Aim

To create a light weight 4 wheel bike, that can go off-road, be built at home, adapted for disability use and most of all is fun

Cycling is energetic, healthy and fun. But not everyone gets to cycle. What I have dreamed about is to build a bike that makes cycling accessible to a whole bunch more people. I also dreamed about building a bike where my daughters cycle alongside me.

I like the idea of a tandom but they never seem that friendly. I like the idea of some 4 wheel pushbikes but they're heavy, difficult to make or costly to buy.

So I set out to build a bike that could be built at home. Using everyday materials. A bike that would be fun and could be used by all the family.

The Pedalstar was born. We have built it from the ground up using uPvc, glue and standard bike parts. You can build this at home.

Why?

When we looked at four wheel pushbikes we discovered welded metal bikes that weighed a lot, weren't that stylish and couldn't go off-road. Basically you cycled them along the sea front.

What we wanted to build was a bike that could be cycled by able and disabled body folks sat alongside each other. 

We set about building a bike that could be built by folks at home. We wanted to build something that families could use. We wanted to build a bike that could 'pedaled' by all. As you can see from the videao we have a prototype built. This is actually our second build. We discovered the first build was too high and we ended up cutting and sticking elements to get it structurally sound. Now we have a chassis that works well, we have steering that is positive and braking!

How will your money be spent?

We want to do 3 things:

1. Develop a better drive train. Currently we can pedal the bike but we can't change gears. We want to try a couple of options that will enable us to add gearing. We also would like to add an electric engine to the mix.
2. We would like to build an aluminium option. Aluminium is much stronger than uPvc and can take greater stress. In order to give the bike real welly (downhill very fast) we need to try different construction methods. Also we want to try to source metal that we can join with glue.
3. We want to develop hand controls. For the bike to become fully accessible we need to add hand controls. This would mean reaching our goal to make the bike usuable by disabled folks. It would be exciting to add this ability.

Is there a market?

I had a conversation with the Chair of a Cornish disability charity and when she heard about what we were trying to do she was very excited. She initially thought she would just raise funding to purchase a load but as we talked more she realised that the construction method could be added to the project. Purchasing plans and possibly parts would enable them to work to build the bikes themselves. Yes there would be savings but importantly there would be a community feel to the project. People building their own bikes and then riding them.

And this conversation has spurred me on. But I have had many more. I have chatted to parents who would love to use the bike to get their children to school. It would save on car use but also add a time where parents could just chat. 

For me personally it has meant so much to be out cycling with my daughters. It has been fun. And they love it. They love reaching for the pedals and helping me. 

I believe that the options we offer make this project more than simply the purchase of a bike, it makes it a family affair.

What are the options?

It would be easy simply to say, "Buy our bike". But we wanted more so we thought we would offer a variety of options to people who wanted the bike.

1. Plans. This option provides you with a set of plans that would enable you to go out and purchase either uPvc or Aluminium. You can decide whether to glue or to weld. You can adapt and add. For instance you might want the electric motor. Ultimtately the plans allow you the broadest scope when it comes to building the bike.
2. Plans + material. This option provides an added extra. We would source the material for you. We can purchase in bulk and therefore drive the costs down and pass these savings on. At the moment it would just be uPvc but in time we could offer this in aluminium as well. Again this option like no 1 is a build it yourself option. But you wouldn't have to source material, just bike parts.
3. Plans + material cut to size. This option means we get everything cut to size and numbered. Again a self-build option.
4. A uPvc bike fully constructed and ready to use. We almost don't want to offer this! We want the build to be part of the fun but we recognize that some people won't have the skills or the time to construct. So we thought we could build it for them. We could add extras like the electric motor and hand controls.
5. Our final option is to build a bike out of aluminium. Similar to option 4 but stronger material. Again we could add extras.

Not just a set of plans! We will send you a set of plans for you to use to build your own bike. However, we will also include our mobile number and email address. Whilst we cannot guarantee full availability we will endeavour to help you as much as we can. For those who require additional help, we will happily help you with your build. We have a large shed which can be used to build your bike. We have all the tools needed and bike parts can be bought locally. We are happy to accommoate families. We will not be charging for this service to anyone people who pledge. It will be an added extra once the project is launched. A bike can be built in 2 days. Our project is located in Lostwithiel, Cornwall and you will need to travel to us. If you are coming from afar we can arrange accommodation and we can also accommodate weekend working.

I am also happy to offer workshops on building the bike. The idea behind this is that maybe several people will get together and want to build the bikes. I am happy to travel but will need to charge for my time and travel costs. Please contact me if you are interested in this option to discuss it further.

What do we get out of it?

I am a youth worker. I have already used the project to explore a variety of things with young people. They have been involved in the construction and developing the idea further. We want to teach them business and marketing skills along with providing good customer service. 

I also get a bike out of it and fun with my children. They have been testing it as well and loving it. My four year old just loves steering! We just have to make sure nobody is near when she does!

I get the satisfaction. One day I want to be part of a team of able and disabled folks who ride from John O'Groats to Lands End. That will be a moment of pure joy.

When will you get your pledge?

Plans and parts will be ready immediately. The plans will only include a foot pedal option but when we have developed the hand controls we can send these plans if you require them. 

The uPvc bike can be available immediately. However, if you wish to have gears, an electric motor fitted or hand controls there will be a slight delay as these are developed.

The aluminium bike will be ready by Christmas. The delay will in enable us to develop the aluminium chassis and build and also hand controls, an electric motor and gears.

Our launch day will take place at the end of September in Cornwall, in our woodland site in Lostwithiel. Any donators will be welcomed to attend the event. If you are not able to attend then you can always visit us anytime you want.

This project closed unsuccessfully on 13th December 2013