Gila Monster

Among some of my early influences were Henry Ford’s first quadricycles, and the U.S. moon buggies, especially a pedal-powered concept designed by Mechanical Engineer David Gordon Wilson. In the late 1980’s, Bryan Keener Smith was pedaling around his four-wheeled, two-person ATV called the Gila Monster. This inspired me to create a side-by-side pedal ATV, fully suspended with super traction, exceptional brakes, and lots of ground clearance. After a few brainstorming sessions with my friend, Arjan Ala, an Iranian/Brit, we established a chassis layout and suspension which was functional and buildable.   Having the ability to go anywhere, leave little footprint, and to enjoy the ride, has been the goal. After making a few prototypes and getting a U.S. Patent in 1994 with claims of efficiency and maneuverability, a redesign on Solidworks 3-D was done by Engineer Robert Travis. That current refined iteration, built with electric power assist has been in the testing phase for approximately one year. Charging systems include off-the-grid, or by solar panel.