13 Sep, 2016

The Hoopy is a bicycle you can build yourself out of recycled parts and wood

Resource Recovery & Environment Management | FRANCE | 13 Sep, 2016
Published by : Eco Media Asia

If you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight wooden bike that will get attention wherever you ride, the Hoopy might be just what you’re looking for. A lightweight design that can be adapted for adults of almost any height, the Hoopy features a light plywood frame that can be used to store tools, spare tires, or groceries! The flexible frame can even be adapted easily to store a motor in the case of an electric bike.

Now, you can’t simply walk into your local bike shop and pick up a Hoopy. Instead, you can buy a set of detailed instructions that walk you through the process of building your own, from finding the wood to assembling the frame. The entire process can be completed in just two days – the pieces are cut with a drill and a jigsaw, then assembled with a strong but light epoxy glue.

All told, the finished frame weighs only 3 kilos (6.6 lbs). The completed bicycle ends up weighing in the 12-14 kilo (26-30 lb) range. The finished bike can be built to accommodate riders from 1.5 meters (5’2”) to 1.9 meters (6’4”), and can hold up to 200 kilos (440 lbs). Each bike can be further personalized during the design process, with instructions on how to create cut-outs of various shapes. And, of course, the wooden construction allows for a variety of paint or varnish finishes.

Most of the bike can actually be created using parts from salvaged bicycles, further cutting the cost of the build. Depending on the parts you choose to purchase, it’s possible to build a basic Hoopy for as little as £250 ($331). The plans for the Hoopy itself sell for a mere £30. Wooden Widget, the company that sells the Hoopy plan, will even plant five trees on your behalf with any order.

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Article by Julie M. Rodriguez at inhabitat.com
Information and images via Hoppy
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