Pallet Bicycle Trailer (1/8 Model)

For Earth Day I wanted to see if I could repurpose a pallet for a bicycle trailer, ideally without power tools. The hardware could be transferred to another pallet when it wears out. It's only a 1/8 scale model, but I hope to get others thinking about how this could be deployed in humanitarian or disaster relief situations.

There are many "standard" pallet sizes around the world. I chose to model a 48" x 40" size that's common in the US.

I cut pieces to represent wood salvaged from another pallet. I found small hinges that could represent typical door hinges. Door hinges aren't very wide and the holes are close to the end of the wood, so a better option might be a longer strap hinge.

These Lego wheels required me to drill a hole for an axle. A better option would be a wheel (swiveling vs. non-swiveling?) which can be attached from the bottom with screws.

The first hinge is close to the end of the wood and could pull out if the wood is weak. For the opposite side I used a 2nd hinge as a reinforcing plate.

Ready for attachment to the bicycle...or so I think. It may not be obvious, but once the swiveling arms are attached together the trailer does not pivot. Time to consult engineering...

Since the pallet is wide, I tried cutting one support shorter to create a single connection point to the bike.

There are several Instructables regarding bike trailers and attachment methods, so I look forward to feedback. Remember my original constraints - 1) No power tools needed for assembly, and 2) Hardware is easily transferrable to another pallet.

Note: A wooden pallet weighs 40-50 lbs (20 kg), so in practice a full size pallet may need to get cut in half or have boards removed.