The British Human Power Club (BHPC) booket, "So You Want to Build an HPV" is a great resource for homebuilders and others interested in Human Powered Vehicles. Although the information on sourcing materials is specific to the UK, it still can give an idea of the types of places to look for various things. Below is the BHPC description of the booklet.
The booklet 'So You Want to Build an HPV' was first published by the BHPC in 1985 and became the inspiring bible for HPV home builders.
The totally revised 2004 third edition has 50 pages covering vehicle layout, design, aerodynamics, fairings, and many other sections.
The booklet is not a set of plans, but an encyclopedia of information to assist and inspire the potential home builder so that they can design and build a successful vehicle with a minimum of mistakes (see contents below).
For those who are interested in HPV's but have had second thoughts about their ability to build a machine it is still of interest for the technical data alone and details performance testing methods that apply to any type of bicycle or tricycle.
Introduction to the HPV Movement and History
About the British Human Power Club
Vehicle Layout
Parameters & Possibilities
Considerations For Absolute Beginners
Human Power, Rider Comfort, Rolling Resistance, Mechanical Efficiency, Inertia, Air Resistance
Design
Purpose, Drawing, Human Shape, Models, Weight Distribution, Space Considerations, Rider Sizes, Steering, Wheel Sizes, Trike Considerations, Bike Stability, Drive Mechanisms, Suspension
Construction
Types, Chassis, Fairings, Mould Making, Skills, Tips, Examples
Where To Get It
Raw Materials: Metals, Composites, Foams, Fabrics, Springy Thingies
Cycle Parts: Wheels, Hubs, Chainrings, Brakes, Cables, Nuts/Bolts
Proprietary Parts: Bearings, Fasteners, Track Rods, Transparent Materials
Services: Frame Building, Moulding, Casting
Trying It Out
Racing, Practical Vehicle Competitions, Touring, Tests
Pitfalls and Perils!
Appendix A. Bibliography
Magazines, Reports, Internet, Books
Appendix B. Notes for Electrically-Assisted Vehicles
Appendix C. So You Want To Buy An HPV
UK Manufacturers & Suppliers
Appendix D. 1/5 Scale Ergonome
So You Want to Build an HPV booklets are $20.00 Each plus $2.00 Each for shipping.
I can take check, money order or Paypal (Paypal payable to recumbo@adelphia.net).
If you opt to use paypal, please add in 2.9%+ $0.30 of the total payment amount to allow for the paypal fee. So if you use Paypal to pay for one booklet with shipping it would be $22.00 + $0.97 for a total of $22.97.
Maine Residents, please add 5% sales tax.
Or if you opt to pay by check or money order, please send it to me at:
Ethan Davis
61 Newtown Rd.
Biddeford, ME 04005
Thanks!
-Ethan