Ben Wilson came up with the Donky Bike after noticing that mountain bikes were being used on city streets. "Bicycle use in London was growing rapidly, but many of the bikes on the street seemed unsuitable for urban use," he says, explaining that he wanted to combine the load-carrying ability of a Dutch model with the strength and simplicity of a BMX.

The resulting design has compact 20" wheels and is designed to handle well even when moving through traffic at low speeds, as the weight of its cargo is distributed through the steel beam rather than hanging off the handlebars.

Wilson tested different methods of attaching cargo but settled on the standard bungee cord, as it offers the most flexibility and is widely available.

To park up, riders can either lower the footstand or stand the whole thing on end so that it rests on its rear platform and wheel.

It comes in lime green or black. It's also made from widely available components that are easily repaired or replaced, ensuring its longevity.

Wilson studied on the Design Products MA at the Royal College of Art in London before opening his studio in east London. We've featured two of his other projects on Dezeen – a pedal-powered car that's framed by a neon tube light and a unicycle that places its rider inside the wheel.

We've featured lots of other two-wheeled transport on Dezeen, including a folding bicycle with full-size wheels and a road bike with a frame made of steam-bent wood.

Above: photograph is by Jens Marott

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Above: photograph is by Jens Marott

Photographs are by John Selby except where stated.

Here's some more information from the designer:

Donky Bike is a versatile load carrier designed to be ridden easily and safely with whatever you need to take with you. The cargo load is carried on the frame, not the handlebars, so the steering and handling remain light and balanced. The Donky is made with a tough steel frame equipped with simple low maintenance components.

The idea behind Donky bike was to create an affordable, practical bike which has a large load carrying capability. With great handling and steering, even at low speeds through traffic and when loaded with cargo. The idea was to build a bike that will last a lifetime, with durable components that can be added, repaired or replaced anywhere in the world, and is easy to build, ride and maintain. A bike for life, not landfill, a Donky bike is built to last.

The racks on the front and back are removable for storage, and in the future, Donky bike will offer further accessories which will be able to clip onto the frame. Compact strong and easy to ride - Donky is now in stock. One size, two colours.

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by Ben Wilson appeared first on Dezeen.

British designer Ben Wilson has designed a pedal-powered vehicle inspired by a child's toy car.

Called Artikcar, the vehicle is made of steel tubing and has an illuminated profile.

Wilson will present the design as part of two parades in Manchester and Edinburgh, organised by arts company Walk the Plank.

More about Ben Wilson on Dezeen: Monowheel.

Here's some more information from Wilson:

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Walk the Plank’s illuminated Art Car Parades - full of mechanical mischief - will take over Manchester’s streets This Thursday 26th and in Edinburgh this Saturday the 28th November.

Ben Wilson was one of three artists to be awarded commissioning money to create a mobile work of art, which will join the existing troupe of vehicles.

ARTIKCAR is inspired by a child’s wooden toy car. The Pedal Powered vehicle is made from steel tubing, it steers by leaning and uses an innovative technology to illuminate the car.

If you’re near by please come and see the parades:

Illuminated Art Car Parade, Manchester City Centre, Thursday 26th November, cars on display from 3pm, parade from 6.30pm (Cathedral Gardens). FREE TO ALL

Edinburgh’s Homecoming Illuminated Art Car Parade, Edinburgh City Centre, Saturday 28th November, cars on display from 2pm, parade from 5.30pm (The Mount). FREE TO ALL

The illuminated Art Car Parades have been created and produced by outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.

Supported by Art Council England and will be presented in association with Manchester City Council and Edinburgh’s Homecoming celebrations.

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Designer Ben Wilson has produced a monowheel - a cycle where the rider sits inside a large, spokeless wheel.

The cycle was commissioned for the XXIst Century Man exhibition at 21_21 Design Sight in Tokyo.

"As part of the exhibition the 21st century man (showing at 21-21 tokyo midtown until july) I was comissioned to create a new piece of work," says Wilson.

"Ever since cycling for the first time without stablisers I have been fascinated by human propulsion. Over the years the myth of the monowheel has become an equal fascination."

"Since the 1860’s many patents have been filed in the monowheel’'s name and today there are even rumors of a production monowheel in China, but as it stands there is nothing currently available. As we couldn’t buy a monowheel we made one."

"We don’'t suggest for one moment that a functioning human powered monowheel could ever provide an improvement on the modern bicycle. Instead its value comes from the discourse and ideas generated as a result of this research."

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