DIY Scooter Lift Carrier

Attach a carrier to your motor scooter to make being on the go with lots of cargo easier.

Trying to maneuver a scooter with too much cargo can be frustrating. A lift carrier that attaches to the handlebars or seat of your scooter is ideal for placing bags, books and groceries that otherwise would be a hassle and a distraction to carry on a scooter. While lift carriers are available for purchase, they can be quite an investment, ranging from $17 to $50, depending on the manufacturer. Instead, you can easily craft a carrier from household items and inexpensive products available for purchase at most grocery or department stores

Things You'll Need

• Milk crate
• Wicker basket
• Bungee cord
• Twine

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of crate to use as the box for your carrier. Wicker baskets or wooden or plastic milk crates are ideal carrier boxes; they are sturdy, withstand wind and weather and have small holes that make attaching them to your scooter much simpler than a box without holes.

2. Measure the handlebars and backseat of your scooter and the crate you've chosen as a carrier. Using measuring tape, determine the dimensions of the crate, recording length, width and depth. Then, measure these dimensions on the handlebars and backseat of your scooter to determine where the crate will fit. If the crate has dimensions over two times that of the handlebars or backseat, do not attach the crate; the crate is oversized and may not attach firmly to your scooter.

3. Attach the crate using a bungee cord or twine. If you attach the crate to the handlebars, place one side of the crate in the center of the handlebars. If attaching to the backseat, place the crate in the center and make sure the seat is flush with the top edge of the crate so you don't bump the crate with your back while riding. When using twine, weave it between the lateral slats located on each side of the crate, about 2 inches from the edge. Secure each end of the twine to the handlebars or backseat of your scooter with a double knot. Using a bungee cord, simply loop the cord through the bottom of the basket and secure the bungee cord hooks around the seat or handlebars.

4. Test your carrier. Place a bag or several books into the carrier and slowly ride your scooter around the driveway or other isolated place where, if your carrier were to fall, you would not cause an accident or ruin your items. If the carrier is flimsy, attach another bungee cord or more twine to secure it.

References

• Bukisa: DIY Bike Basket Projects
• Chicago Bike Blog: Milk Crate Carrier