How To Build a Cart with Bicycle Wheels: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wondering how to build a cart with bicycle wheels? This article offers a step-by-step guide on how to do this.

There’s something about building stuff. When you get your hands dirty and build something of value. And it turns out great!

I love building. Something I learnt to build recently is a cart with bicycle wheels. I’ll share how you can build one for yourself. It’s great for carrying cargo.

Let’s get the building started!

Materials: What You Need

Here are a few materials you need to build a cart with bicycle wheels. These materials include plywood, tubing, bicycle wheels, screws, and tools such as a table saw.

Plywood

Plywood is a strong and durable material that is commonly used in building carts. Choose quality plywood that is strong enough to bear the weight of the load that the cart will carry. The thickness of the plywood used will depend on the size of the cart and the weight it will carry.

Tubing

Tubing is another essential material needed to build a cart with bicycle wheels. It is used to create the frame of the cart, and it is important to choose tubing that is strong enough to support the weight of the load. The size of the tubing used will depend on the size of the cart and the weight it will carry.

Bicycle Wheels

cart with bicycle wheelsBicycle wheels are the foundation of the cart and are what make it mobile. Choose high-quality bicycle wheels that are strong and durable. The size of the wheels will depend on the size of the cart and the terrain it will traverse.

Screws

Screws are necessary to hold the cart together and ensure that it is sturdy and secure. Choose screws that are strong enough to hold the cart together and withstand the weight of the load it will carry.

Tools

A table saw is used to cut the plywood and tubing to the desired size and shape. Other tools that may be necessary include a drill, screwdriver, and wrench.

Building the Frame

Building the frame is the first step in building a cart with bicycle wheels. The frame is the backbone of the cart and provides support for the wheels and the load. Here’s how to build the frame of the cart with bicycle wheels.

Cutting the Plywood

The first step in building the frame is to cut the plywood to the desired dimensions. The dimensions of the plywood will depend on the size of the cart you want to build. The plywood should be cut to the length and width of the cart. It is recommended to use a 1/2 inch thick plywood for the frame.

Assembling the Frame

Once the plywood is cut to the desired dimensions, the next step is to assemble the frame. The frame can be assembled using screws or nails. Use screws to assemble the frame as they provide better durability and strength.

Start by attaching the bottom piece of plywood to the sides of the cart to assemble the frame. Use screws to attach the plywood to the sides. 

Once the bottom piece is attached, attach the front and back pieces of plywood to the sides using screws. Finally, attach the top piece of plywood to the sides using screws.

Ensure that the frame is square and level. Use a level to check the frame and adjust it as necessary. Once the frame is square and level, reinforce the corners with metal brackets for added durability.

Building the frame of a cart with bicycle wheels is a simple process that can be done with basic woodworking skills. 

Attaching the Bicycle Wheels

When building a cart with bicycle wheels, the process of attaching the wheels is a crucial step. This section will cover the two main sub-sections of attaching the bicycle wheels: drilling axle holes and attaching the hubs.

Drilling Axle Holes

The first step is to drill the axle holes to attach the bicycle wheels to the cart. This requires measuring the distance between the two wheels and marking the center point on the frame. Once the center point is marked, you can then use a drill to create the axle holes.

Ensure that the holes are drilled at the correct angle and are large enough to fit the axles snugly. Using a drill press can help ensure that the holes are drilled straight and at the correct angle.

Attaching the Hubs

Once the axle holes are drilled, the next step is to attach the hubs to the wheels. The hubs are the part of the wheel that the axle fits into. Follow these steps to attach the hubs:

  1. Insert the hub into the center of the wheel.
  2. Tighten the hub onto the wheel using a wrench or pliers.
  3. Insert the axle through the hub and wheel.
  4. Secure the axle in place using nuts and washers.

Ensure that the hubs are tightened securely onto the wheels to prevent any wobbling or loosening during use. Also, the nuts and washers should be tightened enough to prevent the axle from moving, but not so tight that it restricts the movement of the wheel.

Adding Brakes

When building a cart with bicycle wheels, adding brakes is an important safety consideration. Brakes help the cart stop quickly and safely, preventing accidents and injuries.

Here’s how to add brakes:

Installing Brake Mounts

The first step in adding brakes to a cart with bicycle wheels is to install brake mounts. Brake mounts are the brackets that hold the brakes in place on the frame of the cart. Follow these steps:

  1. Determine the location of the brake mounts on the frame of the cart. This will depend on the design of the cart and the type of brakes being used.
  2. Attach the brake mounts to the frame of the cart using bolts or screws. Make sure the brake mounts are securely attached and will not come loose during use.
  3. Adjust the position of the brake mounts as necessary to ensure the brakes will be properly aligned with the wheels.

Attaching the Brakes

Once the brake mounts are installed, the next step is to attach the brakes themselves. There are several types of brakes that can be used on a cart with bicycle wheels, including rim brakes, disc brakes, and coaster brakes. Attaching involves the following process:

  1. Install the brake pads or discs onto the brake mounts. Make sure they are properly aligned with the wheels.
  2. Connect the brake cables or hydraulic lines to the brakes. This will allow you to control the brakes from the handlebars or brake levers.
  3. Adjust the tension on the brake cables or hydraulic lines as necessary to ensure the brakes are working properly.
  4. Test the brakes to make sure they are functioning correctly. Make any necessary adjustments before using the cart.

Building the Cargo Area

For the most part this cart will be for carrying cargo. Building the cargo area will include adding sides and attaching the wheels. 

Adding Sides

Adding sides to the cargo area will help to keep the load secure and prevent it from falling out during transport. 

One way to do this is to use plywood to create the sides, cutting it to the desired height and attaching it to the frame of the cart. Another option is to use aluminum, which is lightweight and durable.

If using aluminum, select the appropriate thickness based on the weight of the expected load. Thicker aluminum will be stronger, but also heavier.

Attaching the Wheels

Attaching the wheels to the cart is important to ensure it can be moved smoothly and safely. One way to do this is to use a cargo trailer, which can be attached to the cart using a trailer hitch. This will allow the cart to be easily detached from the bike when not in use.

Also, you can attach the wheels directly to the cart using axles. When doing so, ensure that the wheels are level and aligned properly. This can be achieved by using a spirit level and measuring the distance between the wheels.

In either case, select high-quality wheels that can support the weight of the expected load. Bicycle wheels are a popular choice due to their durability and availability.

Finishing Touches

After building the cart with bicycle wheels, there are some finishing touches that need to be done to make it functional and aesthetically pleasing. The finishing touches include adding a handle and painting the cart.

Adding a Handle

Adding a handle to the cart will make it easier to maneuver around the yard or garden. The handle can be made from a piece of metal or wood, and it should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the cart when it is fully loaded. 

The handle should be attached to the front of the cart, and it should be long enough to provide enough leverage to move the cart easily.

Painting the Cart

Next, you need to paint your cart. It needs to have killer looks! The cart can be painted in any color that you want, but it is recommended to use a weather-resistant paint to protect the cart from the elements. 

Before painting, the cart should be sanded down to remove any rough edges or splinters. The paint should be applied in thin layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.

Making the cart even functional is important. It can be customized with additional features such as a removable mesh cage or a built-in tool rack. The cart can also be used to transport soil, plants, and other gardening supplies from the shed to the garden.

Wrap Up

Building a garden cart with bicycle wheels is a fun and rewarding DIY project that can be done with basic tools and materials. With the right finishing touches, the cart can be transformed into a functional and stylish addition to any yard or garden.

Don’t waste any more time. Get started building!

Related Articles:

If you liked this article, here are other similar articles you can read: