POWER: The 200-watt power output limit is an absurdly low limit and simply will not power a bike. Be cautious of sellers who will have you believe that their product is ‘governed down’ to 200-watts to comply with regulations. One particular seller markets an 850-watt 31cc/33cc engine and claims it is only 200-watts. In communications with this seller I have asked why they would assume that the buying public is so gullible to believe that they would fit an 850-watt engine and then reduce its power output to less than one quarter of its rated power. Why not just use a 9cc 200-watt model aero plane engine to comply?
ORIGIN: The same seller uses phrases like ‘cheap Chinese engine’ when comparing their product to others and implies that it is Australian made. Their engine comes from the same factory in China, as do most other kits on the market – the only difference is their 400% mark-up. China makes top quality 2 stroke engines that are used in many different applications in Australia.
QUALITY: Take care with your hard earned money when profiteering sellers will try to charge you an extra $100 for their product by claiming theirs is the only engine with superior Japanese bearings and needle roller con rod bearings when they are standard on most good engines. A throttle kill switch, heavy duty 415 chain and factory warranty are also standard on most good engine kits.
SHIPPING: Freight charges vary between $15 and $40 around Australia. Some sellers will ask you to pay 200% more than it costs to deliver your kit.
ENVIRONMENT: Being Australia’s biggest seller of bicycle engine kits with sales in excess of 1000 units per year, we take a responsible attitude to marketing our engines and are making representations to the appropriate authorities to have the ridiculous 200-watt increased to a more reasonable output, commensurate with the allowed engine capacity of 50cc. From an environmental viewpoint we feel we are responsible for taking hundreds of gas guzzling cars off the road by offering a quality and inexpensive alternative mode of transport and by so doing, we are saving tens of thousands of litres of precious fossil fuel and substantially reducing green house gas pollution.
HISTORY: For the past 40 years the old 33cc Moped with a power output of 850-watts has been an acceptable powered bicycle because it fulfils the necessary criteria of being under 50cc capacity and has pedals. If you are concerned about the legality of your powered bicycle you should only consider buying an engine under 50cc. The larger engines should be confined to off-road use only.
BUYING DIRECT FROM CHINA: You may be considering buying an engine kit direct from China from online auction sites. The initial price may look slightly more attractive than Australian sellers prices but the Australian sellers have paid the GST when they are shipped here. You will have to pay the 10% GST yourself which is not included in their pricing. Also you should have good look at the hub attachment for the rear drive cog - it may fit Chinese hubs but I can't see it fitting our bikes unless it is attached to the disc brake which means disabling the rear brake and attaching a new caliper brake in its place.
