A Radical Ride: Sam Barker’s Daring Diwheel Project
In the exhilarating world of motorized machines, we typically think of sleek motorcycles and nimble bicycles. However, YouTuber Sam Barker is flipping the script with his latest invention: a custom-built diwheel. This eye-catching contraption ditches the conventional design of two consecutive wheels, opting instead for wheels mounted on either side of its chassis, akin to a futuristic design straight out of a sci-fi novel.
As this innovative project unfolds, it’s clear that Barker’s vision isn’t just about looks; he aims to create a vehicle capable of turning in place like a tank, a stark departure from traditional motorcycles that curve through turns. In the initial video documenting his ambitious endeavors, Barker walks viewers through each step of his construction in his garage, revealing both the challenges he faces and the exciting possibilities ahead.
To kick off the build, Barker meticulously crafted the wheels using pairs of semi-circular tubing with robust 5mm thick walls. He skillfully fashioned the frame, incorporating a suspension system supported by brackets and 3D-printed spools, which secure the wheels while allowing smooth movement. An ingenious makeshift lathe fashioned from a cordless drill and 3D-printed parts helped him install roller bearings, showcasing his hands-on engineering abilities.
Moving beyond just the structural elements, Barker secured a sleek racing seat he discovered on Facebook Marketplace, revealing plans to integrate motors and a battery pack in a future video installment. With an audience of around 44,000 subscribers, Barker has much to share, and many are eagerly following his journey to transform this ambitious diwheel into a fully operational vehicle.
A Historical Stunt: Sam’s Tumultuous Monowheel
This adventurous build is not Barker’s first venture into the world of peculiar vehicles. His previous creation, a monowheel, is humorously referenced at the start of his diwheel video. However, that earlier project came with its share of challenges. The monowheel exhibited significant flexibility, making it a tricky ride, and Barker struggled to maintain his balance while seated.
Acknowledging the monowheel’s shortcomings inspired Barker to opt for sturdier materials in his diwheel design. Each wheel weighs a hefty 60kg (132 pounds), a choice that may be overkill but speaks to his commitment to ensuring structural integrity.
Notably, Barker isn’t pioneering the diwheel concept—students at the University of Adelaide once engineered a working electric diwheel named EDWARD (Electric Diwheel With Active Rotation Damping) back in 2011. Touted as a blend of an “extraterrestrial exosuit” and a bike, EDWARD allowed its rider to navigate via a joystick, with a seat that could either swivel freely or remain fixed. While it could hit speeds of 40 km/h (about 25 mph), it traversed a far different realm than amusement park rides reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph. Nonetheless, it’s unlikely that Barker intends to push his homemade machine to such limits.
With each turn of the wheel, Sam Barker’s diwheel represents not just creativity but the thrill of innovation, daring us to envision the future of mobility through a kaleidoscope of possibilities. Stay tuned as this daring inventor continues to take us along for his wild engineering adventure!