Pedelec-Kiting ?

[tepol]

I've just been taking a look some potential ideas that caught my eye like ppc ( powered parachuting ) and noticed, that there are folk already doing this using recumbents HERE

So it got me wondering why this couldnt be done with pedelec i.e. even if just used in more of power-kiting angle to compensate for wind , see here

Once again, this probably borders what is acceptable posting , but Im more than little interested and curious to hear what others here think about possibly using pedelec with sails / motors to fly / or just extend your ride.


matt

 

[flecc]

Sounds a good idea Matt, assuming a good enough take-off slope to get wind lift for the weight.

I wonder about the parachute control on landing approach though, needing extra hands to keep the front wheel straight as well? The crumpled heap method might not do the bike much good!
.

 

[tepol]

Sounds a good idea Matt, assuming a good enough take-off slope to get wind lift for the weight.

I wonder about the parachute control on landing approach though, needing extra hands to keep the front wheel straight as well? The crumpled heap method might not do the bike much good!

>> heh , yes Im curious too

I cuoldnt find any videos with the recumbent just this - he makes it sound so easy .

 

[tepol]

Sounds a good idea Matt, assuming a good enough take-off slope to get wind lift for the weight.

I wonder about the parachute control on landing approach though, needing extra hands to keep the front wheel straight as well? The crumpled heap method might not do the bike much good!
.

Someone attempting to use the kite method at the Burning Man at Black Rock.

Same problem with the steering , isnt there a way you could lock it so you could just focus on pedalling / steering the kite ?

Call me an idiot , but that would seem the obvious solution , or maybes theres others reasons this idea wouldnt work ?

 

[tepol]

Are we having fun yet ?

Pterosail Trike Systems: Home

In action

YouTube - Pterosail Sail Trike

I wonder if this is legal to use here on the roads ?

 

[flecc]

Same problem with the steering , isnt there a way you could lock it so you could just focus on pedalling / steering the kite ?

Call me an idiot , but that would seem the obvious solution , or maybes theres others reasons this idea wouldnt work ?

The simplest solution is already on some bikes, mainly Continental ones. It's a spring joining the centre rear of the fork head to the downtube of the frame. This stops the steering flopping about at rest when parking etc, but still allows steering normally.

Alternatively the steering could be locked, but I fear neither solution will work since there's often side to side weave on landing. You can see aircraft pitching slightly from one side to the other on runway contact, until accurate fore and aft lineup is achieved.

I think locked steering could cause a gradual swerve to one side or the other on landing if the bike alignment wasn't perfect.

The pterosail will be legal on UK roads with sail stowed to ensure stability, but if e-powered the total weight would have to be below 60 kilos.
.

 

[Barnowl]

Found this. Looks barking mad but....

Sail Bike (02/05/05)