National Conference in

Mechanical Engineering: Advances in Materials and Design (NCMEAMD-2022)

Folding Treadmill E-Bicycle

Shreyas Mahajan1, Neel Malwatkar2, Prachi Mahajan3,
Mrunmayee Kulkarni4, Hussain Magar5, Neel Madane6, Prof.Mr.S.P.Komble7

Abstract

Treadmill-powered bicycles have been on the market for almost a decade, but they have failed to gain traction.
Neglecting the marketing aspect of the product, the fundamental reason that such bicycles have failed to grab the
attention of consumers is their practicality. Treadmill bicycles are longer in length than traditional pedal bicycles
since a person must walk to operate the bicycle. As a result, parking and operational issues emerge. This study
discusses a possible solution to these problems by folding the treadmill when not in use. With the increasing
popularity of E-bikes, this cycle will be equipped with electrical-driving mechanisms.

Keywords: Treadmill bicycle; E- Bicycle; Motor; Foldable Treadmill; Foldable Bicycle.

1. Introduction

Regular exercise has several health advantages, like increased cardiac strength, weight reduction, and lower
insulin resistance to name a few. Jogging or running on a gym treadmill is a terrific way to get some exercise while
putting less strain on your body than walking or jogging on flat outdoor terrain.
The treadmill bicycle is a wholly new mode of transportation. Walking with electric help takes less effort than "a
stroll through the park." It is the hybrid of a bicycle and a treadmill that acts both as an exercise machine and a mode
of transportation. The growing consumption of gasoline has resulted in more emissions and the destruction of natural
resources. With an ever-increasing population and demand, it has become necessary to limit fuel use and reduce
carbon emissions. This initiative focuses on using conventional fuels as little as possible so as to scale back
pollution. It conserves energy since it doesn't require fuel and will be used as a treadmill or a bicycle at an identical
time. There is not any need to use this as a typical treadmill in an exceedingly confined space; it is also ideal for
outdoor use and might be deployed as a method of transportation.

1.1 Objectives
The main objective behind this project is to design a bicycle that can be used as a treadmill at times and can be
folded into a compact structure to save space and would be electrically powered when in a folded layout.

2. Literature Survey
Regular exercise has numerous health benefits, including increased cardiac strength, weight loss, weight
management, increased bone and muscle strength, decreased chances of chronic diseases, and decreased insulin
resistance. Working out on a treadmill, like walking and running, is a terrific way to get some exercise while putting
less strain on your body than walking or running on a flat outdoor surface as treadmills offer the person better shock
absorption than pavement and roads. This puts less stress on the ankles and knees while exercising. Research shows
that using the treadmill for exercise can significantly improve heart capacity and have many great benefits on one's
overall health. It significantly reduces the chances of peripheral arterial diseases.
An E-Walking Bike is a treadmill or a walking bicycle that has been fitted with a motor. Because the motors
were on the right side of the frame, riding for lengthy periods of time was challenging (due to unbalancing). A
manual treadmill uses no power, thus we'll create a treadmill cycle with such a treadmill and multiple gear
combinations and chain drive. This bicycle can also be driven with very little effort as well as a new format of the
treadmill bicycle design can be proposed in the market. The treadmill cycle is driven manually, more or less an
equivalent effort is required to drive the bike because the effort required in the treadmill consists of varied gear
arrangements and two shafts provided to vary the motion.
The treadmill cycle is going to be the simplest in its segment. People get bored jogging on treadmills since they
are heavy and immobile at the gym. This treadmill bicycle is no longer just a method to get the daily exercise done;
it's also a great way to get some exercise when you're dealing with issues like bad weather, a hectic and tight
schedule, or the physical limitations of bustling streets and crowded regions. People in our day-to-day lives
generally utilize automobiles, bikes, and other vehicles to reduce pollution in the environment and fuel pollution.
Treadmill bicycles can be used by people who go between offices that are less than 5-7 kilometers away. The
treadmill was used in England until the late nineteenth century when it was abandoned due to its harshness. The
machine was on the verge of being forgotten. The treadmill made a triumphant return in the 1960s when Dr.
Kenneth Cooper demonstrated the health benefits of aerobics. Advanced applications are so-called omnidirectional
treadmills. They are designed in a way that they can move in two dimensions and are intended as the base for a
"holodeck". There are several solutions that were proposed and research continues because some issues remain
unsolved, such as large size, noise, and vibration. The electric bicycle (e-bicycle) market usually varies radically by
regional demand and product type.The location of electric motors for e-bikes is also being given more thought. The
motors on an e-bike can be mounted in one of three places: the front wheel hub, the mid-mounted rock bottom
bracket (pedals), or the rear wheel hub. The rear wheel hub is the hottest location, and most of the massive Chinese
market is utilizing rear hub motors. For throttle-controlled bikes, rear-wheel hubs are preferred, whereas e-bikes
with electric power only when the pedals are used prefer the opposite location (pedal assistance).

