It is debatable whether [Jamie] upgraded his Power Wheels Jeep or built a beast of a mini vehicle and only added a Power Wheels Jeep body. Either way, this Racing Power Wheels Jeep is awesome. The goal of the project is to race in the Power Racing Series races held at Maker Faires.
This vehicle is no joke. It is still electric but runs on 24volts DC. It has pneumatic rubber tires for traction and disk brakes for stopping. The ‘gas’ gauge is a volt meter mounted into the dash next to the motor temperature gauge. As if that was not enough, the headlights and tail lights work. Take note of that sweet custom frame, it was mostly made from an old bed frame.
To move an adult around at a good clip [Jamie] is using two 12v batteries in series to reach his 24v goal. The DC drive motor is only rated at 12v, hence needing the temperature gauge, it gets hot. In between the batteries and motor resides an Electronic Speed Control that was removed from a pallet mover. The speed control allows a variable throttle which results in smooth and controlled acceleration. The motors rotational energy is then transferred through an old electric wheelchair differential before reaching the wheels. All said and done this little rig can get up to 25-30mph.
The custom Army Jeep paint job adds some show to this projects’ go! If you have your young offspring in mind, this may not be the best project. For a more kid-friendly approach check this out.
The look on his face at the end :)
Nice build!
Its called the “EV Grin” and is very common among electric vehicle owners. :-) Assuming this is his first, He just joined the club and the honeymoon is in full force.
Well I heard they were making budget cuts to the Army but this is ridiculous! Anyway maybe he should put in a radiator system to cool the motor.
It is most likely a aircooled motor, so the only thing they can do is add some ducting so it ‘breathes’ more freely.
It’s possible to tightly coil pipe around the motor for liquid cooling. It’s done on electric RC boats.
If its going that fast then maybe a helmet and long sleeves would be a better choice of apparel
A grown man in a Fisher Price princess cruiser – does he wear a tutu and carry a magic wand too?
That’s what I feel when I see the military Parade on TV.
Sweet, and old bed frame never go together in the same sentence. Bed frames are made out of a very poor grade of steel. I believe they melt down old coat hangers to make bed frames.
THAT is awesome!
Hahaha i want one now!!
That looks so dangerous and so much fun! (c:
Since it’s got working lights, it’s street legal in my state
What state my i ask? can you jsut drive anythign with wheels and lights on the road?
… Not in Pennsylvania….