Hard times for energy in Europe: we are approaching a complicated winter, and not just for gas. Petrol is also causing some headaches, especially for the French who have been queuing (sometimes uselessly) at the pumps for two weeks. Tomorrow our friends from beyond the Alps will even go on a general strike to try to change the situation.
What if we just put the car aside? While we reflect on everyday sustainable alternatives, I'll distract you a bit with this "super" alternative. A pedal-assisted camper bike... from the sun! I find it absolutely brilliant.
What is the GoCamp camper bike?
This strange contraption is a combination of two solutions developed by the Dutch manufacturer GoLo. In this case, the GoLo pedal assisted e-bike and the small GoCamp trailer. Together they are a dynamic duo able to offer (according to the manufacturer) almost all the comforts of a tiny house. More tiny than house, to be honest: don't I get claustrophobic?
There's only one way to find out. And in GoLo they ensure that if we get over the first impact, this single camper is functional and comfortable enough. An ideal single-seat mobility solution. I liked this other one too, so to speak.
How is it built?
The mini camper is a removable module that sits on top of the pedal assist cargo bike. He has a (small) palmares of 500km already traveled on the road. Created by the brothers Andre and Arjan Vrielink of Flevobike Technology, currently serves as a promotional vehicle for all the technology developed. All together, this "pedals in hand" solution costs around 10.000 euros. Stuff for strong palates, and courageous choices.
Inside the module, there are two seats available around a folding table, which becomes a sleeping area for one person. The equipment is minimal but not too much. It has an 85×220 centimeter mattress, a mosquito net, a window and a small ventilation system. The multifunctional table can also be used outdoors by simply hooking it to the frame on the side. There is also a small 60W built-in fridge and a storage compartment. Or rather two: below and above the sleeping area. What else? A small drawer that can hold the spare tire and the essential tools for every cyclist. Finally, the camping trailer is equipped with lighting, a USB socket, a 12 V socket and even a 220 V socket.
On a technical level? Assisted pedaling, and then?
The GoCamp is equipped with a 250 W motor, the maximum electric assistance authorized by European legislation for those who intend to drive a vehicle without a license. Then it has a 1.000 Wh battery.
The ride, I was saying, is "assisted by the sun" because the vehicle is also equipped with 400 Wp of solar panels which give it an autonomy of 50 km per day. Optionally, you can get a linear hybrid transmission (Bike2 generator on the cranks and two motors with Grinn hub in the rear wheels) or a chain transmission (Bafang central motor with Enviolo Cargo Automatiq gearbox and Samagaga rear differential). Other specifications can be found on the Official site by GoLo.
I'll be honest: it's still not clear to me how far the GoCamp will go, but it appears to be of great interest to internet users. At least until they see the price, in my opinion.
Technical features
- Length: 298 cm
- Width: 87 cm (standard version)
- Width: 107 cm (wide version)
- Height: bike without saddle 72 cm
- Height: with seat 136 cm
- Weight: 110-116 kg depending on the transmission (without battery)
- Turning radius: 2,5m
- Content: Collection capacity 400 liters
- Contents: 1400 liter loading container
- Load capacity: 200 kg
- Frame: very solid divisible steel
- Suspension: 4 independent wheels
- Wheels: 20 ″ 406; Heavy duty fiberglass reinforced 10-spoke wheels
- Tires: Schwalbe® Pick-Up 55-406; Ultra strong cargo bike tires
- Brakes: 2 sets Tektro® HD-E745 Auriga Twin + (4-piston caliper brakes for heavy duty, including parking brake function)
- Standard transmission: Bafang® Max drive bottom bracket motor 250W nominal, Enviolo® Automatic (fully automatic continuous gearbox), Samagaga® Heavy Duty differential, KMC® e101 EPT chain
- Optional drivetrain: Bike2® Serial chainless hybrid drivetrain with 2 single-sided Grin® hub motors in the rear wheels (available Q2022 XNUMX)
- Seat: Flevobike® V2 open mesh seat with integrated headrest, stepless quick adjustment from ~ 145cm to 205 in body length
- Standard battery: 1 x Bafang® 43V-750Wh
- Battery Option: 1 x or 2 Kumpan® 52V-1500Wh or 52V-2000Wh batteries