easy 'cliner
New member
Hi all, I admittedly have no idea what I am doing. I don't expect anyone to know how to build what I am trying to build, but any ideas on any of the issues I bring up is greatly appreciated.
Really want to build a powered, four wheeled chair (the one I have in mind currently is actually not a recliner, wanted to keep the seat tight, light, and small). I have never built anything and have turned some infrequent wrenches on cars-- I want to work on a few fun smaller projects before I start to work on things with plates. Anyway, questions I had were:
1) Chassis:
What is the best way to go about a chassis? Ideally I would like the frame to fit completely under the chair, which isn't large. I'm 5'10, 200 and fit comfortably. It's smaller and low backed, maybe under 60lbs. Is it possible to fit a motor and wheels under this? I'm not opposed to the wheels being visible, but don't just want to have what looks like a chair bolted on a go kart.
2) Motor:
What kind of motor do I need to pull it? I want to do electric so I am less prone to being hassled by cops and so that I can use it indoors. Is there a recommended HP or brand? Again, we're talking my weight plus the chair being 260ish, plus the as of yet unknown weight of the motor and frame, and I want it to do maybe 5-10mph? Again, I don't even know the realm of feasible expectations with this.
3) Controls:
I want it to be set up with no pedals or steering wheel. I was originally considering just picking up a powered wheelchair off Craigslist, but didn't think it would look as natural as I'm trying to make it look. What kind of controllers exist for electric motors? Is there any kind of electric/ power steering setup for go karts? I know people build awfully large remote control vehicles (even quads/ larger karts) and was wondering what kind of setup that entails. Otherwise, how hard would it be to create a system where a lever that you push forward/pull back controls left/right steering? (think controls in a paddle boat).
4) Power Supply
Assuming any of the aforementioned specifications are possible and in my grasp, what are my options for juice? I would want to be able to drive it for at least an hour.
Is this remotely possible, or the completely f*cked imaginings of someone who doesn't have a grasp on engineering?
P.S.—
5) Keep it simple(r):
Is the biggest hindrance to keeping it small but study and not 1 mph, with a decent run time, to make it gas? Because I'll take my chances being hassled if this thing will actually look sharp and be fun to ride, and would compromise the controls as well and make them as unobtrusive to the 'stock' furniture look.
P.P.S.— I haven't mentioned brakes because if it's electric, I don't see it building up enough momentum to really coast, and if it's gas, then I'll just use it in the more rural areas near me— i.e. room to coast to a stop.
Really want to build a powered, four wheeled chair (the one I have in mind currently is actually not a recliner, wanted to keep the seat tight, light, and small). I have never built anything and have turned some infrequent wrenches on cars-- I want to work on a few fun smaller projects before I start to work on things with plates. Anyway, questions I had were:
1) Chassis:
What is the best way to go about a chassis? Ideally I would like the frame to fit completely under the chair, which isn't large. I'm 5'10, 200 and fit comfortably. It's smaller and low backed, maybe under 60lbs. Is it possible to fit a motor and wheels under this? I'm not opposed to the wheels being visible, but don't just want to have what looks like a chair bolted on a go kart.
2) Motor:
What kind of motor do I need to pull it? I want to do electric so I am less prone to being hassled by cops and so that I can use it indoors. Is there a recommended HP or brand? Again, we're talking my weight plus the chair being 260ish, plus the as of yet unknown weight of the motor and frame, and I want it to do maybe 5-10mph? Again, I don't even know the realm of feasible expectations with this.
3) Controls:
I want it to be set up with no pedals or steering wheel. I was originally considering just picking up a powered wheelchair off Craigslist, but didn't think it would look as natural as I'm trying to make it look. What kind of controllers exist for electric motors? Is there any kind of electric/ power steering setup for go karts? I know people build awfully large remote control vehicles (even quads/ larger karts) and was wondering what kind of setup that entails. Otherwise, how hard would it be to create a system where a lever that you push forward/pull back controls left/right steering? (think controls in a paddle boat).
4) Power Supply
Assuming any of the aforementioned specifications are possible and in my grasp, what are my options for juice? I would want to be able to drive it for at least an hour.
Is this remotely possible, or the completely f*cked imaginings of someone who doesn't have a grasp on engineering?
P.S.—
5) Keep it simple(r):
Is the biggest hindrance to keeping it small but study and not 1 mph, with a decent run time, to make it gas? Because I'll take my chances being hassled if this thing will actually look sharp and be fun to ride, and would compromise the controls as well and make them as unobtrusive to the 'stock' furniture look.
P.P.S.— I haven't mentioned brakes because if it's electric, I don't see it building up enough momentum to really coast, and if it's gas, then I'll just use it in the more rural areas near me— i.e. room to coast to a stop.
