It is an increasingly used mode of transport for traveling: the bicycle. To make the journey more comfortable, two young Montpellier residents are launching Karavel, mini-caravans for bicycles. A column in partnership with Tousléco Montpellier.
Raphaël Dakiche and Camille Mojo met during their studies in computer engineering. At the same time, Raphaël decides to set up a van for traveling. “I have always loved traveling, so I spent several months on the road in Europe”. A passion that ultimately took over his work in IT and he decided to launch his company at the end of 2022: Nirvana Van. Small retro caravans to hang on your car.
A mini-caravan for sleeping and cooking.”You can’t stand up inside, it’s 2.50 m long and 1.40 m high.”. A large door at the back allows you to open a fully equipped kitchen and even if the objective is to save as much space as possible, Raphaël does not skimp on comfort. The young entrepreneur can install a video projector inside for your movie evenings in your van. “I adapt to the desires and needs of customers“. This way of traveling is gaining more and more fans. “I have orders from all ages. People in their thirties or retirees. It’s cheaper than a large caravan. It costs around 10,000 euros depending on the options.” A system that Raphaël designs in Montpellier in his workshop and since August 2023, Camille has joined the adventure to launch a new project: Karavel.
loading
A mini-caravan for bicycles
Camille Mojo is passionate about cycling, so with the development of slow-travel, a different and more environmentally friendly way of traveling, cycle tourism has become an alternative. Camille therefore suggests to Raphaël that he adapt his mini-caravans to two wheels. No more travel bikes overflowing with bags, the two friends are creating a mini-house that is lightweight and easy to pull with an electric bike.
Everything is handmade with a wooden and steel frame. The goal is to create a set of 60 kilos maximum. “At the moment, we are at 55 kilos with the bed. It has to be as light as possible to pull without difficulty.” explains Raphael. Initially, this caravan will be sold without an electric bike, then it will be possible to purchase the system with a suitable bike. “We will also rent for those who already have their bike, for example weekly or over several months.
Their objective: for everything to be finished to present a first model at the Vanlife expo in Grenoble on May 4, 2024.
2024-01-09 18:59:04
#VIDEO #Montpellier #residents #reinvent #cycle #tourism #minicaravan #bicycles #France #Bleu
