Donky Bike
Short distance bicycle use is growing fast. That’s good for people, good for cities, good for air quality.
Short journeys by bicycle are healthier, more enjoyable, cheaper and often faster than car or public transport.
Bikes are great until you need to carry something.
Designed to be ridden easily and safely with whatever you need to take with you. Cargo load is carried on the frame, not the handlebars, so the steering and handling remain light and balanced.
Donky Bike is built to last.
Tough steel frame equipped with simple low-maintenance components which can be repaired anywhere in the world.
The Donky project began with a conversation in 2006
Bicycle use in London was growing rapidly, but many of the bikes on the street seemed unsuitable for urban use. Typically cheap ‘mountain bikes’ with too many gears and no way of carrying anything.
Ben Wilson and Jonathan Pooley started to talk about an affordable, practical town bike.
Thinking about the load-carrying designs from the Netherlands, plus the strength and simplicity of BMX components, a design started to take shape.
The requirements were:
Real-world load carrying ability:We would rather ride locally than drive a car.
We need to move stuff everyday: groceries, plus all we need to carry for work and play.
We need to move stuff everyday: groceries, plus all we need to carry for work and play.
Ride-ability:
Great handling and steering, even at low speeds through traffic and when loaded with cargo.
The key is transferring the weight down through the frame without ‘hanging’ loads on the handlebars.
Great handling and steering, even at low speeds through traffic and when loaded with cargo.
The key is transferring the weight down through the frame without ‘hanging’ loads on the handlebars.
Accessible price:
If they can make cheap mountain bikes then could we make a utility bike at an affordable price?
If they can make cheap mountain bikes then could we make a utility bike at an affordable price?
Not disposable:
A strong frame and durable, low-maintenance components that can be repaired or replaced anywhere in the world.
A bike for life, not landfill.
A strong frame and durable, low-maintenance components that can be repaired or replaced anywhere in the world.
A bike for life, not landfill.
Compact:
A bike that can live easily in a Tokyo apartment or the hallway of a London flat.
A bike that can live easily in a Tokyo apartment or the hallway of a London flat.
Simple:
Easy to build, ride and maintain.
Easy to build, ride and maintain.
The bike developed as prototypes were built and tested.
20″ wheels were selected to keep the footprint compact.
The square-section beam carries all the load and offers a versatile platform for front and rear attachments.
The frame geometry and gearing gives a relaxed, efficient ride.
The idea took a while to reach production. We are very pleased with the result. Thank you to everyone who helped along the way.
Donky now has a great team in design, production, supply chain and distribution. We have plans to develop Donky further. Next plans include front and rear child seat options.
About Ben WilsonBen Wilson has been passionate about bicycles since his stabilisers were taken off.
He is also a 3D industrial designer whose work has been extensively published and exhibited worldwide.
Ben designs, builds and rides bikes of all kinds, working with many major global brands.
Ben also tutors a design course at the Royal College of Art in London.
He is also a 3D industrial designer whose work has been extensively published and exhibited worldwide.
Ben designs, builds and rides bikes of all kinds, working with many major global brands.
Ben also tutors a design course at the Royal College of Art in London.
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