Every now and then we get a build that takes completely into the ideas space. Where the limits of what is possible are tested. These Pedal powered stages are a prime example and something of a bucket list build. A space where an entire musical act and set up and perform while being moved around a festival via pedal power!
We were approached by arts group Mona Foma to build a total of 5 mobile stages powered by pedal power. The challenge was like any other cargo vehicle. Maximise the load capacity for the size, and make it adequately powered. Here in lined the challenge! To mobilize a full stage of performers we were going to need 8 human engines to have enough power. We had to find a way simply to do both do this as well as distribute the load over many wheels to create a stable platform.
The solution was to give each rider their own direct driven wheel. Using parts derived from high end drift trikes, we were able to create 8 rider centers which took care of power, load, and braking all in one. To steer it we created geometry for all front wheels with true Ackerman on each!…Very Cool! 🙂
