Design and Construction of a Two-wheel Motorized Scooter
Chapter One
Aim and Objectives
The aim of this project is to design and construct an environment friendly low cost motorized scooter. To achieve this aim, the following objectives are to be followed;
- To design and construct a frame that will carry/support every other component of the scooter as well as the rider’s weight
- To design and set up the power transmission system (made of chain and sprocket) to transmit to the rear wheel
- To design and construct the handle bar to be attached to the front wheel for navigation
- To design and incorporate a braking system to be attached to the rear wheel
- To design a control module for switching on/off the scooter.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Since the invention of scooter, there have evolved different designs and versions of it depending on it application. We shall in this chapter, review a number of scooters of various designs and applications. As well as their parts, materials they are made of and their specifications in terms of performance.
Kick Scooter
One of the earliest scooter designs happens to be the kick scooter. A kick scooter is a simple human-powered vehicle, composed of a small platform to stand on and handle bars to hold onto and steer, used as a means of transportation over short distances. A kick scooter is operated by the rider by pushing his/her foot against the ground to propel the wheels.
The first kick scooters came from the creative minds of young riders about 100 years ago who desired something different. Taking roller skate wheels and attaching them to a small piece of wood, and then adding a handlebar (The Sports Archives).
The first kick scooters were crudely made, but most importantly they worked. These early models made with 2×4 handlebars and pipe handles sparked a trend that continues to keep kids moving today. In 2000, Razor being one of the most popular scooter manufacturers in the US began making new kinds of scooters that started a craze in Japan, the United States, and beyond. These scooters are made of aluminum, so they were immune to rust and could withstand more weight. Razor scooters are quieter than any other scooter, making them a popular choice for parents. The varieties they are available in are impressive as well. Razor scooters come in all shapes, colors, and sizes, so adults can get in on the fun too. Some even have 3 wheels for extra balance and better steering. Some of these scooters are so light and portable; you can fold them in a backpack along with books and other belongings (Wikipedia the free encyclopedia).
Typically ( like it is with the Razor kick scooters), kick scooters are made of Aluminum steel this is so because of it light weight, resistance to rust and durability. The main parts that makes of a kick scooter are: the wheels (front and rear) made of urethane, the floorboard, bearings and the steering bar.
Its application is basically for transportation, recreation/fun and exercise. Targeted users include; college students for commuting around the campus, kids for fun, mature adults for fun and exercise, company staff for shuttling between units/departments within the company complex.
Depending on the targeted users, kick scooters are designed based on the load it is expected to carry.
CHAPTER THREE
Materials and Method
This chapter specifies in details the principle of operation of the machine, the detailed design of each of the major components, construction/fabrication of the machine and the material selection.
Principle of Operation
The motorized scooter is a mobility machine that is used as a means of transportation across relatively short distances. It is also used for leisure. The scooter is powered by a 24volt dc battery which is rechargeable. A brushed dc motor of 350watt is used as the prime mover. The power generated by the motor is transmitted to the rear wheels through a chain and sprocket mechanism. The rear wheel moves and therefore drives the entire scooter and the rider.
The speed of the scooter is regulated using the speed controller module. When the rider steps on the floorboard of the scooter with maybe one leg first, he turns on the motor with a switch then turns the speed control nub gradually so to move from the least speed. When he/she is in motion and has gained balance with two legs on the floorboard of the scooter, he can then accelerate to a desired speed within the available speed range. The scooter can be brought to a stop or slowed down using the mechanical braking system which is the brake pad mechanism attached to the rear wheel and connected by cable to a lever attached to the handle bar. When a rider squeezes the brake lever, the brake calipers on either sides of the rear wheel closes against the wheel thereby slowing down the speed of the scooter until it comes to rest as the rider may want. The brake should be applied when the rider is not accelerating the speed control nub.
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Machine Testing
To test run the machine, there are a few procedures that have to be followed in a specified sequence.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
This project involves the design and construction of a two-wheel motorized scooter primarily for short distance commute. This was achieved using mostly locally sourced materials (about 85%). With the aid of the requisite machine tools and equipment in the workshop, we were able to construct a scooter that runs at a speed of about 0.71m/s, while carrying a load of 490.5N. This speed however is load dependent, and thus decreases or increases proportionately as the load is decreased or increased respectively.
The scooter is driven by a 350w DC motor which is powered by a 24v, 18 AmpH, Sealed Lead Acid battery. The scooter is designed for one rider in a stand-up position. All the necessary control levers are fitted on the handle bar for convenience of the rider. The spare parts of this scooter are readily available in local market for ease of maintenance and repairs. For the lubrication of the moving parts of this scooter, any mineral oil (lubricant) can do.
By this project, the problem of environmental pollution caused by emission of carbon monoxide (CO) from fuel dependent transport systems is tackled in a significant way as the scooter power source is green and renewable. Also, the scooter if adopted for a more popular use would help substantially in solving the problem of short distances mobility that would otherwise be hectic and inconvenient.
Recommendations
It is important to mention that this project is not exhaustive. For this reason we make the following recommendations that could make the project more sophisticated, efficient and user friendly.
- In line with local content, it is recommended that the government assist by way of policy for the scooter motors (being the only imported part) to be manufactured locally in Nigeria or subsidize its importation so to further bring down the effective cost of construction and consequently the selling price of the finished product locally.
- Other major components of the scooter like the control unit which is often imported should be contracted to local Technicians to design and produce.
- To achieve higher load carrying capacity, the 350w motor should be replaced with higher rated motors.
- Also to reduce the overall weight of the scooter, the frame casing (mild steel sheet) should be replaced with a lighter material e.g. fibre or plastic.
The completion of this project however was not without certain challenges, which include but not limited to the following:
- Frequent power outage
- Non-availability of certain tools in the workshop
- Frequent breakdown of the grinding machine
- Lack/inefficiency of some machines in the workshop
- Sourcing of the rated DC motor required within the country
- Financial constraint
To this end, the following recommendations are essential for students who would like to embark on similar projects in the future
- Early commencement of the design and fabrication process so as to accommodate for down time due to power outage.
- Procurement of some personal work tools such as sand disc, cutting disc, drill bits, spanners, measuring tape, etc to augment those provided by the workshop.
- Having an adequate and advanced financial plan for your final year project.
The institution on her part should endeavour to provide a reliable source of power for the workshop, as well as ensure availability of machines and work tools.
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