Smallest Motorised Wheel

[Footie]

What is the smallest wheel that can take an electric motor?
Is a 12-inch wheel too small?

Just playing around with ideas and came across this Qu-Ax Penny Farthing.

Unicycle.UK.com - Product Page - "Qu-Ax Penny Farthing"


Text from site:
It's almost a unicycle! This will certainly turn a few heads. Most penny farthings don't have pneumatic tyres, the Quax penny-farthing does, this makes a great difference to handling and ride.

It combines vintage styling with modern technology. The pneumatic 36" (91cm) front tyre and 12" rear wheel, provide a comfortable ride in nostalgic style. Has a small step on the rear of the frame to help mounting. Front and rear brakes.

Leg measurements: min. 30"(76cm), max 36"(91cm).

I suppose the availability of spokes would be the biggest restricting factor?
Any comments?
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Edit:

Just had a thought - could always pick up an electric scooter and change things around. Just found one on ebay with 12.5" wheel.

X300 Electric Scooter on eBay, also Other Electric Scooters, Electric Scooters, Scooters, Sporting Goods (end time 05-Oct-08 11:42:05 BST)

£320.00 for Penny Farthing
£150 Scooter
Total = £470 (a very unique ebike)
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[Jeremy]

Neat idea!

Some of the Chinese manufacturers make small wheels with built-in motors, intended for use with scooters. I'm not sure how easy it would be to buy just one, but it might be worth a search in Alibaba to see what's around.

Jeremy

Edited to add:

Just did a quick Google and came up with this one more or less as the first hit:

Mini Motor Manufacturer, Buyer, Supplier, Importer, Exporter, Manufacturers, Buyers, Suppliers, Importers & Exporters - ECPlaza

 

[Footie]

I think someone else has already had the same idea.

YouTube - Pennyfarthing maniac
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