i regularly use various bikes, a single speed, a mountain bike, and a couple of ebikes. i’ve been thinking of starting a new project converting a normal single-wheel trailer into a motorized self-propelled trailer. I need some input.
primary consideration is that i want it to be self contained, mostly meaning it carries its own battery and electronics, and preferably i do not want any cabling from the trailer to the bike.
i want the trailer’s motor to engage when the bike is in motion, and provide torque to offset trailer weight, etc.
the idea i have in mind is using an accelerometer tied to the throttle input of the motor controller to detect when the trailer is in motion and engage the motor. this way i could just start pedalling and then the trailer’s motor kicks in, and disengages when the bike’s speed drops below a threshold (or when i hit the brakes). i’d also have a switch of some sort to prevent the motor from engaging when the tow bar is not connected.
is this stupid? is there a better way? am i missing something important?
I believe some motorised trailers use a sensor in the tow bar to detect if the tow bar is under tension or compression. Under tension, increase the throttle, under compression, decrease the throttle. They also might have brakes which could be applied under strong compression.
I’ve never used one myself though.