A flywheel power unit that can be inserted into a variety of machines. The standardization
of the power unit means that the more expensive gearing, clutch and flywheel components
do not have to be duplicated in each human powered machine. Standard bicycle gearing
components can be assembled with a modified clutch for a typical motorcycle to
create an inexpensive human powered flywheel power unit. As the user pedals, power
is stored in the flywheel. The flywheel axle is connected to a transmission transfer
gear that turns a transmission input gear for a transmission with multiple gears
in a gearing ratio of 10:1 to 0.8:1 (which is typical for a motorcycle transmission.).
A transmission input gear and the transmission transfer gear are approximately
a 1:1 gearing ratio. A transmission output gear is attached to the transmission
that provides power output from the flywheel only when a clutch within the transmission
in engaged. The power unit can be inserted into a wheeled vehicle or used as a
power source for a variety of tools.