An inventive engineer has creatively transformed a Henry Hoover vacuum cleaner into a mini ride-on motorbike, though he admits it struggles with corners.
Allan Gallop, a 35-year-old systems engineer from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, collaborated with a team of enthusiasts to retrofit the broken appliance with a two-stroke 50cc engine, handlebars, and new wheels.
Unexpected Speed
This revamped machine can now reach a top speed of 28mph, as seen in amusing footage of a rider zooming along a tarmac stretch.
However, Gallop humorously noted that the converted device, now called “Henry Hoofer,” still maneuvers like a household cleaner when taking corners.
Recycling and Innovation
Gallop, a father of three, emphasized that almost all the parts used were recycled junk, except for the braking system and tires.
He mentioned, “The top speed is currently unknown as no one has been brave enough to find out yet. In theory, it should be around 28mph – but it still handles corners poorly, just like it did as a hoover.”
Inspiration and Collaboration
The idea emerged from discussions with a local charity group called Men in Sheds MK, where members, many of whom are retired, work on various projects using wood, metal, and electronics in a workshop.
Gallop recalled, “We were speculating about what to bring to a national gathering of inventors and decided to convert hoovers. Someone suggested motorizing Henry Hoovers, and it was an instant hit. My first thought was to put an engine in it.”
Building the Henry Hoofer
The project began with stripping down the Henry to its outer shell and modifying the internal structure to accommodate the new components.
Gallop created a frame from steel angles to mount the engine, steering, and drivetrain.
He described the process, “I knew it would be a tight fit, but on paper, it all worked out. So, I began creating the frame from steel angle to mount the engine, steering, and drivetrain.”
Overcoming Challenges
One significant challenge was fitting an axle to the back of the hoover to support the wheels. Gallop explained, “The biggest struggle was the rear axle. It’s 10mm in diameter as that was the only size that matched the frame and the pillow blocks available.”
Fortunately, the workshop had recently received a large lathe and milling machine, and a retired machine shop teacher helped design and fabricate custom flanges and hubs with precision.
Cost and Popularity
The project cost very little since most parts were recycled. However, purchasing all new components would cost around £400.
The prototype was completed early this year, and Gallop’s TikTok videos of the motorized hoover garnered significant attention, quickly amassing half a million views.
Bringing Joy
Gallop expressed his delight at the project’s reception, saying, “It’s funny, isn’t it? I expected people to say, ‘Look at this nutter riding a Henry Hoover.’ But the video hit a million views! People are talking about it.”
He concluded, “I’m ecstatic at the popularity Henry has gathered because it brings joy into the world, and that’s what really matters.”
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