bucks +/- at a local auto scrap yard.

Aron313 says:

Jan 11, 2012. 2:47 PM REPLY

Where did you get the motor?????

Daniel Deacon says:

Apr 27, 2012. 5:59 PM REPLY

correct me if im wrong but it looks like a 24 volt 250 watt electric scooter motor

wozzz says:

May 9, 2012. 4:24 PM REPLY

Is it ok to charge a 12 v battery with a 24v motor?

Daniel Deacon says:

May 9, 2012. 10:07 AM REPLY

Sure In fact you need at least 15 volts to efficiently charge a 12 volt battery this is because of the internal resistance. I wouldn't risk going over 30
thou :D

dhemanth01 says:

Nov 24, 2013. 7:08 AM REPLY

but take care of the current and make sure the current given to battery remains lower than the capacity of the battery if it exceeds the battery
will be drained instead of being charged

wagman45 says:

Sep 25, 2012. 12:25 PM REPLY

is it possible to run an inverter straight from the generator without a battery? or do i need one for any excess energy produced? could i just use a capacitor?

dhemanth01 says:

Nov 24, 2013. 7:06 AM REPLY

yes of course you can ... but the voltage will surely vary on the speed you pedal. if the voltage goes high the inverter will take care but on low voltage
nothing can be done..

ExxoShock says:

Oct 27, 2012. 7:10 AM REPLY

Im not an expert, but you probably can, Yet, if you dont have a battery, you wont have any power if you stop, yet if you have a battery, it can charge the
battery, so you can stop if you want.

wagman45 says:

Sep 25, 2012. 12:26 PM REPLY

note: i'll be using a charge controller

LiftAndLove says:

Nov 23, 2012. 10:04 AM REPLY

How much do you think this would cost? Minus the bicycle.

dhemanth01 says:

Nov 24, 2013. 7:00 AM REPLY

40 to 50 USD...and some hard work for the wooden frame...

vgamesx1 says:

Sep 10, 2013. 4:02 AM REPLY

I have a slightly more practical idea.. why not instead get an even larger motor and a Grid Tie inverter? then feed power right back into your house, why not?
it would be heck of a lot simpler than the idea of setting up a battery and an inverter and plugging different appliances into it and best of all you could just do
it whenever you want rather than preparing a device beforehand and save some electricity.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

dhemanth01 says:

Nov 24, 2013. 6:57 AM REPLY

i think in the above instructables you can also connect your device directly to appliances while pedaling... but connecting to the main line power supply
will not be advised. if there occur a back current flow from main line your generator will burn up...

rmandalaa says:

Jul 25, 2013. 7:08 PM REPLY

wow

JCG5 says:

May 9, 2013. 5:02 PM REPLY

Does the diode control the direction of the electricity?

dmetcalf2 says:

Jan 28, 2013. 7:11 PM REPLY

here is a great way to go green and get some much needed exercise

gpdas says:

Dec 19, 2012. 6:52 AM REPLY

Very good.

ExxoShock says:

Oct 27, 2012. 7:33 AM REPLY

Good job, could have been more detailed, but other than that, I applaud you.

wozzz says:

Apr 27, 2012. 11:35 AM REPLY

Has the base RPM of a 12v DC motor, to be taken in consideration?

wozzz says:

Apr 27, 2012. 11:22 AM REPLY

What should be the minimum specifications of the diode?

Tabbytha says:

Mar 26, 2012. 8:44 AM REPLY

What kind of motor? A stepper motor or another kind?

bradpitcher says:
In step 5 the author explains to use a 12 V DC motor

view all 77 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Bicycle-Generator/

Apr 11, 2012. 7:52 AM REPLY