Mumbai Rickshaws

“Recognizing the role that auto-rickshaws play in sustainable urban transport and meeting daily commute needs in Mumbai will go a long way in improving conditions for drivers, as well as passengers, and will result in social and environmental benefits for Indian cities, as a whole.”

And why not in the rest of the world? Mumbai Rickshaws. Via Emile Hooge. More low-tech cars.

How to Make an Adult Soapbox Kart

adult soapbox cart

“This guide will teach you the basic aspects you’ll need to consider to make yourself a road-worthy gravity-powered vehicle. Full suspension on gokart wheels, driver restraints, a ridgid frame with roll bar, and balanced drum brakes are features of the example kart I’ve built that weighs in at under 100lb.”

Of course, this thing only works downhill and is useless as a practical means of transport. But could we please get rid of the Indy 500 and the Formula One circus and race these karts instead? Seems like a lot more fun to me. Previously: DIY replicas of 1930s race cars.

Tricycle with Foldable Fairing

The Hase Klimax has won the Eurobike 2010 award. The Klimax is a recumbent trike with a foldable fairing and electric assist. Beats any electric city car in terms of efficiency.

Hase-bikes-klimax-4Hase-bikes-klimax-5

Hase Bikes

Overview of Early Electric Trucks (1907 Catalog)

early electric trucks

[Read more…]

DIY Replicas of 1930s Race Cars

DIY Replicas of 1930s Race Cars

CycleKarts are small, lightweight, nimble machines made by their drivers for the pursuit of motoring sport. They’re not serious speed-machines or status-generating show cars. They’re purely for the gritty fun and satisfaction of tearing around in a machine you’ve built yourself. Their name originated from the use of bicycle or motorcycle tyres. More.

Related: How to make an adult soapbox kart.

Post-Oil Automobile Drives on Wood

Woodmobile joost conijnJoost Conijn travelled through Europe with a wooden car burning wooden fuel.

Update: “Wood gas vehicles: firewood in the fuel tank“.