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Open-source micro-mobility

Degree Project 2024

Man Made Donkey is an open-source bicycle cargo trailer. The goal was to create a trailer that is customizable, repairable, and more affordable than commercial options, while also aiming to empower users to gain hands-on skills. By using open-source concepts, the project invites users to add to a growing library of designs and ideas, promoting a culture of cycling instead of relying on cars. The trailer design serves as a versatile platform for unlimited customization, allowing users to tailor their trailers to specific needs and preferences. Through this collaborative approach, the project sought to build a community-driven resource that inspires more people to adopt cycling as a sustainable and practical mode of transportation.

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Project Information

Car free? Road transport accounts for 24% of the EU's total carbon emissions. In London, air pollution claims the lives of 36,000 people each year. And in Sweden, 60% of all car trips are so short they could be replaced by a walk or bike ride of under 15 minutes, so why not go car free?
Through observations and interviews I have noticed that carrying stuff around town often makes people opt for cars.
This project aims to create a bicycle cargo trailer that is repairable and more affordable than competitors, encouraging people to use bicycles instead of cars for daily transportation.

Process

This project was hands-on, centered around creating and testing full-scale prototypes. I built four prototypes and tested them by biking with different loads. Throughout the process, I engaged with users to understand which aspects were easy for them to build and which were not. The aim was to design a trailer so straightforward that users could construct it themselves.

Result

The outcome is a customizable bike cargo trailer that encourages biking over car use. Users can either build the trailer from scratch or purchase it as a kit that assembles like IKEA furniture. My aim is to make bike trailers repairable, cheaper, fully customizable, and a lot more fun!