When will the Wheel be for sale?
We know you’ve been waiting patiently… We hope to launch in early 2008 in select USA markets.
We plan to launch in other countries later in 2008 and the rest of the USA. Thanks for your patience while we finish the last engineering and testing.
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How much will it cost?
The Wheel should retail for approximately $599 USD at your local authorized dealer.
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What about installation?
Your certified RevoPower dealer will be able to install it with confidence for you, retailers will be certified for both installation and service.
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Will it fit on my bike?
The RevoPower Wheel is currently designed to fit of most bikes with 26" wheels.
While it does fit bikes with suspension forks, bikes with disc brakes are not compatible. A fork template will be on our website before product launch so you can see if the Wheel will work for you.
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Where can I buy the Wheel?
When the product launches, we will be selling it though authorized retail dealers.
We'll have a store finder on our website.
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How do I install the Wheel on my bike?
Your certified RevoPower dealer will be able to install it with confidence for you, retailers will be certified for both installation and service.
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How large is the fuel tank?
The fuel tank is one water bottle size; it fits in the cage of your water bottle holder.
Approximately 1 quart (1 liter). Gas mileage depends on load, terrain, and altitude.
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How much does it weigh?
The Wheel adds about 12 pounds to the weight of your bicycle (5.5 kgs). Because the weight is balanced within the hub of the front wheel, normal bicycle operation and steering are unaffected.
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Do I need to wear a helmet?
RevoPower would always strongly recommend the use of helmets and other protective clothing like eye wear in case of accidents.
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What does the Wheel sound like?
The Wheel will be suitably quiet for operation in neighborhood use. The noise level will be approximately 71dB (City Traffic (inside car) of 85 dB).
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What type of fuel does it use?
The Wheel uses a mixture of gasoline (petrol) and oil. Future models may include ethanol and compressed natural gas.
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How does it actually work?
A small motor, turning at 7,500 rpm, drives a unique gear train which causes the wheel to rotate around a fixed axle. Reduction gearing within the hub delivers the appropriate combination of torque and speed to the wheel. The bicycle can be ridden as normal when the motor is off, or when the bicycle is traveling faster than the engine speed. The motor only engages when the speed of the bike is slower than the engine is traveling. The Wheel can be used manually or motorized at any time.
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How fast will The Wheel go?
The Wheel should travel at a top speed of around 17 mph (29 kph) in its initial form for speed and safety. Future models may include a higher torque - lower speed model for carrying loads.
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What do I get when I buy the Wheel?
You will receive the Wheel with a standard 26-inch bicycle wheel, including rim, tube and tire. It will have a throttle control that clips to the handlebars, a fuel tank that you place in the water bottle cage, and the necessary cables and tools for the installer to use.
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Did I see RevoPower featured in the June issue of Popular Science?
Yes! RevoPower had its public unveiling in the June 2006 issue of Popular Science. As a result, we had nearly 1 million visitors to our web site.
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What are the legal limitations for using my bike with The Wheel?
Local regulations vary by state and in some cases cities. Usually, a motor assisted bicycle, under 50cc's and traveling less than 25 mph (40 kph), is not considered a motor vehicle. If you have any doubts, contact your state or local authorities - a good starting point would be your local Department of Transportation. In some countries, the Wheel is considered a moped, requiring the vehicle to have lights, indicators, mirrors and other accessories. In that case, the rider may need to have a license and wear a helmet.
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How old do I have to be to use the Wheel on my bike?
In most US states, there are no licensing requirements, but you may need to be 16 years of age. Common sense is the best judge of how old an individual needs to be to use The Wheel. It would be best to encourage younger people to stay off busy roads where their experience in traffic is limited.
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Is the Wheel patented?
The Wheel is protected by a number of US and international patents, of which the first issued December 2005. Several more are pending. For more info, see Patent Protection under Technology.
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Will the Wheel work on a recumbent bike?
If the recumbent bike has a 26" or 700c wheel that is not in contact with the gear train (most rear wheels), then the Wheel can be uses. Be sure to check all specifications before trying the Wheel on any recumbent bicycle.
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Will there be any future models or upgrades?
RevoPower is committed to bring new models and upgrades and accessories to market. Many include different models, including four-stroke, ethanol, hybrid, and trybrid.
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What size wheels and rims will the Wheel be available?
The Wheel will be available for standard 26 inch bikes. Future models may be able to fit different sizes and be custom built for your bike.
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What bikes cannot fit the Wheel?
The Wheel cannot be fitted to most road bikes, most recumbent bikes, and mountain bikes with front disc brakes, unless the front brake is converted to a standard v-brake.
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Will RevoPower provide accessories and upgrades?
Yes. RevoPower is exploring opportunities with partners to bring accessories and upgrades to market. These may include locks, larger fuel tanks, and saddle bags for instance.
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Does the Wheel create fumes or emissions?
Using the latest technology, the RevoPower 2-cycle engine is the cleanest available, meeting the stringent EPA and CARB requirements. With the catalyst installed as designed, the rider will notice minimal fumes. It will actually create less carbon dioxide than the equivalent size 4-cycle engine!
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Can I ride my Wheel-powered bicycle up hills?
The Wheel will pull the average person up a modest hill without pedaling.
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