For a project of The Earth Being, me and a few friends have built a trailer that can be hitched to a bike, to use in the city. Here is how we did this.

We started by searching used bike and bike parts. Then we went to scrapyards, to find interesting parts and why not.. a nice wheelchair!


We also bought two aluminum metal bars, that we installed on the chair, to make the trailer's frame. The hitch was made at the end of the bars, to link the trailer to a standard bicycle luggage rack.

Then we thought to make a "floor" on these two bars to have space to put large furniture and objects, etc.. But we found out that the space between the two bars was "exactly" the same as the width of standard green recycling boxes (Quebec's). Very cool because the boxes are then easily removable...

Our hitch system is also really simple : a wood piece is tightened on the luggage rack while two hooks distribute the tension evenly. It can be installed in a few seconds (this system is not visible on the picture).

We really enjoyed building the trailer. Here's the result : great maneuverability (thanks to the wheelchair), 3 m. of storage space with 3 removables boxes, quick hitch system and a possibility of 3 human "users" (1 on bike, 1 sitting on the wheelchair and 1 standing behind the wheelchair, on small bars that exceed the trailer's length). The whole thing cost 50$ (tools not included) and we used 2-3 afternoons to build and assemble.

If you are curious, the trailer is currently in Montreal and can be borrowed. We use it often to transport the spoils of dumpster diving or to carry heavy items, always towed by a bicycle. The trailer can move loads of more than 200 kg.

Some interesting links to build you own bicycle trailer / cart :

• Bamboo trailer
  
• Recycled trailer
  
• Electric pipes trailer
  
• Community bike cart design