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A DIY Tricycle Frame

A tricycle is often one of a child's favorite ways of getting from place to place outdoors (and indoors, when allowed), and it serves as a valuable stepping stone toward learning to ride a two-wheeled bike. Though commercial tricycles are readily available in stores, those with the necessary tools and skills can build their own at home. The first stage in doing so is to create a sturdy frame from which to attach the other parts that complete the vehicle.

Things You'll Need

Metal tubing
Metal saw
Cutting torch
Welder and welding materials
Paint and paintbrush (or spray applicator)

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a section of metal tubing (1-inch, 1/2-inch or similar diameter) to approximately 2 feet long, using a metal saw. This section will be used as the rear base portion of the frame that connects the two back wheels.
- 2
  Use a cutting torch to cut a hole in the center of the rear section to attach the middle section of the frame to. The hole should equal the diameter of the tubing being used to create the frame.
- 3
  Cut another section of tubing to be used as the middle/trunk of the frame. The length of this section can vary based on the size you want the tricycle to be, and it can also be straight or curved depending on the types of tubing available to you and the design you wish the frame to have. Use a metal saw or cutting torch to cut one end of the section (the end to be attached to the rear section of the frame) into an angle, with the degree of the angle equaling the angle you want the middle section to take in relation to the rear section.
- 4
  Cut another section of tubing roughly 3 to 6 inches long to be used as the front of the frame, from which the handlebars, pedals and front wheel (and wheel base) will be attached.
- 5
  Cut a hole in the center of the front section where the middle section of the frame will be attached, and cut that end of the middle section into an angle if necessary to allow the front section to be at or near a perpendicular position in relation to the ground.
- 6
  Cut an additional section for attaching the seat to the center of the frame. Cut one end of that section into an angle (if necessary) to allow the seat to be level when attached to the frame, and cut a hole in the middle section of the frame where you want this piece to be attached.
- 7
  Weld the various pieces of the frame together. Paint the frame the color of your choice after the metal has cooled.

Tricycles