We Made the World's First Electric Snow Scooter! | In Depth

[@gwmattos]

Born and raised on our ranch , we had a shed where we used tools to make and fix equipment on the farm . We designed and repaired parts, which kept us from going miles and miles to find a welder, a plumber or other expensive specialist we couldn't afford. Congratulations, this was one of your best videos I've seen in the last 3 to 4 years. It put a big smile on my face and brought back good memories . . . plus made my day.

[@snygg1993]

"Prototypes are easy, production is hard" like the project 👍

[@chrisvanderburg5568]

Zac. Goto your local welding supply store and get a "cheater lense". It fits into your weld helmet and magnifies the area you are working on. Also called a "mag" lense.

[@MorbidlyHilarious]

As a certified welder I totally endorse auto darkening hoods. The tech has come so far and works so well.

[@stephenroyal1619]

Yes, Reverse polarity cleans, but also has no problem with melting the metal. Most stick welding is done with DC reverse polarity, and if you only have a buzz box (AC welder) that works perfectly well for stick also. At 72, I also recommend a magnifier lens. In reverse polarity, the currant flow is from the work to the rod, But the ion flow is from the rod to the work.

[@WXWXWXWXWXWXW]

Thanks guys, you've just inspired me to get that TIG welder that I have dreamed about for years and start making projects! You, not being experts, and actually getting projects done is much more inspirational than the usual experts making stuff (although that has it's place as well)! I vote for more maker content like this!

[@Solarbeez]

I couldn’t have said it better myself!

[@polioe.4557]

You have to use helium for your aluminum MIG welders that gas works best for aluminum, also you can get magnifiers for your helmet made so if your near sight isn’t so good…helps you see at close range, I’ve been welding for 35 years

[@polioe.4557]

@@billy-go9kx Yes it does, helium heats up faster and makes cleaner weld for aluminum, if that is what your looking for

[@JRP3]

Most people use argon for aluminum with no problem. You don't "have to use helium" at all.

[@polioe.4557]

@@JRP3 yeah I get it, because it is cheaper, and does work well

[@zencone]

Very cool project guys...way to tinker and persevere!

[@wineberryred]

I think a side car would make the bike a little too wide for some trails. There are many river's that have bike trails next to them where a canoe trailer would make sense. Pull your canoe up river with your bike, lock the bike, canoe down to your car, and drive to pick up your bike. This is where FSD could solve the problem as well where to could just drive to the put in location and summon your vehicle to the take out location.

[@brianwhitehouse8380]

Snow is back today. Just in time🙂

[@cybertrk]

Actually just building a normal fender over that belt will eliminate the snow buildup issue

[@IowaTech80]

snowmobile tracks are like a belt with paddle son it for traction, the belt itself will not grip the snow the same, needs paddle flaps on the belt

[@clintrobinson1706]

I patented the idea of combining a electric bike and a canoe, as well as the canoe with an electric bike!! Joking of course in reference to a few episodes ago. I subscribed for the typical content, but love the Friday episodes to keep it fresh!

[@alankirby3839]

Off topic? Not at all. Having fun with electricity is totally on topic! Fun video!

[@__-pl3jg]

24:40 - You might be able to save some time in the design process by instead attaching a small cargo cart to the back of your electric bicycle and carrying a "Pakayak" which is a hardshell kayak that collapses into a russian doll type situation. If you buy a Pakayak I highly recommend also dropping some cash on a "kayak sailor" kit so you can sail long distances without getting tired. It really opens up the door for travel on water within a 10-30mile range. And if you really want to simplify things I recommend avoiding spending all that money and just getting a $200 inflatable SUP board which you can attach a kayak seat. I used to use all kinds of hard shell collapsible kayaks but eventually I discovered those inflatable SUPs are extremely sturdy and feel solid because they are at 15psi or more. If Im kayaking short distances and speed isnt a factor or if im just freediving a lake, I go with the inflatable SUP used as a sit down kayak. Theres plenty of room onboard to carry an anchor and all my other freedive gear. If Im traveling farther distances I use a hardshell kayak with the "Kayak sailor" rig. Protip: Search inflatable SUPs on Amazon. Copy/paste the Amazon item number of each posting to a notepad. Then go to "camelcamelcamel" and search each of those items. CCC shows price history graphs which tell you how low the prices are in the off season. You can set up email notifications for when the price drops back to its historical low. I've bought $600 SUP boards for $80 each using this method. It was so successful that I bought SUPs for all my friends and family so now I dont have to go kayaking alone, lol.

