A friction bike typically refers to a bicycle equipped with a friction drive motor. This type of motor system uses a roller or wheel that presses directly against the bicycle's tire to propel it forward.
How a Friction Drive Motor Works
Based on the provided information, friction drive motors are designed to mount over either the front or rear wheel of a bicycle. Their key characteristic is that they drive directly on the tire, using friction between the motor's roller and the tire surface to turn the wheel.
Key Characteristics of Friction Drive Systems:
- Direct Drive: The motor makes contact directly with the tire.
- Sprocket Assembly: Friction drive systems do not require a difficult sprocket assembly like chain or belt-driven systems often do.
- Mounting: A friction drive motor requires a special mount to attach it to the bike frame.
- Installation: The mounting hardware for these systems can be a little tough to install.
In essence, a friction bike is distinguished by its unique method of propulsion where the motor transmits power directly to the wheel via friction with the tire, offering a potentially simpler setup in terms of drive train complexity but potentially posing challenges during the initial mounting process.
