His Velomobile RV is a bicycle-camper to live (bed, kitchen, WC included)
Micro-shelter super-designer Paul Elkins (his bike campers have inspired a movement in Germany: Fahrradwohnwagen) has created a pedal RV that converts from bike to bedroom to kitchen to bathroom to lounge in a space little larger than his own body, and using the cheapest of materials.
- To watch Paul Elkins-inspired German meet-up of bike trailers and Velomobile RVs derived from Paul's DIY designs in his place near Seattle: 2:52
The Supreme Court is now deciding whether cities can make public "camping" illegal, but what if the homeless had a bike that doubled as a home: a kind of zero-cost vanlife? Paul Elkins has spent several decades creating micro shelter designs that anyone, especially those without homes, can build with free or very affordable materials, and his latest ultra-cheap design is a recumbent bike that can be converted into a bedroom/kitchen/bathroom in minutes. It isn't a permanent solution, but his nomad pedal camper can be made out of old bicycles and discarded campaign signs and is as small and stealth as a covered bicycle.
Elkins used leftover bicycle parts and fluted plastic (which he often recycles from campaign signs) to create a bicycle camper that doesn't tow the camper, but instead brings it inside the bicycle for a hyper-efficient ride. The final bike/camper weighs less than 100 pounds, including kitchen supplies and a sleeping bag. The home converts using plywood panels that can be reconfigured to expose the pedals/handlebars or covered up for sleeping, lounging, or cooking. The shower/bathroom is created using a shower curtain that snaps to the wing door to create a private area for showering (with a solar shower) that can also be used as a sheltered guest room.
Paul’s sketchbooks on human-powered vehicles: elkinsdiy.com/product/sketch-...
To buy Paul’s plans: elkinsdiy.com/product-categor...
Paul Elkins' videos: / @paulwelkinsdiy
German camper meetup (Fahrradwohnwagen) credit: / @alextek .
On *faircompanies: faircompanies.com/videos/boei...
Now to make this for the poor and homeless. It's doable. Low cost, Mass production assembly line like the Model T Ford. Sold in high numbers make a little money on a large number sold. Use city "sweeps", tax money to purchase them as a personally owned property to keep stuff in and safe place to sleep etc. Off grid solar panels on the roof. 🚵♂️🚲🚳🚴♂️🚴♀️🚵❤
And the homeless part them out to sell for drugs, and nothing ever changes.
Because the world needs junkies riding around in three wheeled, plywood deathtraps competing with two ton vehicles.
@@TheLepke2011 It's not made out of plywood sweetheart. You didn't pay attention.
@@climateanxiety2825 Wake up --- 9:24 -- Plywood clearly being cut.
@@Pax.Alotin Wake up sparky. It is made from Coroplast. There are a few plywood pieces, but it is NOT made from plywood.
Kirsten there are no appropriate words to convey how much I enjoy your channel, THANK YOU!
Thanks for taking the time to write. It's really the people who keep creating and innovating that deserve the credit. But I do feel lucky I get to visit.
@kirstendirksen and we're very fortunate that you're able to share so many wonderful ideas, Kirsten. Thank you so much for that
And we are lucky to get to share in your wonderful adventures. Thank you for always bringing exciting and thought provocating subjects to your channel.
His Wacky Wheels inventions never cease to amaze me. It just came to my mind that something based on this concept could be great for a mini food truck.
A lot of the old Vespa 3 wheeler mini delivery vans get converted to mini festival foodtrucks, here in Europe.
Love this. Great job as usual of showing all ways of living. Paul is a genius.
So fun to keep visiting him because he is just constantly tinkering in his garage. Still has more ultra-light boats we haven't shown. He definitely still loves creating.
I have been following Paul for years. Love his innovations!! Thanks for showing us what he’s been up to lately! Great to see that he’s sparked a tiny camper movement. ❤️
I was reading some online forums on the Fahrradwohnwagen (Bike Camper meetings in Germany) and they mention his work quite often. There has obviously been a lot of innovation beyond his beginnings (like the Cybertruck camper), but he really is an inspiration.
What a clever guy!! Very industrious! Love his inventions!!!
I love how he just doesn't stop creating. Or moving. We filmed on a very hot day and he just kept pedaling up those hills... content with his solar-powered fan.
I wish my dad could've seen this. He always designed stuff, made stuff, repurposed stuff for little or no money. But always for us kids, or for my grandparents, or for the property (utilitarian for the ease and safety of others). Personally, he loved to take it slow and explore the outdoors. I can imagine him being impressed with this guy's campers. It's exactly the kind of thing he'd happily use for himself!
