Standing by your subject
There was nothing on the list of company projects that sparked Roel’s interest. That’s why he decided to propose his own subject. It took some powers of persuasion, but he ultimately succeeded in winning over his professors. It was a project in which he could accommodate his greatest passions. He designed an electric engine for his trials bike. To do so, he completely dismantled his own trials bike and replaced the two-cycle engine with an electrical system.
Trials biking
To be perfectly clear, trials biking is not motor cross. Trials biking is about the art of riding, not the speed. You have to try to keep your balance on the roughest of terrains, because once your feet hit the ground, you get penalty points. The sport has many adversaries because of the noise and environmental pollution. With the electric trials engine, these problems are immediately resolved.
Professional approach
From the outset, Roel wanted to deliver a finished product that could stand the competition with professional gas engines. To put the electric engine on he had to change not only the gas engine, but also the suspension, the steering and the rear bridge. Moreover, a new frame was needed. To get all these parts took up most of his time.
Eco-friendly performance
He ultimately found most parts at a company in Southern France and the rechargeable batteries, he got on loan from Enersys. And he had results: an ordinary trials bike with a full gas tank weighs 72 kg and the same with batteries weighs 76 kg. The batteries give you 30 to 40 minutes riding time, or a third of the competition. Between the various sessions there is enough time to recharge. Result: the performance is the same, but the sound and environmental pollution are almost non-existent.
Academic interest
Roel’s trials bike seems to be unique. The University of Toulouse research team has been devising such an electric engine for years, as it turns out. They are thus also very interested in his project. And for Roel, this means that he does not have to bear all the costs and that he can further refine his design. Both parties are happy.
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