Something I've noticed about going car[less]

There aren't many inexpensive options for something like in this picture. Sure, walking or biking is cheap, but carrying stuff, that's trickier.

I have a great electric kick scooter (charged by solar), and since the grocery store is only a couple of miles away, I figured shopping without a car would be pretty simple.

I've walked there before, but with the heat lately, I wanted a way to carry larger grocery loads so I'd have to make less trips. I don't really wanna have to use my car. I assumed there would be small cargo trailers made for kick scooters.

Turns out, not really. Most trailers are designed for bicycles or larger motorcycle-style scooters.

I found a few niche options people have built themselves, but they're either more expensive than I wanna spend or require more fabrication skills than I have.

I've decided to try building one myself, but yeah, that's gonna take some time since I'm new at the whole "just build your own shit" brigade.

As you all know, here in the US, living without a car is possible, but it often isn't very convenient. The infrastructure and products just aren't designed with that lifestyle in mind.

(Shout out to my downvote stalker. Right on schedule! Thanks for keeping me in your mind all day. LMAO)

122 points · 61 comments · view on lemmy.world

61 Comments

garbagebagel@lemmy.world · 26 pts · 20d (2 replies)

As a scooter rider myself, this setup seems unwieldy. My back tire already has a mind of its own and turning can be an absolute pain sometimes, I can't imagine trying to also haul a bunch of shit behind me as well. IMO scooters just don't have what it takes to do this kind of hauling safely.

I use a large backpack and will tie smaller bags on either side when I do a big shop, or I just take the bus. Though I understand quick and reliable buses aren't really a thing in a lot of the US so, sorry for you.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 7 pts · 20d

Good points. I am lucky because my area is very scooter friendly when it comes to smooth sidewalks and streets. Plus I don't go very fast, so I haven't had any issues. But you may be right about what a trailer would do. Thank you!!

a_non_monotonic_function@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 19d

Imma do a slight jump into a curb and completely fuck my shit up all over the ground. XD

tanisnikana@lemmy.world · 21 pts · 20d (1 reply)

I got a downvote stalker too. I think mine’s just a regular old transphobe though.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 20 pts · 20d

Oh, mine is a transphobe who used to run a conservative comm here on Lemmy. So even more lame! lol

Maybe we can trade!

davel@lemmy.ml · 19 pts · 20d (12 replies)

Shout out to my downvote stalker.

It’s a lemmy.today user, so you may want to take it up your admins. They’re also reporting you for being a “DonaldJMusk astroturfing account.”

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 10 pts · 20d

Yeah, he's been following me around for almost a year saying that. It's been disproved many times, and I don't even post any content that DJM would even like. How would I be a sockpuppet account since I don't post the same content or even know, see, or care what DJM posts? lol

So the stalker just follows me around and downvotes whatever I say regardless of content.

Looks like my stalker was a mod of a former conservative community on here, so he seems upset that I post left-leaning articles? Or he hates me because I'm socialist? Or he doesn't like solar power? No clue. I can't seem to understand his beef. But the dude will downvote and then rush to send me the "popcorn" emoji in DM's. LMAO

Some Lemmy's just gotta be creepy I guess. lol

SatansMaggotyCumFart@piefed.world · 5 pts · 20d (10 replies)

That's because they are.

The original PapaSkwat got banned for being a dick to DJM and they took the name as a trophy.

davel@lemmy.ml · 12 pts · 20d (8 replies)

This is the least dramatic Lemmy drama 🥱

NewPerspective@lemmy.today · 0 pts · 20d

Ban us both. I couldn't care less, but you'd see a half dozen sock puppets start stress posting in lemmy.today/c/news, DJM is behind every single account in there. It's pitiful.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · -1 pts · 20d (6 replies)

And yet they are all so obsessed. We have a dictator running the US, economy is in shambles, world is dying of heatstroke, but people are spending their time making up shit on Lemmy.

Ok, I guess. Not something I'd spend my time doing, but oh well...

SatansMaggotyCumFart@piefed.world · 5 pts · 20d (5 replies)

Some people can pay attention to multiple things.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 20d (4 replies)

And lots of people people don't. lol

SatansMaggotyCumFart@piefed.world · 3 pts · 20d (3 replies)

lol. rofl even.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · -1 pts · 20d

roflmao even!

