I had decided to build a wagon to carry my son Duncan when he was born. I could mount his car seat on it. It would have front wheel steering for stability. It would have to be able to carry a load around the yard and be a fun ride for Duncan. I decided that if it was going to be used seriously, i.e. three day treks around Canton First Monday Trade Days it would have to be powered. We make this trek to Canton twice a year for a family outing, and sometimes to buy all the useless things that everyone needs. Although this time I had a mission to find axles, wheels, lights and parts to assemble my wagon, even the oak lumber.
      I found wheels and axles that weekend and soon after had a fun wagon. I loaded his car seat on it and found it was a little heavy for long hikes around the neighborhood. Although it gave me lots of exercise!
      So, I took an old 12v electric trolling motor I had sitting around and hooked it up to a bicycle rear axle (for a free-wheeling unit) and drove the rear axle with a bicycle chain and sprocket. I hung a garden size deep cycle battery under the wagon between the wheels, and placed a switch on the handle. Now it would walk around with me all day long, saving my back from undue stress!

Here's some of the development pictures and sites
that gave me inspiration for my Bat-V project      

First came the Wagon(The CantonMobile)

                                   

Then came the electric scooter ---
     But I wanted more power and comfort!

I found this front end off a Honda lawnmower at the scrap yard. I figured that was a start. I then purchased an axle, wheels and tires, shocks, chains and sprockets from Northern Tools. I purchased an ETEK motor and an Alltrax controller off Ebay. While waiting for them I started assembling the parts I had.

A look at the rear with the motor on it's bracket.
My son Duncan trying it out for size.
It seems a little tall.

Profile view shows it a little tall too. To lower the center of gravity I lowered the seating area about 8 inches. Much better. The steering wheel on the lawn mower front end was exchanged for handle bars, which gives it an ATV feel.

Rear view of the Bat-V showing the engine. I purchased the license plate holders at Canton and had to cut the left one down to fit next to the sprocket. Tail lights and head light work on 12 volts. I am able to tow my utility trailer or just a wagon around with the trailer hitch.

This is the latest picture taken October 1, 2004. I'm sure more changes will come. I had just gathered a few things for the next project, wheels and forks. That's the load on the back!

Lightning Bolt front grill.
Just a reminder that it is Electric Powered.

My wife says it has too many
        "License Plates"

But it does generate a lot of conversation
at the flea markets and campgrounds!
I wanted to add a flag, but my son said it
would look 'dorky'!

Below are some links and other interesting projects
I found useful when building my project. It's always interesting
to see what others are doing.

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After a lot of research I decided on using the Etek Motor. It seemed the best power, weight and cost. The Etek Motor by Briggs and Stratton was built as a alternative golf cart motor. It is considerably smaller and lighter than the conventional motors. This makes it perfect for projects like these. Where the builder wants a lot of power in a light package. I use 36 volts to run the motor, which is rated for 48 volts. I purchased it from a dealer on E-Bay along with the Alltrax 4824 controller

The Alltrax (AXE) controller can handle 300 amps and 24 to 48 volts, perfect for the Etek motor. Hookup is easy. This controller is easily programmable for voltage and response.

I wanted to use a belt drive like this to reduce the speed on my vehicle and give more power for climbing hills. But the price for the pulleys and belts was about $300 too much for my budget. Maybe I'll figure out a cheaper way to do it. I welcome ideas!!

Ian Hopper's site Three electric cart projects - very interesting!

This is an example I found of a belt driven electric bicycle project.

The 'JAKAL' A 40 mph electric bike with an ETEK motor.

ETEK OUTBOARD Talk about power,, a 12 hp! electric motor. Check out the boats, I like the project's later stages. Link to Web Site below

A very interesting off road electric go-kart project. Check out the link.

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