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Lotusbicycle trailers 1982-1984

A little bit back to my roots

My father ran a motorcycle shop and before starting my studies I was an experienced mechanic, sales man, chauffeur, welder . . . .

He also started an engine overhauling workshop so I became a precision metal worker too.

• But my father also urged me to do studies and I became a professional engineer in Land and Water management.

• When my wife and my son and me came back from 3,5 years in Burkina Faso –where I worked as an erosion control expert- 150 professional engineers were discharged by Arcadis and therefor I could not get a job.

• Then I started my own little company “Lotus bicycle trailers”

• Its aim was to produce comfortable, light weight bicycle trailers that could safely transport two children

This was my business card during the years I developed these trailers.

When I had developed and build three models it was time for promotion!

The “wooden” Lotus IJzerhout: compact, light weight, sympathetic and relatively cheap.

On the road; town by two very different bicyles to emphasize the fact that these trailers could be used behind any bicycle

The Lotus Allure. Very spacy and flashy. With a lock, rear light, a front stand and seat belts.

And: Dutch weather oblige; a rain hood.

Despite the nice products, very good reviews and this nice lady, economy soared up from its 1981 dip and people started buying cars again instead of bicycle trailers!

The workshop that I was allowed to use to weld all parts after cutting, stamping and bending.

The drawing board I used to draw all models. Among others a model specially designed to suit the needs of Dutch Post(wo)men.

The second suspension system I developed (Lotutors®). The need for a belt gave me the idea to make a considerably lighter system

This belt allows 10 cm of suspension travel and secures the trailer against overcharging. I called it Lotugence® (from diligence). It proved to last > 30 years of use.

The frame became lighter and with less bends and the floor of the car became a lot lighter.

Also this was a big improvement compared to the clackering metal towing hooks. I called it the Rubbolastic®.

Friends took one to Guinée Bissau where it served to transport children behind a Mobylette on dust-roads at 50 km/hr.

My last gem: The super light weight (9,5 kg) Lotus Veder.

The Dutch ANWB (compare ADAC, AA) performed a long lasting test and concluded that the trailer was safe, handy and legal.

• The promotional effect of this positive ANWB test was practically 0 (although the ANWB magazine was and is the largest magazine in the Netherlands !. I had to decide to stop my efforts to earn my livings with producing bicycle trailers.

• From the remnants I constructed still some trailers and two car trailers.

• In 2015 I am still using tools I bought to construct the prototypes!

The remnants resulted in nicely build trailers like this IJzerhout with sloping rear AND front sides.

What to think of this sturdy yet light weight self build car trailer transporting Allure cases

The trailer was town by a Renault 4GTL of which I increased the power from 27 to 42 HP by only changing the carburettor. (No chip tuning yet ;-)

After selling the last trailers I wanted to sell this car trailer too. Instead, it was stolen :-( The same week I got an appointment as a soil science teacher!

• And that was the story of the Lotus bicycle trailers.

• Although . . . . . . we are still using a trailer to transport our grand-children!