Environmental >> Prometheus Transport
On this page: introduction | specifications | license | project files | demonstration videos
Introduction 
Overview
A pioneer in its own class, Prometheus is the result of careful planning with an eye toward improved longevity, cost effectiveness, and versatility.
The goal was to create a bicycle transport trailer with increased agility, minimal maintenance needs, which could be made in virtually any country with common materials one might find at a junk yard or other materials recycler. The plans were crafted to permit substitution on many parts if supply is a problem. The design also embraces user-friendliness in a way that many haven't, as it's been optimized to use a minimum number of tools for construction and final assembly. Welding is kept to a minimum, but an alternate route in the plans allow the user to finish the trailer without ever needing to pick up a torch or hunt for an arc-welder. You also won't need a machine shop or an expensive garage to build it.
The current version of Prometheus was developed as a grocery and general cargo hauler, which is by far the most common use many bicycle trailers end up in. The design is scalable, but if needed it can also be modified in the planning stage by a competent person to make other types of transport, including bicycle ambulances.
The trailer handles a wide range of variations in seasons and terrain; if you can ride a bicycle through it, chances are your Prometheus will happily follow. Making use of a universal hitch, the system can link to most adult bicycles in the 20 to 28 inch wheel range within minutes, and it doesn't require any permanent modification to the bicycle.
Prometheus uses a 7.2 volt rechargeable power system and LED safety lighting, which quickly announces your presence to other drivers and pedestrians at night. The lighting is available as a bolt-on option and can be reconfigured to suit your needs.
Prometheus easily combines all of these qualities and burns away traditional limits.
The best part is, you can build it yourself ... and I'll show you how.
Specifications
Key Features
- Cost effective construction — can be made for $150 or less (North America prices)
- Hybrid aluminum/steel chassis for long service life
- Uses standard 16 inch bicycle wheels with pneumatic tires
- Capable of operating day and night in most global weather conditions
- Modular design can be converted from flatbed to raised-box in minutes
- Welding can be eliminated if you don't have easy access to a welder
- Capable of handling large, bulky loads
- Low-profile tow bar for better stability and strength
Images
License
All users are required to understand and agree to the license before commencing work or downloading the files. These terms are pretty straightforward and will be clearly explained below. If you have any questions, contact me.
Get the license agreement (21KB, last revised on 2010 Aug 18)
Project Files
All documents are provided in PDF format for easy cross-platform accessibility.
If you don't have the free Adobe Reader on your system, get it here.
Complete ZIP Archive: download (3.69 MB, all project materials)
Promotional Content: Flyer 1 (1.61 MB, 8.5"x11") | Flyer 2 (2.2 MB, 8.5"x11") | JPEG of Flyer 1 (39 KB, 410x531px)
Specifications: complete blueprints (145 KB, 5 pages) | materials list (23 KB, 1 page) | substitutions list (23 KB, 1 page)
Demonstration Videos
Project Introduction
Detailed Walkthrough
Turn Radius and Maneuverability