Flying with your wheeled transport onboard

[Ultranomad]

Ever since I got the Tiger, I've been cycling to/from the airfield, as well as taking the bike aboard when flying elsewhere. It's certainly a very reasonable way to get around, but only up to a certain limit - you don't get much range on a hilly terrain, especially if you have to ride every single day. So, I'm starting to think of an electric bike/scooter, and not just for my home base, but also to take with me on travels. Has anyone tried that, or other similar solutions?

[AdamFrisch]

I always have my foldable Brompton bike in the back. It lives there. And I use it quite a bit. But most small airfields in the US have courtesy cars that one can borrow to go into town to get a meal etc.

[chrisN]

Not for flying (but you could use it for that), I have a Gocycle which is invaluable to me for medical-related reasons – I’m no longer strong enough to cycle up hill.

It is fairly expensive – I think about £1500 new – but I got mine at a reduced price when they sold off some ex-shop demonstrators.

The wheels come off easily for transport; it is not easily or quickly folded beyond that, though it can be done given time.

I have the NiCad batteries. They now do LiPo with a bit nore endurance and slightly lighter, but more costly.

Range of all these things is quoted on level, smooth (no pot holes) tarmac etc. On hills, I squirt the power for a few seconds and pedal for a similar time between, to economise on the battery (and get some exercise). Max speed is about 15 mph.

There are cheaper elec-assisted bikes. For all I know they may work as well but most are heavier – this one has an alloy frame.


In the UK, it is not legal to have an “electric motorbike” (unless specially, and expensively, certified) so it is assistance while pedalling.


Chris N

[Pilot DAR]

Bromptons for my wife and I, in the back of the 150. We have been as far as the Bahamas with them. They were perfect there!

http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/oo252/PilotDAR/Aircraft/BikesinCessna1502.jpg

[peterh337]

There used to be a Mooney owner posting here who has a petrol engine powered fold-up scooter of some sort.

With £50 taxi fares to/from the airport fairly common, this sounds like a good idea. But I think to do it properly one would want some proper mounting points so the thing slides in and out easily.

[AdamFrisch]

There are all these electric bikes and assisted bikes these days. Weigh nothing, goes for 30 miles and cheap as chips to run. That's what I'd look into.

[topoverhaul]

Have a look at these; Folding Mopeds DI BLASI (http://www.diblasi.co.uk/Folding_Vehicles.asp?Prd=Mopeds&Pag=Gruppo&Lng=en)

They will fit in the back, always cause a bit of a stir when you wheel them out of the airport through the terminal. Recently I have been using the Brompton more often as it can also be used on buses, taxis etc.so a bit more flexibility.

[S-Works]

I just shove my off road motorbike in the back when I am going to be away for awhile. Ex Military MT350, a couple of ratchet straps to hold it down and I always have transport wherever I am!

[wsmempson]

this looks like my kind of system; I've got the aircraft, now just need to get the bike...

MotoPOD LLC ? Innovative Aircraft Accessories (http://www.motorcyclepilot.com/motoload.php)