Gas powered engine horsepower equivalent to electrical motor horsepower?

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Elgin,
...In the operation you are considering, gas power is easier to implement and that is why most designs use that type of engine.... All things considered, the gas powered approach is still the best over all design.

If you want to take an approach looking at the overall design, however, there are several other factors you should consider:

If you should ever want to take the machine on an airplane, let's say to go visit friends or to go to some kind of show or competition or something, no airline will ever let you take a gas-powered device with you. Even if you empty the fuel tank, the residual fuel and fumes represent a hazard that is completely unacceptable to the airlines and federal safety requirements.

On the other hand, if you're in a place with no electricity, you'd be unable to recharge.

Electric motors are usually much quieter than gas motors--a factor your neighbors will appreciate.

Transporting, storing and using gasoline has certain health and safety risks involving toxicity, flammability, and pollution (though if you already have small gas-powered devices such as a lawnmower, you've already taken that step). Of course, batteries have similar problems. Which set of risks would be of greater concern to you?

Gas engines are mechanically more complex than electric, and require more complex maintenance.

You also need to figure out how the control system will work with your setup.

In summary, there are the initial design considerations (What is the most feasible design for your needs?), but there are also the long-term usage considerations (which design will be the easiest to live with over the long haul?).

By the way, I've seen a guy zipping along the Strand in Manhattan Beach on a gas-powered SKATEBOARD. He has a hand-held control (probably the throttle) connected to the board by some type of cable. The little fuel tank is located behind the rear truck. I'm not sure such a device is legal on the Strand, though...