Carla Cargo trailer

[LockH]

"Carla Cargo trailer gives your bike (or body) serious electric muscle"
http://www.gizmag.com/carla-cargo-bike-trailer/43044/

More than just cutesy front baskets and simple rear racks, bicycle cargo hauling has become serious business. Joining big-load tools like the Velove Armadillo, the German-designed Carla Cargo electric bicycle trailer upgrades your bike for loads up to 330 lb (150 kg) and 53 cu ft (1.5 cu m). Not only can it power those loads behind your bike, but it also unhitches and rolls as a powered hand truck.

The e-drive system offers a power-start function (up to 1 mph/6 km/h) to get the heavy load rolling from stop. A crank sensor on the cyclist's bike tracks pedaling, adjusting motor output accordingly, just like a pedelec bike. The front wheel-mounted motor provides 250 watts of continuous power, supporting speeds up to 14 mph (23 km/h). So all that cargo rolls along smoothly without weighing the cyclist down like a school bus strapped to a strongman.

The swappable 11 Ah lithium battery offers up to 25 miles (40 km) of range. There's also a 15 Ah (37 mi/60 km) battery upgrade available.

http://www.carlacargo.de/en/

... and on FacePlant:
https://www.facebook.com/CarlaCargoTrailer/

Looks like motor and bits from these folks:
http://elfkw.at/

 

[amberwolf]

more importantly

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.werkstatt-lastenrad.de%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DBauanleitung_Carla_Cargo_Crowd&edit-text=

 

[gogo]

I saw this earlier today and have been thinking about it. I like it. Keeping the trailer brakes in good working order would be critical, though. There's some interesting braking dynamics to consider.

 

[LockH]

more importantly

https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.werkstatt-lastenrad.de%2Findex.php%3Ftitle%3DBauanleitung_Carla_Cargo_Crowd&edit-text=

ACK! So, watt the heck??? What's this... Send in yer money for a box of parts? ... and assembly instructions? (nice t-shirt extra) Or?

-signed
Confused

 

[craneplaneguy]

Speaking of "interesting dynamics, I did a test run using my Travoy trailer with my 8 gallon fuel bladder as cargo. This is my system for getting more gas for the plane while "on the road." I rode up at a fair bit of speed, as the whole idea was to vigorously test how it handled. I did some slaloms and generally gave it a good work out, it handled great. Until I braked pretty hard, while at the same time swinging one leg over the seat prior to dismounting, so unloading the seat. The entire rear wheel came off the ground about 6"! So, note to self, " when hauling fuel or anything else that weighs 50 to 60 lbs. on the Travoy, keep your ass in the seat when braking."

 

[gogo]

Speaking of "interesting dynamics, I did a test run using my Travoy trailer with my 8 gallon fuel bladder as cargo. This is my system for getting more gas for the plane while "on the road." I rode up at a fair bit of speed, as the whole idea was to vigorously test how it handled. I did some slaloms and generally gave it a good work out, it handled great. Until I braked pretty hard, while at the same time swinging one leg over the seat prior to dismounting, so unloading the seat. The entire rear wheel came off the ground about 6"! So, note to self, " when hauling fuel or anything else that weighs 50 to 60 lbs. on the Travoy, keep your ass in the seat when braking."

Yes, that's the concern I have. Maybe a weight distributing hitch would help and also provide a mechanical limit to possible lift.

There don't seem to be many examples of powered trailers. Maybe low-powered and low-speed can be the exception.

Check out this trike with fifth-wheel hitch:
https://translate.googleusercontent...=ALkJrhiL-kIT438lZtjXIq1O47cucjnRXA#more-1403

 

[cavallo pazzo]

Bought one a cargobike festival in Nijmegen.
Nicely done, automatic brakes when trailer pushes. Added regen on my own for all wheel braking.
No brake lift as long as you stay seated, as underlined before; seems safe to drive.

 

[WoodlandHills]

Question, would a geared hubmotor fit into a wheelbarrow wheel and could you fit enough batteries into the hollow arms of the handle or strap onto the sides to make it a useful tool around the farm and job site?

 

[amberwolf]

Something like that has been done, but batteries must be placed above the axle of the motor, or beside it, or else it just makes it harder to lift, especially if you put them as far away from the fulcrum (axle) as the handles.

 

[Eteck]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMU0dI6H5MY

 

[LockH]

[youtube]2CsMzv99QtA[/youtube]