NewPerspective@lemmy.today · 3 pts · 20d

I appreciate your 2 cents

lemonwood@lemmy.ml · 13 pts · 19d (2 replies)

They are expensive, but in Germany, every leftish person dreams of co-owning an electric cargo bike like this within their shared flat:

I even know two such groups who are living the dream (not in my city though).

CheerfulPassionFruit@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 19d

They are so expensive, like 7000 eur expensive. They are really nice and I want one.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 2 pts · 19d

That looks fucking sweet!!

grue@lemmy.world · 11 pts · 20d (1 reply)

Most trailers are designed for bicycles or larger motorcycle-style scooters.

I think there's probably a good reason for that. Among other things, your trailer would have to connect so close to the ground that you'd probably high-center going up even shallow ramps. Balance (both your balance riding the scooter and the front-rear weight distribution on the scooter + trailer combo) might be an issue, too.

What's stopping you from getting a bike and attaching a trailer to that instead? (Or getting a cargo bike, for that matter?)

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 20d

Good points. Mostly because I have a nice scooter that gets me everywhere. I have a back-up car. I don't really wanna add a bike into the mix. But you have a good point so I may revisit that plan. Thanks!

picnic@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 11 pts · 20d

Electric cargo bike? Like https://www.urbanarrow.com/

Had one of those, I really liked it. It was expensive, though.

quick_snail@feddit.nl · 8 pts · 19d (1 reply)

After you build this, you're going to know why nobody sells them.

Please post a follow up with everything you've learned.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 0 pts · 19d

Good points! Well with my building skill, it's doubtful I'd get one working. But you make a good point about maybe that's the reason they are not sold!

namezukurz@discuss.tchncs.de · 7 pts · 20d (1 reply)

So whats wrong with a bike instead of scooter? In the US the electric conversion kits for normals bikes are probably more relaxed than here, i.e. easier to do.

For me is also thought about getting a bike trailer and then maybe buy an electric bike down the road.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 19d

Nothing wrong with it, I just didn't have one. But my friend is giving me their ebike, so my problem is probably solved now. Thanks

JeSuisUnHombre@lemmy.zip · 7 pts · 20d

Just pondering, modify a bike trailer? Whether that be connecting down to the scooter that way, or adding an upright piece to the scooter so the connection sits higher, or even attach it to a belt you wear. I don't know about what other commenters are saying, but just wanted to throw some ideas out there

memfree@lemmy.ml · 7 pts · 19d (3 replies)

Wouldn't it be easier to modify a bike trailer than start from scratch? I've no experience with this, but I'd presume one of the axle connector models might be fitted with some imaginary custom peg to account for the few inch height difference. Obviously trailers that connect up by the bike seat would not work, but what about this sort of model? Also, does searching for "scooter trailer coupler" help?
pic this one has its own kickstand --> pic Or maybe just flip the post on a model like this? pic

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · -2 pts · 19d (2 replies)

Those are all pretty expensive, but maybe I can find a used one. Thank you!

memfree@lemmy.ml · 3 pts · 19d (1 reply)

Yeah, they trend over $100, but I was thinking the wheels and all would end up costing almost as much. I know nothing about this companies and this is NOT a recommendation (cuz how would I know?) but here's two random links (also, I added a pic to the initial post):

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · -2 pts · 19d

I've done some more research since my post and I think I have some more ideas now too. Thank you!

Sandouq_Dyatha@lemmy.ml · 6 pts · 20d

Find out how to toktokify a scooter

whotookkarl@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 6 pts · 19d (1 reply)

Depending on your capacity needs maybe it would be easier to attach a bag to the handlebars where there's more stability and control, something like this

kick scooter with bag attached to the handlebar post

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 19d

I'll try that, but my brain seems to think that would be less control. But I'll see what I can do. Thanks!

OwOarchist@pawb.social · 6 pts · 20d (1 reply)

Just wear a big backpack.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 20d

I do.

TropicalDingdong@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 20d (3 replies)

bruh ready for his cross country journey.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 20d (2 replies)

Let's do it! lol

maniacalmanicmania@aussie.zone · 4 pts · 20d (1 reply)
PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 20d

Let's make a bunch of them solar powered and start a convoy! Let's dooooo it!!

olafurp@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 20d (1 reply)

I'd suggest a backpack for carrying stuff. It can be a bit awkward when you carry more than 10kg or when buying toilet paper. For bulky light stuff some sort of straps might work though.

