Would you tow a trailer to extend range?

[linear]

Assuming that you can gear for the load would you tow a cargo trailer with a supplemental battery pack. I have looked at concept a few times in the past and always come to the conclusion that it makes more sense to just add the extra weight to the bike. I also looked at the pusher trailer concept and again found little to be desired there as well. The cargo capacity of the 2 wheeled trailer is quite a bonus though, as a utility vehicle.

 

[John in CR]

I thought about it, but the killer for me was how much easier it is to find a smoother path with a single track. Plus maneuvering a LWB in tight spaces is bad enough, but a trailer would make some things like backing up to turn around pretty crazy. Instead I stretched my bike like an Xtracycle, and installed a motorcycle seat for comfort. My frame is now big enough for 2kwh's of batteries in the trapezoid (no longer a triangle). This errands bike will ultimately have room and power enough for big ole me, 2 kids, and a week's worth of groceries while safely handling 40mph+ with a 50-100 mile range depending upon how I ride. It may be a classified as a motorcycle most places, but here pedals and no gas motor make it legally a bike, and I hope they never get around to changing it.

Also, a long wheel base makes 40mph fun instead of scary like on an upright bike.

John

 

[recumbent]

I think it would be easier and more practical to install a small booster pack of "li-poly" batteries because they're small and light. Then carry a charger for oppertunity charging while eating lunch.

 

[sangesf]

I thought about it, but the killer for me was how much easier it is to find a smoother path with a single track. Plus maneuvering a LWB in tight spaces is bad enough, but a trailer would make some things like backing up to turn around pretty crazy. Instead I stretched my bike like an Xtracycle, and installed a motorcycle seat for comfort. My frame is now big enough for 2kwh's of batteries in the trapezoid (no longer a triangle). This errands bike will ultimately have room and power enough for big ole me, 2 kids, and a week's worth of groceries while safely handling 40mph+ with a 50-100 mile range depending upon how I ride. It may be a classified as a motorcycle most places, but here pedals and no gas motor make it legally a bike, and I hope they never get around to changing it.

Also, a long wheel base makes 40mph fun instead of scary like on an upright bike.

John

John, where do you live?
If you're ANYWHERE in the USA... Anything over 2bhp or that goes more than 20 mph is considered at LEAST a moped by FEDERAL law.

Just lookin' out for ya bro.