Hybrid Electric Recumbent Motorcycle

The automotive industry is currently seeking more efficient ways of increasing fuel economy. Hybrid-electric vehicles are a promising answer to this need. The combination of electric and gasoline power results in the best of both worlds creating an ultra-efficient power source. This project intended to build upon this exciting technology to design a unique personal transportation device. Our group followed up on the work done by two previous projects at Messiah College in their attempt to create a fully functional gas-electric hybrid motorcycle. The two prior projects laid the groundwork for our project by constructing a recumbent style frame and producing a working model of the hybrid electric drivetrain. Our ultimate goal was to repair and complete the unfinished sections of the motorcycle frame and to assemble a battery array to be mounted along with the motor to the existing motorcycle frame. After two semesters of hard work, we were able to design and build a working prototype that can be driven under its own propulsion. Through testing, we found that our prototype met at least four of our five objectives. We have successfully completed Phase IV of an on-going project at Messiah College. Future work must be done to complete the project.