Oh, he made a new thing! He has been such an inspiration for decades! ❤
Kirsten, if it hasn't been said already, please think about covering the Bike Nomad convention in Germany. Its something that is completely inline with your audience and channel. Thanks!
Still the best channel on KZhead. I can't articulate why beyond you somehow manage to encapsulate a huge swath of the human experience with each new episode.
Thank you. That was a very thoughtful comment. Or made me think about why I like doing this. I think I am motivated to attempt to figure out/uncover some of that human experience. It's a bit of an impossibility, but even just hearing a small moment of clarity from someone makes it worth trying.
I think it's a lot like SWU. It has become its own thing that transcends the artist themselves somehow. You work for it now😉 But you do good work and it's always fascinating.
I'm so glad you got to speak with him again; so many great ideas. :)
I made my first bicycle camper in 2011....it saved my life several times..from 3 days of pouring rain, to -20C nights! I've made 2 since then...I hate sleeping on the ground lol!
Paul Elkins is a man that neighbours will either love or not. I personally would love to have him as a neighbour. I think that the stuff he is busy with, and the ideas that he has are just so cool. I really like his camper for its simplicity and cleverness - everything has a purpose, and everything is super light whilst not giving up structural integrity or strength. It's really cool - and I think that the fan at the back of his truck is a really fun touch... thanks for sharing such and inspired and inspirational person with us. Really interesting. :-)
I've been following Paul for many many years, he comes up with some great innovative ideas. Though not always fully practical, but still fun, like his tiny coroplast boats. His homeless shelters are also very ingenious and useful.
"where as this is all in one see yaa!" i love this guy
Something about the sped-up shot of all the bicycle-campers arriving at the convention really cracked me up.
Yeah, I was just thinking the same thing and it worked because it reminded me of those little black-and-white films in the beginning of filmmaking. Everything is such a weird speed and people are just flying by really quick and waving looking like their goose stepping whether or not it’s funny, I think he was probably thinking the same thing because it’s something new everybody’s in awe like it was really old-school ha ha
Just imagine that these inventions can have a positive impact on our homeless breathern: a shelter and transportation. I think that these portable campers would help people .ove towards reintegration into society. Thank you Kristen for bringing this information to the forefront ❤🎉
You're right, Paul has focused on tailoring some of his designs to people who are homeless and has talked about it in the past. More so in our last video with him kzhead.info/sun/ldaKgrqaq5Ovfmw/bejne.html
This guys such an inspiration Working on my own coroplast microhome design because of him!
Never heard about the existence of a pedal car before! Thank you for that!
Thank you Kirsten for the great work !
Turtle? I was thinking it looks more like Sam Eagle from the Muppets.
"becourse it is the American way"
I always enjoy seeing Pauls Creations. His newest bike RV is a masterpiece of simplicity. And his yellow pedal car was one of the inspirations for my own velocar. I also built myself an Elkins style nomad camper, although i incorporated more plywood in the construction. I am living in Germany and have attended the camper meeting in Wunschendorf too. The rather big bicycle camper community here appeared during the Corona restrictions as the almost only way to go camping, while the campsites were all shut down and setting up a tent in the wilderness is generally prohibited here. Since a bicyle trailer is not a tent, you can avoid breaching the law and still having the joy of a tiny home in the nature almost everywhere you want. I find it funny that Paul assumes, Germany is mainly flat😅 I wish, this was the case on my daily commute, but there are some nasty uphill climbs driving my heartbeat rate up🥴
After the numerous videos of Paul and his creations I have seen I can only define him as a mad scientist in the best tradition.
1. He deserves a Medal for his vast Talent, Creativity & Building Skills. I am very Proud of you Sir. 2. the Kids are gonna mistake you for the Ice Cream Man ! lol
So cool. I have been dreaming of something like that since childhood. Much respect for actually doing :-)
Paul Elkins is no doubt brilliant but I can tell he's also not afraid to just try and get a wrong answer at first. To be creative you need more than smarts. You need guts and heart to ask questions and keep trying. Very inspirational.
My dad was a bit like Paul, always trying to solve problems on the cheap. It's one of my FAVORITE childhood memories. I'm glad you keep checking in with Paul, he's a cool bean.
Kirsten, love your videos and your family. What an experience for your family. Keep up the great work.
Thanks Patti. Perhaps we can come visit your gardens when we are in Montana one year.
