# Making a motor scooter with a lawn mower **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 9, 2003, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-motor-scooter-with-a-lawn-mower/147465 "2003-01-09T06:17:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![NoeSchittMann](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c0e974/32.png) [@NoeSchittMann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoeSchittMann)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-motor-scooter-with-a-lawn-mower/147465/1 "2003-01-09T06:17:15Z")
Does anyone know how to make a motorized scooter using a lawn mower? ---
**Author:** ![Padeye](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a9a28c/32.png) [@Padeye](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Padeye)\ **Post date:** [January 9, 2003, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-motor-scooter-with-a-lawn-mower/147465/2 "2003-01-09T07:11:02Z")
Yes. However I don’t think that’s the answer you were looking for. Exactly how to make a scooter depends on the parts and tools you have available and the skills you posess. I could tell you how I might build one but that may be useless to you if you don’t weld and have access to a modest machine shop. I’m also not sure exactly what kind of scooter you have in mind. Something like a motorized razor type scooter might work best with a weed trimmer motor. Actually a vertical shaft lawn mower engine would be my last choice for a motorized vehicle. Don’t take any of that as discouragement. It sounds like a fun project and I’m sure plenty of the dopers will help with some creative suggestions. And BTW, a big hearty welcome to SDMB. ---
**Author:** ![SavageNarce](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@SavageNarce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SavageNarce)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2003, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-motor-scooter-with-a-lawn-mower/147465/3 "2003-01-11T01:13:40Z")
First, you need a really, _really_ long extension cord… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![happyheathen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/b5e925/32.png) [@happyheathen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/happyheathen)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2003, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-motor-scooter-with-a-lawn-mower/147465/4 "2003-01-11T03:16:51Z")
In general, if you had the tools and skills required, you’d already know how to do this. Basically, you will need: Horizontal-shaft engine A clutch, and a way to transmit power from the engine to the wheel (easiest is a centrifigal clutch and v-belt) Steering fork Wheels, tires, and brakes (esp. brakes) throttle and brake controls the ability to cut, drill, tap, and weld steel tube (possible angle) and heavy sheet/light plate - and all that implies. This could be done in wood, but it would fail (read: fall apart) rather quickly. ---
**Author:** ![scr4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2003, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-motor-scooter-with-a-lawn-mower/147465/5 "2003-01-11T03:55:35Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by happyheathen \* > **A clutch, and a way to transmit power from the engine to the wheel (easiest is a centrifigal clutch and v-belt)** An even easier way is to use friction to transfer power. Just press the engine shaft (or a small wheel mounted on the shaft) onto the rear tire when you want to start. The engine needs to be mounted on a swivel structure, but it’s simpler than using a clutch. I’ve seen it done on electric bikes. ---
**Author:** ![kniz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@kniz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kniz)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2003, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-motor-scooter-with-a-lawn-mower/147465/6 "2003-01-11T05:25:54Z")
[ul]First, **remove the blades!** :eek:[/ul] ---
**Author:** ![DougC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7feea3/32.png) [@DougC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DougC)\ **Post date:** [January 11, 2003, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/making-a-motor-scooter-with-a-lawn-mower/147465/7 "2003-01-11T11:01:27Z")
- - - Hardware stores that deal in small engines and parts often carry or can order many of the basic parts for low powered go-carts and minibikes. These things generally don’t have transmissions, just a clutch and chain sprockets connecting one of the wheels to the engine shaft. They’re basically intended for smaller kids–if you’re an adult and you expect to ride it, tell them that when they order your engine and clutch… ~