There’s camping in a tent, and then there’s camping in a trailer. Paul Elkins combined both to create a $150 mobile tiny home that can be towed with a bicycle. With Elkins’s printable instruction manual costing only $20, all you need are some materials to build this unique home on wheels. While you may be able to find a tent for cheaper, this mobile tiny home features a skylight, a bed, and even a mini kitchen. Weighing only 60 pounds, it is easy to tow with a bike, providing a comfortable alternative to sleeping on the ground.
The design of the bicycle camper was inspired by Elkins’s previous creation, the homeless emergency shelter. Both structures are built using arched panels for simplicity yet durability. The shelter’s front is rounded and painted with plastic-friendly spray paint, enhancing aesthetics and UV protection. The materials needed, including bicycle wheels, wood, insulation, and more, come to about $150.
Inside the tiny home, sturdy walls and a skylight create a cozy environment, with an LED light for nighttime reading. Cabinets, counters, and a portable stove provide a functional kitchen setup, while speakers add entertainment. Air vents ensure ventilation and reduce condensation, with additional safety features like reflective lights and locking cabinets for travel. Elkins’s designs aim to inspire creativity and innovation, exemplifying the power of minimalism and outside-the-box thinking.
Paul Elkins, a self-proclaimed novice artist and designer, draws inspiration from childhood experiences on a countryside farm. His passion for innovation led him to create lightweight, weatherproof structures that are often pedal-powered for transportability. His goal is to encourage others to unleash their creativity and learn from failures. Through his unique designs, Elkins hopes to spark imagination and inspire individuals to think differently in their own creations.