3. Methodology

As the name implies, the folding treadmill e-bicycle can be driven by either a treadmill or an electric motor,
depending on the user's preference.The treadmill's frame is made up of two different pieces that are connected
together by hinges. When we unfold the frame into a working treadmill, the hinges are positioned in such a way that
it operates as a single frame, providing support to the treadmill. When we fold the frame, the treadmill that is resting
on top of it folds in the same pattern as the frame.
When the treadmill frame is unfolded, the bicycle's wheelbase elongates, limiting the treadmill's use in congested
circumstances. In this mode, the bicycle is powered by human effort in the form of moving the treadmill. The human
effort or the power is transferred from the treadmill to the rear wheel with the help of 2 stage transmission.

3.1. Calculations
A. CENTER OF MASS

Figure 1 . Forces when cycle on a horizontal plane Fig 2 . Forces when cycle on an inclined plane

The Calculated position of CoM from the front axle is a=210.3mm, b= -0.025mm.
 B. TRANSMISSION
Calculations for the transmission system from treadmill to rear wheel:
Human effort on the treadmill is responsible for the motion of the bicycle. When the user applies energy to
move the treadmill, the direction of rotation of the treadmill is such that if the direct single-stage transmission is
provided from the treadmill to the rear wheel, it would result in the bicycle moving backward. To avoid this effect,
the direction of rotation needs to be opposed so that the bicycle will drive in the forward direction when the user
gives inputs on the treadmill.
The transmission system consists of 2 stages of which one is the combination of 30 and 20 tooth spur gears and
the stage is chainring and sprocket. In the first stage, the driven gear is fitted onto the shaft extended from the roller
of the treadmill which has a speed equivalent to that of the treadmill. The driven gear is smaller than the driving
gear which ensures an increase in speed by a factor of 1.5.
To make sure no turning off the treadmill while it is in folded condition, a wheel sprocket with an inbuilt
freewheel mechanism. Following are the calculations of the Transmission from the driving treadmill to the driven
rear wheel.

Treadmill Shaft Idler Shaft Rear Axle

Formulation (Speed of treadmill) / ( Dia of - N (treadmill shaft) * - N( idler shaft)* Teeth ( Chainring) /
Treadmill roller) Teeth ( Gear 1) / Teeth Teeth( sprocket)
(Idler Gear)

Speed (rpm) 59 -88.5 128.7277

Table 1. Speed Calculations and Gear Ratios

Stage 1 : Gear Ratio = 1.5

Stage 2 : Gear Ratio = 1.45

Initial Speed on Treadmill = 6.75 kmph ( Average Human Walking Speed )

Speed of Bicycle = 16 kmph

C. SELECTION OF MOTOR AND FORCES CALCULATIONS

Figure 3 . Forces acting on a bicycle

 Particular Mass (Kg)

Bicycle Assembly 10

Motor & Motor Kit 06

Cyclist 80

Power Control 01

Total Weight 97

Table 2. Gross weight to be considered for selection of motor

Forces Acting on a Bicycle-

m= Weight of bicycle
F= Propulsion Force
µ = 0.7
Cd= 1.1

F = mg sinØ + mgcosØ µ + 0.5** Cd*v^2*S

F = (97)*cos(20)(0.7) + 97*sin(20) + 0.5(4.4)^2*1.2*1.1*(0.7*1.21)
F = 5.8006+67.76+10.82
F = 84.38 N

3.2. Simulation

Figure 4. Proposed Cycle

Figure 5. The frame of the Cycle

Figure 6. Transmission

Figure7. Conveyor
 Figure 8.a. Folding Mechanism

Figure 8.b. Folding Mechanism

4. Results and Discussion

In this project, we have made an attempt to implement and combine two solutions in one model, such as a foldable
treadmill and, in some cases, a regular bicycle. As a result, the user can work out while using it for transportation. In
our model, the incremental drive is used (all calculations are mentioned above), so that while walking on the
treadmill, the cycle travels a few km. Its folding feature allows the assembly to be more compact and portable.

5. Conclusions
Thus, the project we worked on and developed appears to be a significant solution for increasing the usability of
conventional treadmill bicycles. This not only ensures consumer satisfaction but also ensures comfort by utilizing an
electric motor anytime the user desires more results with minimal effort.
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