No, your eyes are not deceiving you. That curved shape, that headlight… you got it right! This is the fender of a VW Beetle.
Known as one of the most produced cars in history, the VW Beetle has always been used as a platform for modifications and superstructures. Speaking of the Meyers Manx Beach Buggy and its ilk, its combination of relatively simple mechanics and mass availability was destined to become a standard for hot rodders and kit car makers around the world.
And apparently also for manufacturers of minibikes.
Although “minibike manufacturer” may be the wrong term for Brent Walter of Huntington, Indiana. “Daniel Gyro Gearloose” would probably be a more accurate description – but with the additional comment that Brent’s inventions actually work.
An engineer by trade, Brent describes himself on his Instagram page as a “maker and builder of a variety of things”. There is a clear preference for old-school machine mechanics. Here’s a 1946 machine saw lovingly restored by Brent:
But now about minibikes: Brent’s grandfather was already a tinkerer in this regard. Here’s a scooter Grandpa Walter built (again restored by Brent).
That’s probably where the idea arose to combine such a mini scooter with Brent’s love for old VW Beetles. Said and done! What does this mean: Here we tinkered and experimented how to efficiently reduce the frame of a scooter so that a VW Beetle front fender fits comfortably over it.
Walter documented the entire building process on his Instagram page.
Initially, two – slightly different – mini-scooters were made:
«The original (green) has a length of 79 cm2-Motor and while fully functional it is more of a design study. The second (blue) has a little more ground clearance and a 212 cm2engine, which makes it a bit more practical to get around on the road.”
Brand name: Volkspod.
Since then, of course, Brent has been overwhelmed with questions about whether to sell it or even make it into a serial production.
It is unclear whether this will actually lead to a business. The fact is that Brent has now built two more Volkspods: one in field gray…
…and leave one unpainted and in its original color, which also has an optional transport sidecar.
And then Brent has a mini model of a folkpod:
In case anyone is wondering what it’s like to drive around on something like this:
Oh yes, you’re probably wondering where Brent got the VW fenders for his Volkspods. Well, here’s Brent’s car as bought…
… and this is how it looks today.
The perfect tool!