[@mikebeats7448]

Great idea JESSE Suggestions: Maybe a use one of those two seater long bikes-(longer frame to match canoe length, weight balance & maybe smoother turning radius) also to have an extra/safer seat for a passenger (for higher speeds or longer trips) then just add a strong electric motor with a custom see-through cover(maybe acrylic) to protect it from rain or sand buildup. Last, add big reflector stickers & slim bright headlights on the canoe & bike with an on/off switch, i think that's it👍

[@DrTed3]

You will need to do much fewer welds if you order a tiny Gigapress.

[@clintrobinson1706]

Hahaha

[@davidtooker5179]

The wide scooter wheel is the perfect shape; thicker in the middle than on the edges. I used to run a flat belt planer in a lumber mill and the belt wheels were all this shape, although they were metal and the belts were rubberized fabric. This makes the belt self-centered automatically on the wheel. That is why the rear triple wheel gave issues and the actual thicker-in-the-middle tire didn't have the belt drift off. I would suggest making the middle of the three rear wheels slightly larger than the outer two. Or file some of the material off the outer wheels. Or just use another tire in back.

[@harkinsaquatics]

I think that if nothing else, it shows that kids and parents can learn a skill together and make something cool.

[@Bicklehoff794]

Golf. They have some already($), but I’d like to add a removable golf bag mount to my scooter (zero 10). I scoot to the course now and throw some clubs in my backpack when I go hit balls. Would be cool to have it as a scooter add on. I could probably get my local course to allow it on the course eventually.

[@terrysullivan1992]

That was fun and informative. Great job guys.

[@user990077]

To use an auto welding helmet get an empty bic lighter that still makes sparks or one of those things welders use to light up their torches (the welding shop will have them). Then put the helmet on at the beginning of your welding session and quickly squeeze then let go of the torch starter thingy to create a shower of sparks and your helmet sight glass should go dark. If not, the battery may be low or not working. Also, before starting a welding session, press the reset button on the auto darkening helmet.

[@spoonsarefun]

Few things I'd suggest looking at... on the mercane it is a solid tire and if you take off the tire you'll discover the rim has spikes in it that drive into the foam on the tire... it would grip the belt better vs the tire...and reduces rotational mass... get a lightweight fat front ski... thank me later... I'm not convinced the mercane can be done proper due to its small tire and clearance size... but perhaps... When I was doing my mercane I was focusing on making something similar to the old Atrax dirtbike kits which were were simple before ad boivins and snowbikes

[@5Lax]

My friend is making an electric snow board. People are definitely working on it!

[@joabarrera]

Welding equipment tips now? Awesome! Congratulations have to share with you my electric conveyors for airports.

[@joelhageman1903]

I was just thinking today - what about making a DIY electric vehicle. Even glanced a page about converting a car with a forklift motor. So, this is right on time.

[@Chris-ew9mh]

E-Bike with a canoe side car sounds great too! Or a kayak or even a stand up paddle board may work!

[@matthewclark2123]

I took my rad rover electric bike, put on a studded tire, and a fat tire Ski. It runs great in the deep deep snow. Bike Boards is the Ski that I can strap onto a flat tire. We had 8 inches of heavy snow coming down hard. The traffic was stopped and I’m gliding by at 12 miles an hour.

[@steverobbins4872]

Make an ebike into a hydrofoil for riding on a lake. A long time ago I saw and issue of Scientific American that had a human powered hydrofoil on the cover, which was basically a bicycle with a wing and prop under it.

[@jonathanbush6197]

That propellor was huge, you would need deep water, but it would be fun if you do.

[@Anonymous-sb9rr]

You can ride a bicycle through that kind of snow. Fun project nonetheless.

[@williamkorb]

I taught myself to stick weld about 20 years ago and have run into the frustration of not being able to weld aluminum or stainless. Looks like I have a new item on my wish list! And yes, auto-darkening helmets are the cat's pajamas! You guys give me so many great ideas for projects...now all I need is the time and money to do them! 😂

[@mikereliford55]

I highly recommend multi process welders as each process has its advantages. Stick is fantastic for field work, TIG is great in the shop, wire is great for high speed work.

[@PoHjAnTaHtI1]

Hey! Did you guys check out the Finnish snowscooter called eLyly? They're already on the market in Finland!

[@trishaleaver3581]

I was thinking of doing something similar but with electric mountain board parts. My current setup has 12000 watts max with a top speed of 40 mph and 10-12 hp. Electric scooter are usually pretty underwhelming. My plan was to use a drift bike frame to make a single ski sit down electric drift trike. Could use paddle wheels instead of a track. Or just a paddle sleeve over the wheels.

[@user990077]

On the MIG welder did you switch your shielding gas to Argon?

[@coreyeaston6823]

Very, very nice. Good job boys!

