1/4 RC models for off-the-shelf parts

Been researching suspension, steering, drivetrains, etc for a few weeks now. Velomobiles seem to be in this uncanny valley of being not proper cars (with powers 1/50 or less than that of a car), but too complex to be bicycles. Since I am thinking of something that would be traffic- and weather worthy, I am leaning towards the car 'design points'. In the long run, I would like to leave space for an electric motor as well, just waiting for battery technology to catch up. In the mean time, the lighter and faster I can make it for human power, the better it will work as an EV as well.

So... I was looking at suspension parts for 'small cars' like ATVs, racing karts, etc. There is a big market for parts, for a very good price, in all kinds of quality materials. Still, those are way too heavy, as they are meant to handle 20+ HP and 600 lb in weight (400 lb being the rider...)-- an overkill for a velo. But I do not want to make my own miniature axles, hubs, etc, either. OK, there are some useful components on McMaster that look like scaled-down versions of drive-shafts, but they are still heavy-duty,

Then I've looked at specs of large RC toys (1/4 scale), and found that some of them weigh 40 lbs and are powered by 3+ HP motors. 3HPs is way more than a VM is expected to deliver. There are plenty of parts for those (strange) RC things, as the market is probably worth 10x the velo market :) . I never thought much of the RC field, particularly the monster truck stuff (sorry if I offended any RC enthusiasts). But, for once, I was ready to embrace them, as the RCers might be a good source of off-the shelf parts for velos, as long as parts are made of quality materials (steel, AL etc). What do you think?



Edited by runcyclexcski - 04 June 2017 at 6:51pm

Actually, I am visiting the folks that make the Quest, so, it is on my schedule.

At 7000+ quid a piece, cheap is not the first word that comes to mind... :) I have ridden recumbent bikes and trikes, so, I am familiar with the tadpole design. I am a looking for something different, as I want the drivetrain to be sealed.

>>>due to being hand built in a relatively few numbers

Ian -- yes, I agree that this is what drives the cost. So I am researching for low-tech methods to build v-mobiles, as enthusiasts and hobbyists have time on their hands, and since I am investing my time I might as well try smth different, so that people can learn from my mistakes.