Apparently, I enjoy modifying kids toys to deadly powered contraptions, so when I saw this pedal kart in a skip, I knew what I had to do: PETROL CONVERSION!
The most labour intensive part of this project was in the rear axle: converting the existing sprocket to accept the T8F chain (kindly donated by the mobility scooter project) and also transferring the power to the wheels.
Two circular discs made from 5mm steel clamped both wheels; the inner-most disc was welded to the axle, the outermost acted as a hubcap. The T8F sprocket was bolted to the original sprocket using a custom made 3D printed adapter plate.
The remainder of the build was fairly straight forward: the engine, fuel tank, accelerator pedal and kill switch was salvaged from the original quad project. The original engine mount was welded to the kart, and everything else was fitted in the easiest possible method.
Once complete, the only thing left was to test drive this contraption. Beware, the below video is loud: the exhaust consisted of about six inches of tube.
You can see the chain slop about very close to the rider’s undercarriage; hence the name: Ball Ripper.
This was a fun little project that was eventually sold on eBay as a spares/repairs along with the mobility scooter as they shared a common chain gauge.
Before selling though, I tested a new piece of photogrammetry software to make a rough 3D model of the kart which can be seen to the right.
Page created: 22/11/2024