@@kirstendirksen That would be wonderful. If you do come our way be sure to schedule some time at the Sleeping Buffalo Hot Spring (the pools are great). We are growing food regeneratively in a 30x90' greenhouse and are putting in a subtropical greenhouse in 2024.
Paul Elkins is a genius, everything he makes just astounds me
This guy is an absolute legend. He's right that self contained is the next step.
Love the new design. Would love if it could be sold as kits for a reasonable price (under $2k) in the US.
If you enjoyed this and haven’t already pursued Paul’s KZhead channel, you’re in for a treat. Don’t miss his boat designs!
been following his channel for years thanks to seeing him in this channel.
I have often thought about similar concepts. In my mind, it’s one thing - but to realize that people are already doing this makes me feel great. It’s like seeing my ideas come to life - and realizing that, though these things have crossed my mind for many years, these ideas were never mine alone. Gregg Braden talked about musicians claiming their ideas came through them, as if out of nowhere. I think the same applies here - and it’s beautiful. This video has been inspiring. I have seen your content before but this time I subscribed!
This could be BIG soon!😊
I loved seeing all of those variations on his design from the footage in Germany. Incredible how his ideas have spread.
I just finished my first bike project. Nothing special, but I am now making a parts list for the next one, and here you are reminding me of how to save weight. The big panels containing the speaker system were either gonna be heavy or expensive. Now they are neither.
I saw him petal by my house years ago. Had to stop mowing the lawn and look. Quite the inventor!
So funny. We got a lot of looks with him while filming, and that was his neighborhood where I assume they were used to his test runs by now :)
I've been subscribed to both your channel and Paul's for years. I clicked on this video knowing it was one of yours, but not paying attention to what it was about. Then when I saw Paul, I thought I had accidentally clicked one of his videos. Then I saw you and realized what was going on. A fantastic combo! Thanks for the video.
typical Paul Elkins moment, you do not know what to expect but still end up amazed.
Paul and the bicycle goat farmer in Oregon you have visited a couple times would have an interesting conversation. 🤔 😉 They're both amazing humans. Thanks so much, Kristen!
You're very observant. They have met and our last video was on that exact topic of their meeting kzhead.info/sun/ldaKgrqaq5Ovfmw/bejne.html
Did Kirsten visit the Goat Farmer more than once? That guy was something else, found a niche and made it work for his lifestyle. I'd like Kirsten to revisit the guy in Arizona that figured out how to harvest rainfall by turning his neighborhood into a sponge, ie rain diversion. Definitely ahead of his time in Arizona.
@@kirstendirksenHow did I miss that?! I'll watch it next! Thanks, Kristen. 😊
@@gaterunner64 yes, I believe I have seen 2 visits some time apart. 🤔👍🏼
I remember the last video you did with him. He is so talented. The kids in the neighborhood must really enjoy this man's work. We need more innovators
Cool awesome idea. A thought for cold places is how about a “foamie” made out of that purple foam board? I live in Minnesota but used to live in the Puget Sound basin myself. I love this guy’s inventiveness. Keep it coming!
There are a lot of the Germans mentioned in the video, who make build foam trailers. Many also have KZhead channels. Use the search word: Fahrradwohnwagen
I love watching him build , I’m kinda surprised I don’t see more people copying his inventions I think the use of corrugated plastic is so amazing , I love that you brought him back to your channel
Been watching Paul for years. Amazing inventor! Good video 👍
Ole boy just biked away with these 16 minutes.. how will i ever get my time back? Got excited at the end, I was thinking we were gonna get a house tour…lol This guy certainly is living by his process. Much respect.
You know sometimes when you had a long day and you feel pretty bummed with the world. It feels nice to be reminded that there are people creating and thinking of a low impact furutre all over the world. Giving bright people a way to reach others. Thank you for giving them a voice.
Very smart man, love his creations and thinking outside the box. Thanks for sharing Kirsten
Every neighborhood needs an inventor. I love this stuff.
😢 Genius! As much as I love his ideas, I’m amazed that he is as simple as all of us but HE CAN DO IT! NOT DREAM IT! ❤❤❤❤❤😮
I’ve been following Paul for years now. His mini boats got me at first and now I’m hooked😁
This man's mind works well in the gear if there's a necessity he'll create an invention for it. Seriously, who makes their own cooler from scratch? I luv it👍!
I've followed Paul for years and am impressed with his past. Thank you for your video
My first thought was this looked like a cabin on a boat, especially looking out from the inside, not a turtle at all. Maybe he should use this cabin design on one of his boats. And remember his zip tie one-man boat from the first video ? I could not believe what I was watching as he boated around on the water in that tiny boat. And I think he's already heard from his wife about all these contraptions, just my take and I'll leave it at that. Great to always see what your past guests are up to...thanks and take care !!
