Although we may not encounter them very often, bicycle sidecars do already exist. So, what makes the SideBuddy different? Well, the Swedish-designed device telescopes to different lengths, it has sliding doors, and it can be quickly taken off and converted to a shopping cart, stroller or trailer. Oh yes, and it also lights up at night.
The SideBuddy weighs 20 kg (44 lb), and can carry up to 120 kg (265 lb) of kids, pets or other cargo.
Using a proprietary mounting mechanism, it can reportedly be attached to or detached from the side of an ordinary bicycle in under a minute. Once taken off, it can then be pushed along via a handle in the rear while the user shops or whatnot. It can also be hitched up to the bike's rear hub, and towed behind it as a trailer.
While on the road, it's extended to its full length in order to track better. In that state, its sliding side doors can be accessed, making it easier for li'l passengers to get in and out. In shopping cart/stroller mode, however, its front end can be pushed in by 50 cm (19.7 in), allowing for more agility indoors or on crowded sidewalks.
Optional features include dual disc brakes (activated along with the bike's brakes), front/rear lights, and seats with three-point seat belts. Buyers can also opt for an internal LED lighting system, that causes the SideBuddy's translucent fiberglass body to glow in different colors when riding in the dark – definitely a good way of getting noticed by drivers.
If you're interested in buying one, the SideBuddy is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. A pledge of US$450 will currently get you one without any seats, if all goes according to plans. The estimated retail price is €800 (about $915), with prices going up for one or more seats and other extras.
You can see it in use, in the video below.
Sources: SideBuddy, Kickstarter
