arriero by edgar sarmiento is a rural transportation solution

proposed by colombian designer edgar sarmiento, ‘arriero’ is a one-seater cargo vehicle. motivated by the difficult character of the andes mountains, this proposal is an alternative to mules and horses transporting goods between complicated terrains. derived from the spanish verb arrear — meaning to urge the cattle or other animals to walk — ‘arriero’ translates to mule driver, the person involved in these tasks. envisioned as a modular vehicle, its parts can be exchanged and assembled depending on the needs of the user, including the amount of load, type of terrain, distance traveled in relation to work, purchasing power, taste, etc.

the vehicle can be assembled depending on the necessities of the user 

edgar sarmiento designed ‘arriero’ with its tires the farthest apart from the central body first to receive the loading platforms of agricultural production — transported to the processing and marketing points — and second, to create enough stability capable of handling the complicated terrains. the naked product configuration and the visibility of parts allow for easy assembly, layout visibility and feasible production. the central body holds the electric batteries which distribute energy to four motors. each wheel is assembled separately and contains a brushless motor e-type with regenerative braking.

two racks — one placed in front and the other behind — are ideal for carrying heavy bulks

the vehicle has a double-suspension system of airless type tires, generating greater terrain stability while eliminating the need to use air. the motors in each rim allow for a better and more intelligent management of consumption and traction while improving the grip and mobility in mountainous lands.

arriero has been designed to fit many different types of terrain

equipped with lighting, arriero can be used in dark conditions like the early morning

parts that make up the ‘arriero’

measurements 

context explanation

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edited by: juliana neira | designboom