Converting a Scooter Motor to Generate Electricity—Can I Power My Essentials?

In this video, I’ll walk you through my DIY generator build using a 350-watt DC brushed motor from an old electric scooter and a 3HP Predator engine. This project came about because my neighborhood frequently loses power due to falling trees during thunderstorms. Instead of constantly relying on our neighbors for backup power, I decided to build my own generator to keep essential appliances running during blackouts.

I’ll show you each step of the build process, from mounting the motor and engine to aligning the pulleys and tensioning the chain. By the end, you’ll understand how a simple DC motor can generate electricity and how you can apply these same principles to build your own backup power solution.

If you have any questions or need clarification on any part of the build, feel free to drop them in the comments below!