American Speedster DIY Side Kick II Quadricycle. An updated version of the Classic Side Kick . Simpler to build and lighter in weigh. This model requires 14 fewer fittings to build.
I built a Sidekick several years ago. Made it look almost exactly like the picture that I saw, even with the same blue paint, (No electric motor). Since I have NO talent with Mechanics I could not figure out the brakes that came with the kit no matter how hard I tried, and so I had to scrap them and use regular 10 speed bike brakes. But then these 10 speed brakes weren't strong enough to stop the vehicle in most cases so I attached a side Fred Flintstone brake that I could pull down in an emergency and scrape against the pavement to stop it, especially if I were coming down a slight hill. But then I had trouble with the drive sprocket in front, (The Spacer actually), always wearing out, and I also could not get the gears to work right so I could never get much speed out of it. Then due to the fact that I got the rear wheels off of alignment just about a 16th of an inch, I always had rear tire blowouts. And so I tried solid rubber tires and could never get them to work either. And nobody in this area from any bike shop, would work on it because I didn't buy it from them. Over all It was fun to build and at least try to make it work, but in the end after trying for several years, I sold it, and at least got my money back. What would be really great is if you made an almost completed car with all the Mechanical stuff done right, so all a person had to do was paint it and add any extras that they wanted such as lights. Yes I did add lights and a forward window. And also, here is one innovation that really worked well, I turned the ends of the handle bars upward on the ends like a pilots steering, because as you have them they kept hitting me in the knees. The upturn on the handle bars really was one of my best innovations, you should try it. *So Get a car kit all Mechanically pre-built, so that the Brakes work and the Gears work, and the Front Sprocket (SPACER) really does work and doesn't wear down fast, and Wheel Axle's are properly aligned, (So that when wheels are attached they don't blow out all the time), and I think you'd have a kit that a lot of people would buy even if it were a little more money for shipping. Think of it; The bottom section with axle's aligned and Brakes installed so they work and well All basic Mechanical parts pre-installed, so that all a person had to do was; build the upper section from their own PVC, and get their own wheels and seat, and just paint it and add any extras that they wanted. Yes, I think you'd have a wining kit that many people would then buy, because they could be assured that all Mechanical parts were per-installed and working. I had a lot of fun building my Side Kick, and it took a lot of effort to get it to go. But it was an experience that I won't forget. So get a Pre-built Mechanical sections car kit available, and I'd buy another one!!! (You could probably ship a Pre-built Mechanical Sections car in a pool table sized box). Steve Nelson And try my newest eBook: www.smashwords.com/books/view/1000821
Steve Sorry you had so much trouble with the build, have sold hundreds of these bikes and this is the only one I know of that could not get the brakes to work. I think the brakes you substituted I passed on because they did not work well. I do not know why you had the tire problems, the minor misalignment would not blow the tires. Wish you would have contacted me with these problems. I have videos to help.
Hello Dan, you made a model 7 years ago (Slick Rock Camp Cycle). I understand, it is 18 inches smaller than the Side Kick. The new Side Kick looks a lot like except for the width and the extra derailleur. Could you give us a little video showing us in action and telling us what you think about it. In any case I congratulate you on this very successful model!
I've wanted to get something like this for a while. I just had a question where to park it. If I ride this to the store for example, would I park at a bike rack or car space?
These are nice but they are not legal to drive anywhere here in Florida. Here is mandated maximum 3 wheels or it needs full compliance with DOT. So, roads are off limits because of DOT, Sidewalks off limits because it's not a bicycle or trike.
Hi have been riding a Side Kick in our Tallahassee neighborhood for 12 years. Only brush with the law was a passing police officer commenting "Nice Bike". There are many golf cart communities in Florida where the side Kick would be a great fit. You can ride and exercise at the same time, of course you could always push a golf cart down to coffee that would be a great work out. A SK can be built for about half the cost of new batteries for a golf cart. Plus the SK is faster.
Dan F, perhaps you could re-design this as a reverse trike so that it can be federally classified as a bicycle. Bikes are up to 3 wheels with assist of up to only 20 mph.
Depends on the state. I have been riding mine on the roads in Florida for seventeen years. Many areas now allow golf carts this is no different. Yes a good idea to stay off I-75.
Niron The bikes could be built with out the pedals and just the electric motor. I guess it would be a wheel chair car. Much better than an e-wheel chair used outside. Regards Dan
That is a 48 volt Magic Pie, delivers 20MPH for about 17 miles on $100.oo worth 14amp/hr batteries. Bought from Golden Motors. I think any 20" rear e-wheel will work.
Hi Jared All the plans are available at americamspeedster.com Yes all the bikes will except an electric motor. I like a 48 volt 1000 watt motor, will climb any hill with two riders. Regards Dan
I make a lot of PVC projects, but this... Good sir, this is legendary. I shall partake in buying your plans for one.
Serio? I chciałbyś takim gównem jedzić po ulicach? Przecież ludzie cię wyśmieją. Nie wstydziłbyś się?
