One thing I do remember, do not stop the treadle by putting your foot underneath the peddle! LOL
Having lived for over a year with no electricity I can tell you it's not at all cozy and quiet living the simple life. The nostalgia wears mighty thin in a few weeks. When we did get power, it was solar. Solar power is not that reliable or great. Even the water heater was solar. I hated it. Sold the 'homestead' and moved to the city!