[@RobynGermaine]

Great job guys!

[@hakanbengtsson7073]

Zac and Jesse awsome idea and I thought I would come with som brain teasing thoughts. when working with belts having concave wheels is easier than the normal convex as the concave shape make the belt seek the center on the wheel (I know you could not change the wheel the motors were in without destroying the normal scooter but while in testing it is worth remembering).

[@spoonsarefun]

I will share further plans and designs after I make mine, but you are on rhe right step

[@BassPlayerUnderGrace]

There's also other ones for sale Moonbikes, Sniejik, ENVO. A little different and this is an awesome build.

[@paulcummings55]

LOL! A most fun video to watch, and congrats on your creation! It's like watching the Wright Brothers... or Wright and Son...

[@danielsiffredi8403]

Awesome job guys !!! Congrats 🍾

[@rbhebron]

...just for context.. the basic machine used for MIG / ARC-stick / TIG welding is the same.. if you already have a DC stick welding machine, you can easily convert it to TIG welding by using the ground port for the TIG torch & the the other port for the ground.. then using a simple gas power attachment for the argon gas.. then a solenoid for opening the gas.. the switch can be a foot switch 10amps, or a push button on the gun, which is already there when you buy a TIG gun assembly.. ..if you have a MIG welding, you already have a gas solenoid in the MIG welding machine that you can use for your TIG torch... really dont need to buy a separate TIG welding machine for enthusiast DYIer...

[@mikert2010]

Haha, I bet you guys are super stoked with this recent storm . Great project and awesome newbie welding experience vlog. Love this kind of content!

[@lehsu]

Next time try converting the eMove Cruiser since it allows a seat and the rear wheel is already 1000watt. And it has a huge battery for 60 miles range.

[@paulconwell8724]

I just watched on Ryan Shaw's posting about the Model S and other discussing many things, but what I found most interesting was that Tesla updates parts by integrating improved parts while on the assembly line. But. . . I'm from the SF Bay Area and appreciate that the first Tesla factory is here (and that there is or will be a large Tesla facility in the Livermore Valley), but I am concerned that the Fremont factory may become obsolete as it is one of two factories in full car production mode. I read and hear more and more about the improved paint shops in Austin and Germany and other improvements and am concerned that the Fremont builds will not be considered of equal quality to those made in the newest plants. I know that the IDRA (hydra) presses have been added, but I would like to know what will or can be done to produce top-quality vehicles there. I know that research is also being done on batteries and other items is being done in California. BUT inquiring minds, like me, need to know. This is a duplicate of my post to Ryan, but I thought that you might be able to check in on this.

[@billbayer5526]

This is so great, guys!! Fabricating stuff in the garage is the most satisfying thing a person can do! I'm biased. :)

[@JRP3]

Great project. Maybe you need to put some treads on the track for deeper snow. There are some electric snow scooters out there but they are larger than what you built.

[@Nitrous-ej5zy]

Mopowa baby. Try 6k watts. Converting my yume x-11. That is already reinforced in many places. They make a tread conversion kit now, with skis both have coil overs, and steering damper.

[@Phrinkle]

That looks great. I was thinking about getting into cross country skiing, but this might be more fun and still decent excersize. I wonder if you could tow a skier behind it up hills?

[@stephenhunter5564]

I love this. Thank you so much for sharing your project!

[@ChadCourtneyTAZ427]

Did you reverse the polarity on the MIG welder when moving to Aluminum?

[@dogtato]

i've always wanted to do something like this for a snowboard, for all those flat areas you inevitable run in to

[@MichaelBehrnsMiller]

Wait, you guys are DIY now? Excellent!!

[@NYCMP1]

Nice work there guys. The obvious choice of course will have to be aluminum. Lighter and of course, will not tax battery as much. And that’s what NYK is all about isn’t it? Efficiency, range, and more? Keep at it. Also with aluminum welding, practice practice practice 👍

[@jasonmajere2165]

Can't push aluminum wire through MIG cord, either have hand spools or a handle that pulls the wire.

[@SuperChairDestroyer]

Slow news week? 😉 love the conversion you guys 😎👌👍🏼

[@TheoVlad]

Guys, congrats for your accomplishments and for your projects. One word of advice, though: Please look into how toxic argon/aluminum welding is and.... keep it to the minimum, please, because we like you among us more than we like you among the stars. :D

[@maytar2000]

This was a great project. I am into sand casting you could build the prototype in steel/ wood then use it to cast it out of aluminum. With wood, you can shape it to look good then cast

[@motofunk1]

Make the front track wider by outboarding the skis. Might give it some stability.

