Download - Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr
![Page 1: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Lotusbicycle trailers 1982-1984
A little bit back to my roots
![Page 2: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
My father ran a motorcycle shop and before starting my studies I was an experienced mechanic, sales man, chauffeur, welder . . . .
![Page 3: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
He also started an engine overhauling workshop so I became a precision metal worker too.
![Page 4: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
• 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
![Page 5: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
This was my business card during the years I developed these trailers.
![Page 6: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
When I had developed and build three models it was time for promotion!
![Page 7: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
The “wooden” Lotus IJzerhout: compact, light weight, sympathetic and relatively cheap.
![Page 8: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
On the road; town by two very different bicyles to emphasize the fact that these trailers could be used behind any bicycle
![Page 9: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
The Lotus Allure. Very spacy and flashy. With a lock, rear light, a front stand and seat belts.
![Page 10: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
And: Dutch weather oblige; a rain hood.
![Page 11: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
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!
![Page 12: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
The workshop that I was allowed to use to weld all parts after cutting, stamping and bending.
![Page 13: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
The drawing board I used to draw all models. Among others a model specially designed to suit the needs of Dutch Post(wo)men.
![Page 14: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
![Page 15: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
The second suspension system I developed (Lotutors®). The need for a belt gave me the idea to make a considerably lighter system
![Page 16: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
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.
![Page 17: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Also this was a big improvement compared to the clackering metal towing hooks. I called it the Rubbolastic®.
![Page 18: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
Friends took one to Guinée Bissau where it served to transport children behind a Mobylette on dust-roads at 50 km/hr.
![Page 19: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
My last gem: The super light weight (9,5 kg) Lotus Veder.
![Page 20: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
The Dutch ANWB (compare ADAC, AA) performed a long lasting test and concluded that the trailer was safe, handy and legal.
![Page 21: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
• 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!
![Page 22: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
The remnants resulted in nicely build trailers like this IJzerhout with sloping rear AND front sides.
![Page 23: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
![Page 24: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
What to think of this sturdy yet light weight self build car trailer transporting Allure cases
![Page 25: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
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 ;-)
![Page 26: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
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!
![Page 27: Lotus fietskarren-LinkedIn 2015compr](https://reader036.vdocumento.com/reader036/viewer/2022062822/5884c3951a28ab34778b73d7/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
• And that was the story of the Lotus bicycle trailers.
• Although . . . . . . we are still using a trailer to transport our grand-children!