I’ve had enough of sitting in traffic around London to get around and do the odd jobs that get passed to me, so I’m thinking of getting a scooter to get some time back and maybe earn a bit more money in the process. I’ve seen Handy Squad and 0800 Handyman using scooters to get around town so it seems to work. Anyone got any idea or photos of what these guys are carrying around with them in those boxes on the back? Cheers Mart
I would think a normal motorbike with panniers as well as a topbox would be better. Eee lad! We had a plumbers bag strapped to the crossbar of a pushbike the soldering bag on the carrier and several lengths of iron gas pipe strapped along the frame also when I were an apprentice! Brakes did very little on hills as I found out heading down a steep side road towards Wandsworth road one day, just had to swing out into the main road and pray!
It wont be long before ye olde hand cart makes a comeback................after the trades bike of course!
Remember when I was a kid, we had a sweep who got around on a bike,rods tied to cross bars,vac on rear carrier,other bits in panniers & tied to handlebars.
Still a hard to use on corners. And don't forget Task Rabbit. https://www.taskrabbit.co.uk/m/hand...MIgeWQ7LPM5wIVWeDtCh18CwyjEAAYASAAEgI93vD_BwE
Hadn’t thought about that ;-) Seems to be working for James (Lord) Irwin so much so, he jacked in his job as an investment banker. Odds jobs that is, not pizza delivery.
Only problem with panniers is getting through the traffic. I find there’s enough to worry about what’s going on in front of me let alone behind.
Bikes do not have the fat bulges each side of the wheel because the engine is between your legs, so most panniers do not go far past the footpegs, certainly not past the handlebars, just my experience with carrying luggage on a bike. The weight is better distributed too lower COG.
Your scooter will get lifted by naughty scummy people,hey dont assist moped enabled criminals. They steal basic mopeds or better to do a 1 off crime and dump it http://news.met.police.uk/news/three-charged-in-relation-to-moped-enabled-crimes-311684 Worked central london for 30 years just doing boiler repairs & exchanges. It got to a stage that it was cheaper to pay a driver £40 a day to chauffeur me around in my van but it has its advantages. carrying tools around london,you will need a very good explanation when stopped also on street parking is limited. dont know what trade you do but Just charge your clients london prices they can afford it,they expect a london charge like https://www.pimlicoplumbers.com/rates
Get a cargo e-bike. Gives you access to more than just the roads. Some really good options out there.
Funny you should mention - was contemplating the idea of putting together a kit in a rucksack and doing some handyman jobs from a bike - only small jobs, less than 2 hours, obviously not really any materials. Putting up shelves. fixing odd bits, that kind of thing. Carry basic tools, handful of plugs, common screws, etc. Here's what I had thought; 10.8 and 12v tools have come on a lot. No need for the size and weight of an 18v twinkit. Money no object I'd consider the Milwaukee M12 line - some of their drill and impacts have amazing specs and 6ah batts. You wouldn't *need* an impact driver, just a drill would do the job. They also do a small circ, small vacuum etc - pick your loadout. I'd also carry a small level, maybe a laser level, hammer, a pair of pliers, a couple of types of glue - probably a tube of mitre adhesive, small wood glue, a tube of sealant & adhesive, handful of red plugs with screws, brown plugs with screws, hollow anchors - I think you could fairly well equip yourself into a rucksack without unbearable weight or size.