If you want to increase the capacity permanently to dishwasher level then a cargobike with strapping becomes the only option. These are usually about a 10% of a price of a car with no running costs so if it prevents you from getting one it's actually a very cheap option.

quick_snail@feddit.nl · 3 pts · 19d

This, but make sure the pack has an aluminum frame. You want all the weight on your hips, none on your shoulders

quick_snail@feddit.nl · 4 pts · 19d (6 replies)

Why not get a good 70L backpack with an aluminum frame?

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 0 pts · 19d (5 replies)

I may try that. Thank you!

eldavi@lemmy.ml · 5 pts · 19d (4 replies)

another thing people fail to consider is inclement weather.

how is that backpack going to fit with a thick/heavy coat on? will it slip off in the rain/snow?

i your shoes, i would model whatever i build after studying what bicycle dependent places in europe or far east asia have done.

quick_snail@feddit.nl · 3 pts · 19d (1 reply)

Lol wut? Yes, a good backpack will work with a heavy coat.

eldavi@lemmy.ml · 3 pts · 19d

not if both your body plus the coat doesn't fit the backpack and especially so if you're moving a lot and it's wet outside

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 0 pts · 19d (1 reply)

Thanks! I have a back-up car, but idealy, I'd love to work a system I can use year round. Thank you!

eldavi@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 19d

i ended up creating the same backup or myself and it troubles me that the 2 best mass transit systems in this country are incapable of offering this capability where other mass transit system in the world have no such issues.

ptc075@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 19d (1 reply)

I think you're going to find that your scooter isn't really up for pulling much more weight beyond yourself.

If you are unlucky enough to cross that first hurdle, I fear you will quickly discover that the brakes are not able to stop the inertia once you get going.

I wish you the best of luck. Please keep safety in mind.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · 0 pts · 19d

Good points. My scoot does seem pretty powerful, and I was more or less just gonna haul groceries on it, just more than I can fit in a backpack, but you bring up good points as I have no experience with hauling anything behind it. Thank you!

unexposedhazard@discuss.tchncs.de · 4 pts · 20d (2 replies)

A 3D printer is your best friend for projects like this imo. You can get a used one that is still decent for like ~200$ usually. Maybe dont use for heavily loaded parts but for everything else its great.

SaveTheTuaHawk@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 19d

3D printed plastic is a horrible idea unless you use special printers and engineering filaments that cost a fortune. Unless you just want to prototype a metal part eventually made by an online service like PCBway.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · -1 pts · 19d

Thanks!

56_@slrpnk.net · 3 pts · 20d

Could you maybe attach one of these to the scooter? I have no idea how scooter trailers connect. One of them things with 2 wheels for moving heavy things. Idk what they're called.

mistermodal@lemmy.ml · 3 pts · 20d (1 reply)

downvote stalker

Check the # of comments made by the people who reply to you. If they're from certain instances, & are in the thousands with no posts, well... I won't spoil the mystery.

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · -1 pts · 19d

Oh, no mystery. I know exactly the types that have no lives and stalk people. My sister-in-law works in mental health. I've definitely heard some stories from her and recognize the patterns. I just hope the lonely guy gets the mental help he desperately needs!

Swedneck@discuss.tchncs.de · 3 pts · 18d (1 reply)

I think the main problem is that scooters just aren't designed for this, at all. They're wholly dedicated to transporting one person with the smallest vehicle possible (while being easy to use, unlike onewheels or skateboards).

As soon as you go up to a normal bike you can start hauling a perfectly reasonable amount of stuff by just attaching a basket on the front and rear, though yeah bike trailers really should be half as expensive as they are..

PapaSkwat@lemmy.today · -1 pts · 18d

My scoot is pretty heavy duty and powerful. I was really meaning just one or two bags of groceries. Just enough that it's uncomfortable to fit into my backpack, but nothing super heavy. 2 gallons of milk, cans of veggies, bread, etc. My trip to store is on smooth sidewalks. 1. 3 miles. Flat area.

I jury rigged up something last night using a friends cloth wagon, and attached it to my belt. And it worked just fine, so I may just stick with that. Just looks silly, so I'm still gonna work on a better solution. Thank you!