Natraj is no engineer, but has managed to find a mechanical solution for the fear of riding bicycles. This resident of West Mambalam attaches three or four wheels to the bicycle to enable children — and even adults — to cycle without fear In a quiet function, Kumar Natraj displayed the prototypes of the seven bikes he has created. He plans to introduce these bikes in the market before the end of this summer.
“I started experimenting with the cycle when my daughters refused to ride one due to the fear of falling. However, it was my bad health which encouraged me to pursue this idea vigorously. I suffered a heart attack and doctors asked me to exercise. I wanted to try cycling. But I wanted something that would give me the sense of being on a cycle at a gym and at the same time allow me to ride down the roads,” says Natraj.
Natraj was surprised when people started asking him where he imported the cycles from. Natraj has a small factory in Ambattur and all the cycles are made there, from start to finish. “The first few months were not easy. The people fabricating the cycle for me could not understand what I wanted. I had to bring in someone who could communicate my ideas to the workers. Now we have a set team,” he adds.
The cycles, he says, uses automobile mechanism called Ackermann steering geometry, enabling ease of turning. Also the centre of gravity has been kept low, so rider the won’t fall. The cycles are such that women, seniors, kids and even physically challenged people can ride them. “Though this product will take up more space, it provides comfort and safety,” says Natraj.
There are three models — adult, kid and family. The family cycle allows three people to ride the cycle at a time. There is also a four-seat peddling cycle. He is making them under the banner of Pedal2Go.
Natraj can be reached at 98409 54545.
