Cycle trailers
ITDGPractical Action have developed a range of cycle-based transport to address different transport needs in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Kenya.
The project has developed a two-wheeled iron trailer that can be attached (via a hitch behind the seat) to a bicycle and be used to carry heavy loads (up to around 200kgs) of food, water or even passengers.
Local people can now carry three times as much as before and still pedal the bicycle.
Cycle trailers are used for transporting goods by local producers, as ambulances, mobile shops, and even a mobile library in one instance in Sri Lanka.
The cycle trailers are made in small village workshops from iron tubing, which is cut, bent, welded and drilled to make the frame and wheels.
Modifications are also carried out to the trailers in these workshops at the request of the buyers.
Further reading: two Technical Briefs are available to download:
- Bicycles - a general overview of possible modifications to standard bicycles, covering bicycle extensions, carriers and bicycle taxis
522k - Bicycle trailers - the benefits of bicycle trailers and how to make them 647k
NB: these are large files, and will take around two minutes to download on a 56k modem.
Read more about bicycle taxis on the Technology for Sustainable Livelihoods website, featuring a case study from 