Viloriksha or bicycle taxi is a form of public transport. The essence of this type of passenger transportation is simple: a passenger (or even two) moves along the carriageway on a bicycle of a special design, set in motion by the muscular force of the cyclist. Having originated in the East, cycle taxi has now gained recognition in European countries. Is it possible to make a rickshaw on your own in a home workshop?
It is necessary
- - three bicycle wheels;
- - bicycle transmission;
- - metal pipes;
- - multilayer plywood;
- - fasteners (bolts and nuts);
- - angle grinder;
- - welding machine;
- - tools for working with metal;
- - foam rubber;
- - artificial leather.
Instructions
Step 1
Decide on the design of the pedicab. The most common design is on three wheels, designed to carry one or two passengers. In this case, the cyclist is located in the front, and in the back there is a seat for passengers on two wheels. Another design is less common, when the cyclist is behind the passenger seats. The choice depends on your taste preferences.
Step 2
Prepare the tools and materials you need to make the rickshaw. Stock up on a set of bicycle wheels, purchase or use a used bicycle frame, handlebar, pedals, bottom bracket, chain drive. To equip the seats, you will need plywood, foam, fabric and leather (the easiest is to use leatherette). Remember to use the correct sized bolts and nuts.
Step 3
Create a schematic image of the future bicycle taxi, or even better, complete a full drawing on which you will depict all the structural units of the device, taking into account the dimensions of the future transport. It is advisable to draw up something like a flow chart showing the sequence of work on the manufacture and assembly of the structure. It is important that you clearly understand all stages of work.
Step 4
Assemble the pedicab frame. Use the bike frame as a starting point for this by welding additional metal parts to it (according to your drawing). You should end up with a frame that looks like a large tricycle. When calculating the structure, keep in mind that it will have to carry twice or even three times the weight of a regular road bike.
Step 5
Equip the frame with wheels, attach the transmission, including the sprocket to the drive wheels, bicycle chain, pedal gear. Fit the steering; it will not fundamentally differ from the bicycle one. Provide a brake system by duplicating the main brake with a hand brake. It will not be superfluous to provide the rickshaw with the simplest sound signal.
Step 6
Bolt the passenger seat to the base of the structure, making it from a sheet of plywood, upholstered with foam rubber and tightened with a suitable material. For ease of maintenance and cleaning of the seats, provide cover covers made of dense monochromatic fabric. If you wish, you can additionally equip the bike taxi with a canopy that protects passengers from bad weather. Paint the complete assembly in a suitable color. The taxi is ready to take the first passengers.
