Need opinions on adding a mid drive motor to a Rhoades Car

Hi all, first post. I have a Rhoades car quadricycle that I found in a trash pile and fully restored. I need to know if a mid drive motor will be enough to power it. It is powered by one or both of the front passengers pedaling. I'm looking for pedal assist torque above all and want to add the motor to driver side only. The dropouts are standard size and the quad uses mostly normal bike parts. It weighs about 215lbs, I will only engage motor after I get it moving, and I don't need to go above 15mph. I'm also looking to power it with a 52v EGO mower battery. Thanks for any input.

uncleboogie said:

Hi all, first post. I have a Rhoades car quadricycle that I found in a trash pile and fully restored. I need to know if a mid drive motor will be enough to power it. It is powered by one or both of the front passengers pedaling. I'm looking for pedal assist torque above all and want to add the motor to driver side only. The dropouts are standard size and the quad uses mostly normal bike parts. It weighs about 215lbs, I will only engage motor after I get it moving, and I don't need to go above 15mph. I'm also looking to power it with a 52v EGO mower battery. Thanks for any input.

Click to expand...

Pics didn't work.

With a mid drive, gearing will be everything. If you can pedal it comfortably, a mid drive won't have much trouble.

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billvon said:

uncleboogie said:

Hi all, first post. I have a Rhoades car quadricycle that I found in a trash pile and fully restored. I need to know if a mid drive motor will be enough to power it. It is powered by one or both of the front passengers pedaling. I'm looking for pedal assist torque above all and want to add the motor to driver side only. The dropouts are standard size and the quad uses mostly normal bike parts. It weighs about 215lbs, I will only engage motor after I get it moving, and I don't need to go above 15mph. I'm also looking to power it with a 52v EGO mower battery. Thanks for any input.

Click to expand...

Pics didn't work.

With a mid drive, gearing will be everything. If you can pedal it comfortably, a mid drive won't have much trouble.

Click to expand...

Thanks, I think a 750w should do the trick.


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Common bb mount mid drives will not like that long chain line. A mid drive is what you need, but it should be mounted on the rear. It could even be the stoke monkey type, using a small hub motor that is mounted as a mid drive.

uncleboogie said:

Thanks, I think a 750w should do the trick.

Click to expand...

You might also consider front wheel motor hubs. Justin sells a Crystalyte with 5/8" stub axles that would work.

Where do we order these from Justin, sorry, I'm a newb but I have this exact same pedal car and I want to go the hub motor route for sure. Are you positive from the pics above that the 5/8 is the correct size?

A motor/gearbox/differential unit for chinese tricyle should do the job.
Prices starting from $120 - with shipping. example
Typically they have a ~3000RPM motor with 10:1 reduction - carrying 3-4 persons with ease.

Thanks silense. I found the motor used by the company but could never find the gearbox.


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