/// technical information ///
The chassis of the 8rad is partially inspired by an open source project from n55 in collaboration with Till Wolfer. See xyzcargo

8rad ² solar is equipped with an 1.2kwh solar system (including 4 x 12V 55Ah lead acid batteries) which enables it to drive all day long. equipped with an inverter it provides 230V power supply up to 1100W.

The space is about 8m ² , height 2 meters and removable. total bike dimensions are 5,5m x 2m x 2,4m. It has independent wheel suspension, 8wheels, 4 axles carrying 160kg/axle at sag 40%, equals 2 drivers + 480kg load.

Two drivers pedal independently with a 3x7x5 gear system. Axle 1 and 2 steer, 3 includes powertrain with a differential and a 250W-pedelec-motor. 6 disc breaks in total, on axle 1,2,4. Lights are solar powered, the 8rad fits german 'StVZO' (road traffic licensing regulations).
Quelle: Nico Jungel (+Videos +Text)

Älteres Projekt:
The 8rad is built to challenge our view on cities, space and transport. Its size refers to a parking lot and in traffic. It claims face-to-face the right to the street for bicycles. It's built on the opinion, that (electrical) mobility has to be thought from the point of view of a bicycle. Within cities, cars are way too big and too heavy in proportion to their supply. The 8rad sticks to the vision of cheap transport within clean, quite and safe cities inhabited by happier and healthier citizens. The shown plattform is the beginning of an experimental examination - new developements will be shown here soon.

The chassis of the 8rad is partially inspired by an open source project from n55 in collaboration with Till Wolfer. See xyzcargo

Was it difficult to build?
It was sooo difficult. I had never built a bike before and because I had just moved to Berlin, my friends weren’t there to start a group project. I had to gain all the knowledge, but it’s all on the internet and one just has to combine what is there. I don’t know how people did it before the internet.

I also checked every concrete truck I saw and crawled underneeth them. Learning is super easy today and I can just encourage everyone to watch, read and try.

I failed many times and it was obvious that the project was too big for one person, but once I have something in my mind there is no other way (and yes, I spend way too much money on my projects).

As a sidenote, the 8rad could be even bigger. German traffic regulations only speak of ‘vehicle dimension’ which are 12 meters long, 2.5 meters wide and 4 meters high if I remember correctly. And one shouldn’t be too much concerned with laws when inventing new stuff, laws can be changed…

How is it to bike the 8rad?
It’s pretty easy, it moves when you touch the pedals. Most people are surprised once they start pedaling. Of course it needs mirrors and it takes a lot of space, but supplied with an electric motor (solarpowered ONLY!) one can ride it alone.

Because it has independent wheel suspension it’s super-smooth. I never understood why no one else took the decision to use independent wheel suspension, but recently, some projects (4-wheelers) have appeared.

You call yourself a traffic activist. What does that mean?
I think there has been written and discussed a lot when it comes to city development. Almost everyone is an expert or at least has an opinion when it comes to gentrification.

I always liked the spaces in between things and so the streets are that kind of space for me. I think there should be more protests about traffic/transportation and air pollution in cities. There are more good solutions when it comes to architecture, but very few when it comes to traffic (except in the Netherlands…).
Komplettes Interview: Icebike.org