Hybrid Diesel/Electric Motorcycle Project

[Ben Nelson]

Hi Guys,

I just received a message from a friend/associate/EVbuddy who was just diagnosed with cancer.

He has been working (for several years) on an enclosed diesel/electric three-wheeled motorcycle. Due to health issues, he suddenly has very different priorities in life and is interested in donating the project to a hackerspace or car club who will continue work on it. He would donate the cycle, hardware & materials associated with it, and all design data.

I'd like to know what you think of the Milwaukee Electric Car Club accepting his project, and continuing work on it. I have no room at my place (and would want it at a more central location as well.) Makerspace Members, what do you think of having it as a group project at the Makerspace?

I don't have detailed specs of the project in front of me right now. I went and saw it a few years ago. It's a single-seat recumbent with a motorcycle front-end and two scooter hub wheels in the back, along with a compact diesel engine. I'll see if I can stop and visit him and get some photos and take some measurements of the cycle to see how much space it would take up and what would be needed to transport it.

For the moment, if you can just give me your general thoughts, that would be great.

Thanks,

-Ben Nelson

b...@hdvideoguy.com

414-403-0021

PS: Below is an abbreviated section of his message.

Ben,

I writing because I find myself and my project at a transition point. Recently serious health issues have come to light......

One thing I want to do for my family is get my hybrid electric motorcycle project relocated from our home, so that they would not have to struggle through all that complicated stuff. 

So what to do with it? My question to you is whether any of the makerspace communities that you know would be interested in a donated project. They could have all the hardware, design data, and so forth to do with as they saw fit. I couldn’t provide them with a budget, but plenty of materials.

Another question is about documenting the work. You once expressed an interest in doing so. You could have all the data I possess...

Best regards,

Pat