I tried Mr. Elkin’s first bike camper…the hard part was the chassis and axels…What I use now, in Hawaii, is a Radio Flyer that has a canopy. I’m just over 5 ft. i plan to retrofit the materials as time goes by…sometimes pulling is more storeable/companionable than a bike camper…
This design solves the problem of shelter for the bike. Brilliant!
Germany is flat? Where is Germany flat? Chuckle, chuckle! Maybe I'm just in the wrong part! Love the innovations these folks are into though; and thank you Kirsten for continuing to bring us such great content! God knows we can use some positivity these days!
In the North
I love how he always just builds his own bikes!
Kirsten and her family have the world's best job.
Wish this guy a long life
The beauty of refined simplicity, thank you Paul 👍
Love it! Together, the two have inspired the world that going small allows a person to live a Big Life. Awesome
It's rare to see someone who is so inventive, and it is also rare to see someone with such an effortlessly gentle and clear personality. To find both in one person is almost unthinkable.
Thanks again, Kirsten. So fun and exciting, Paul Elkins does neat work, important.
Thanks, Paul, for the inspiration tale about my "18 Miles of Insanity" from Klamath to Orick that day in 1986 on the Winnebiko II. I always love seeing your creations. And thanks, Kirsten, for the excellent video production!
Every video is gold. Also i love this guy he's such an optimistic Genius.
03:50 I love how he likes the Netherlands so much that he names it twice. :D
Thanks again Kirsten and team 🙏 Paul Elkins is always my favourite...so many ingenious innovations 👏👌
So glad to see Paul on your channel! Love his work!
I knew it would be Paul Elkins before I clicked. Brilliant guy.
Of all the different "camping" options...this is certainly one of my faves to watch. SO brilliant. I smiled through the whole video.
I think you should make a three-in-one.It's gotta float like a boat also 😂love it
Wow!!! I would love to have one of these! I would need pedal assist but it would be perfect! To be free from so much fuel consumption and stay dry! Awesome!
He is so cool! It's Boeing's lost for smart man like him. I used to work for them and they treated me like dirt.
Well, we can see things are falling off their planes nowadays. Corruption got a hold over last 20 years.
I find it interesting that these Innovative Geniuses who can come up with these marvelous and unique builds, all seem to lack any real artistic ability. Not a single one of these things is actually pleasing to the eye. I think odd and quirky were the look that they're shooting for.
He’s such an inspiration!
I could also see these camper/bikes shelter and transportation for the unhoused/ homeless population. Not for the crazies that use drugs. But for those who really need shelter and a bike to get around filling out job applications. 😊
Cool camper bike
Cute
The velo mobile looks cool but unfortunately, it's much heavier than a bicycle to pedal and it has a lot more wind resistance, than a bicycle does.
Does the toilet work while you are pedaling around or do you have to park it Infront of someone's house?
💕💙💕💙💕💙
I love this guy ❤
I loves Paul's ingenuity
The best thing is the recumbent bike car for kids. I see young kids in “toy” electric cars when they could be having active fun that is so much needed in the age of computer game past-times.
WHAT A NICE GUY! Do take care. Fl.
I think he is amazing. I love his creations.
Niice design good job Paul! I like the standup desk and brolly area and door/awning is nice and open too! The whole thing is smaller but more open and livable of a design than your previous models.
Paul doing it again. Wow!
You keep going back to visit Paul and I heartily endorse that decision.
What is the name of this charming place where this video was recorded?
Richmond Beach, WA.
Thanks Kristen for the video, love them. And of course, to Paul for the interesting inventions.
3:42 It’s big in Germany, Holland and The Netherlands, that’s two countries then.
Brilliant inventions and contraptions
I saw some videos of him on KZhead before, really cool designs and ingenuity. One thing I was wondering was about going uphill in these heavy things. It's never shown so i assume it must be a pain xD
They showed him briefly in the video cycling uphill. With the right gear ratios, it wouldn't be too difficult. Certainly not fast, but not hard.
Kudos, my man! You're a genius of low-tech!
It'd be quite interesting to do a bit more with the solar. There are some really light flexible ones on the market nowadays. You could almost definitely run a heat pump from a mini fridge to keep that fridge cool without ice.
Awesome video. Well done!
love his creativity
Great exercise, too.
This was an amazing video. Thanks so much for sharing it with us!✨