[@johnthomas5806]

Looks like you need more tread on the belt, but a great idea...

[@serta5727]

Very amazing scooter !

[@xWood4000]

There's a eLyly which is sort of a snow scooter, it's certified as it too

[@lenperin4923]

Awesome that was so cool. Do another project.

[@isipwater]

Good job guys. Impressive😁

[@calesun9]

Can't wait to see the Mark 2

[@spoonsarefun]

Rofl I did this a year before with just studed tire on the rear and used a aftermarket fat ski by snowplast that I found. The best part... I did it on a mercane widewheel pro 2020 😀 Now 4 scooters later and looking at making a kit for the 10x

[@realrift01]

Should've put up a warning before you started welding...I wasn't wearing eye protection 🤩

[@frekebrostrom1981]

Xtacycle make cargo ebikes and they have (or at least had) a sidecar for large cargo needs. Maybe their product will give you some ideas for your canoe sidecar.

[@serta5727]

The garage ingenuity 💚🌳

[@thomasmcmullen4523]

I was going to use snow blower tracks on mine ! 😊

[@Getupntravel]

Would love to see you guys scheming one for the desert/sand.

[@pdcweb]

maybe make the scraper like a wedge plow so it deflects the snow to either side as it pushes it toward the front.

[@christiangalles9563]

Best episode ever!!

[@Loganl1980]

Jeez, all the stuff I built as a kid, years later, people are building on video as if things that happened before youtube didn't exist. The snowbike was maybe 1990, now those kits are everywhere for dirt bikes. The electric scooter was maybe 1994, and of course in Montana we kids used a mangled sled track in the winter, just wrapped it tight around the rear tire. I still get people telling me cast iron can't be welded, too. I keep a picture of my tractor's cast iron exhaust manifold on my phone just for them. Big fat weld all the way around it been holding for 30 years.

[@DigbyGrayston]

awesome episode ! weight , try reducing wieght , you can 3d print items that are not needed structurally

[@sakkeusxd]

Elyly has made electric snowscooters for last four years

[@Ittiz]

getting snow today to try it in

[@serta5727]

Wow cool you are becoming genius DIY inventors 😇🤓

[@beatnik1855]

DAMMIT! How did I not think of this long time ago!

[@h2rider953]

water cooled tig hand piece is the best

[@DFEUERMAN]

💯 You guys should do a video with Peter Sripol. He also just made a prop-powered snow trike

[@ohallaron56]

Interesting. Let's see the canoe thing!!

[@glennjones1054]

You might want to check out the SnowDog... it's a gas powered snow machine but would be amazing if you made it electric!

[@vulpo]

They should check out Moonbikes which seems to be exactly what they are aiming for, or maybe the Taiga Ekko Mountain which might fill the bill as well. I tried posting links to these, but my posts disappeared, so you'll have to search for their sites. [EDIT: Okay I see now that Zack mentiones Moonbikes toward the end of the video. I agree that welding is a useful skill. Nevertheless, I think most people would prefer to buy a Moonbike rather than investing the time, money, learning, workspace, and effort into fabricating their own, but if that's your thing, knock yourself out!]

[@RandallJamesPeterson]

Is Arcimoto taking notes for their new Bike Trike?

[@serta5727]

A Kanu that is also a camper and also an electric car. I got you 😉

[@scottmari]

Can you make your own battery pack next?

[@dragovian]

Great Vids! keep up the good work! Please, and I think I speak for everyone, start uploading in 4K!

[@serta5727]

Congrats to make it electric

[@MrDlenrek]

Possible collaboration opportunity with Xyla Foxlin for the Canoe mods?

[@brad3901]

How about toddler car seat that plugs in to cigarette lighter spot that's heated and has little screen to occupie kid??

[@danakomori]

A student from MIT already made one, search “Ben Katz” on KZbin

[@youmakeitreal]

Zach. Buy a 'diopter' for your helmet

[@steverobbins4872]

Check out Ivan Miranda's KZbin channel because he has 3d-printed lots of tank treads, including some large enough for him to ride around on with a full 3d-printed tank.

[@nancinowlen3043]

What fun!

[@johnthomas5806]

not going to get you very far very fast, but looks like a great bit of fun

[@TylerFernandes94]

New channel possibly? About crafting new projects? :)

[@chrisgotaguntime2386]

Build warp drive engine next...phone 🏠

[@TechViewOpinions]

Another reason for buying a tig welder

[@Curtis_Gach]

If u want to have some more fun on the show check out the KZbin channel Adam page. He converted a sur ron into a snow bike. It might be possible to use any ebike based off the design

[@jackwhitestripe7342]

sir, it is very high tech