DIY Solar Bike Trailer: Eco Pioneer

Posted on February 28, 2009 by Derek Markham in Concept+Design, Gear+Gadgets

The Greener Gadgets Design Competition brought tons of great green ideas into the limelight, from composters and Twittering electric metering devices to cardboard computers and public bicycle service systems. One of my personal favorites was the entry by Eco Pioneer, a DIY solar bike trailer. It’s a modern day covered wagon, ready to power your next adventure.

The objective of their design was to help further the educational development of the US population through the creation of a working micro-solar system which can be easily transported to and from grassroots festival events. The frame is a repurposed kid-carrier bike trailer, and the power comes from a 25 watt solar panel on top. Included is an 8 amp battery and a 175 watt power inverter, enabling both an AC and a DC power supply.

The design is meant to be a DIY project, not a production model, although the potential is there to market some version of these to bicycle campers and tourers. The trailer could serve as a dive support center as seen above, or perhaps a mobile presentation module. Can you imagine rolling one of these into the conference room? “Hey guys, ready for my PowerPoint presentation?”

The guys over at Eco Pioneer are truly innovative, designing and building the “Alpha Tent”, the world’s first solar and wind powered mobile shelter, which looks to be quite the hit at events. If you haven’t been to the Eco Pioneer site, please head over there and give them some props!

bicycle, green gadget, Greener Gadgets Design Competition, solar power