I built a Sidekick several years ago. Made it look almost exactly like the picture that I saw, even with the same blue paint, (No electric motor). Since I have NO talent with Mechanics I could not figure out the brakes that came with the kit no matter how hard I tried, and so I had to scrap them and use regular 10 speed bike brakes. But then these 10 speed brakes weren't strong enough to stop the vehicle in most cases so I attached a side Fred Flintstone brake that I could pull down in an emergency and scrape against the pavement to stop it, especially if I were coming down a slight hill. But then I had trouble with the drive sprocket in front, (The Spacer actually), always wearing out, and I also could not get the gears to work right so I could never get much speed out of it. Then due to the fact that I got the rear wheels off of alignment just about a 16th of an inch, I always had rear tire blowouts. And so I tried solid rubber tires and could never get them to work either. And nobody in this area from any bike shop, would work on it because I didn't buy it from them. Over all It was fun to build and at least try to make it work, but in the end after trying for several years, I sold it, and at least got my money back. What would be really great is if you made an almost completed car with all the Mechanical stuff done right, so all a person had to do was paint it and add any extras that they wanted such as lights. Yes I did add lights and a forward window. And also, here is one innovation that really worked well, I turned the ends of the handle bars upward on the ends like a pilots steering, because as you have them they kept hitting me in the knees. The upturn on the handle bars really was one of my best innovations, you should try it. *So Get a car kit all Mechanically pre-built, so that the Brakes work and the Gears work, and the Front Sprocket (SPACER) really does work and doesn't wear down fast, and Wheel Axle's are properly aligned, (So that when wheels are attached they don't blow out all the time), and I think you'd have a kit that a lot of people would buy even if it were a little more money for shipping. Think of it; The bottom section with axle's aligned and Brakes installed so they work and well All basic Mechanical parts pre-installed, so that all a person had to do was; build the upper section from their own PVC, and get their own wheels and seat, and just paint it and add any extras that they wanted. Yes, I think you'd have a wining kit that many people would then buy, because they could be assured that all Mechanical parts were per-installed and working. I had a lot of fun building my Side Kick, and it took a lot of effort to get it to go. But it was an experience that I won't forget. So get a Pre-built Mechanical sections car kit available, and I'd buy another one!!! (You could probably ship a Pre-built Mechanical Sections car in a pool table sized box). Steve Nelson And try my newest eBook: www.smashwords.com/books/view/1000821
Steve Sorry you had so much trouble with the build, have sold hundreds of these bikes and this is the only one I know of that could not get the brakes to work. I think the brakes you substituted I passed on because they did not work well. I do not know why you had the tire problems, the minor misalignment would not blow the tires. Wish you would have contacted me with these problems. I have videos to help.
hello and congratulations from Chile, this is a great proyect
I got my shirt caught in the version 1 sidekick and had to cut myself loose! Looking forward to building this new version.
This is the first time i have heard of this , not sure how this happened. But glad you think enough of the cycle to build another. Regards Dan
Hello Dan, you made a model 7 years ago (Slick Rock Camp Cycle). I understand, it is 18 inches smaller than the Side Kick. The new Side Kick looks a lot like except for the width and the extra derailleur. Could you give us a little video showing us in action and telling us what you think about it. In any case I congratulate you on this very successful model!
This! I need this!
I can not think of a good reason why everybody does not have one. Keep that thought.
How about a trike, Dan? That would be a great addition to your grouping! Thanks!
Hi The PVC does not lend itself well to a three wheels, because of the twisting force exerted on the frame. Regards
It's very amazing Sir
THIS is more like what I need. Can I purchase the plans online and receive it in West Australia.
I've wanted to get something like this for a while. I just had a question where to park it. If I ride this to the store for example, would I park at a bike rack or car space?
Is the top canopy necessary for structure or can it be made without?
These are nice but they are not legal to drive anywhere here in Florida. Here is mandated maximum 3 wheels or it needs full compliance with DOT. So, roads are off limits because of DOT, Sidewalks off limits because it's not a bicycle or trike.
Guess you’ll have to take it to burning man!
Burning Man always makes me think of the Wicker Man, where they were burning a man.
Hi have been riding a Side Kick in our Tallahassee neighborhood for 12 years. Only brush with the law was a passing police officer commenting "Nice Bike". There are many golf cart communities in Florida where the side Kick would be a great fit. You can ride and exercise at the same time, of course you could always push a golf cart down to coffee that would be a great work out. A SK can be built for about half the cost of new batteries for a golf cart. Plus the SK is faster.
Dan F, perhaps you could re-design this as a reverse trike so that it can be federally classified as a bicycle. Bikes are up to 3 wheels with assist of up to only 20 mph.
Depends on the state. I have been riding mine on the roads in Florida for seventeen years. Many areas now allow golf carts this is no different. Yes a good idea to stay off I-75.
what is the weight limit? do you have a design for an electric wheelchair car?
Niron The bikes could be built with out the pedals and just the electric motor. I guess it would be a wheel chair car. Much better than an e-wheel chair used outside. Regards Dan
What type of electric motor are you using? And where can I find one?
That is a 48 volt Magic Pie, delivers 20MPH for about 17 miles on $100.oo worth 14amp/hr batteries. Bought from Golden Motors. I think any 20" rear e-wheel will work.
@@AmericanSpeedster Thanks Dan! most helpful!
How much does it weigh?
You should do a trike
How can I get a blueprint for this and could you make it electric
Hi Jared All the plans are available at americamspeedster.com Yes all the bikes will except an electric motor. I like a 48 volt 1000 watt motor, will climb any hill with two riders. Regards Dan
Hi can you buy it build already
What is the tubing material? PVC?
This bike is furniture grade PVC, The pipe is actually that color it is not paint. But most bikes are built of schedule 40 PVC and painted.
planning on a trip to port ortchard can i bild one to get me thire from amarillo texas
no! that is 1000s of miles it would take weeks.
How much does it cost?
Hi The curent prices are on the americanspeedster.com site. Regards Dan
How much