Many of you know me because I built a six-wheel-drive scooter with an independent suspension design. Although it had strong off-road capabilities and a compact size, it was heavy and difficult to DIY.
To address these issues, I developed a simple, DIY-friendly folding electric camping wagon called the EVX Wagon. Over the years, it has evolved through several versions:
EVX Wagon 1.0
For version 1.0 I designed 2 drive wheels for the wagon, using remote control to solve the wagon’s driveability problem
The frame was converted from a flatbed folding wagon, but it folds up large and is inconvenient to store in the trunk, and does not stand upright when folded.
EVX Wagon 2.0
Version 2.0 mainly optimized the compatible frame by switching to a compact folding frame. When folded, it takes up less storage space. We also made some algorithm updates to make it better suited for the electric wagon.
EVX Wagon 3.0
In Version 3.0, I made significant algorithm optimizations and introduced a cruise control mode that truly frees up our hands. We’ll explain this in detail later.
EVX Wagon 4.0
Many users of Version 3.0 requested enhanced off-road capabilities for the EVX Wagon. So, in Version 4.0, I upgraded both its power and appearance, giving it exceptional performance and strength.
Introducing the EVX Wagon 4.0
The EVX Wagon 4.0 is a foldable electric remote-controlled wagon that’s compact and moderately weighted. It easily folds to fit into a car trunk, and even the trunk of a Ford Mustang can easily accommodate two EVX Wagons.
(The EVX Wagon 4.0 series comes in three versions, EVX Wagon 4.0 Kit, EVX Wagon 4.0 and EVX Wagon 4.0 Pro, and you can check out our Buying Guide for details.)
Remote control and built-in control program
I designed 3 modes for the remote control:
First Gear: Cruise Control Mode
Cruise control, yaw self-correction are all in this gear
In Cruise Control Mode, our encoder motors will not be affected by obstacles in forward direction
Ramps or external forces cannot change the EVX Wagon’s forward speed
Yaw self-correcting system, even if the external force changes the direction of travel, it can automatically return to the right direction.
EVX Wagon 4.0 and 4.0 Kit: Maximum load force 100 kg
EVX Wagon 4.0 Pro: Maximum load force 200 kg
Second Gear: Electric Motorcycle Mode
With the encoder turned off, it becomes a regular hub motor.
EVX Wagon 4.0 and 4.0 Kit: Maximum load force 150 kg
EVX Wagon 4.0 Pro: Maximum load force 300 kg
Third Gear: Parking Mode
Equivalent to a car’s P gear.
Locks the remote control to prevent accidental movement.
Provides strong resistance to prevent the wagon from moving.
Additionally, I designed a kinetic energy recovery linear brake. When braking, the motor becomes a generator, creating strong resistance and recovering energy. The harder you push the brake rocker down, the greater the braking resistance.
Versatility at Its Best
With great power and control, the EVX Wagon 4.0 can be used in all aspects of life.
Stroller Wagon: It serves as a convenient stroller wagon, helping us transport babies—or even adults babies—with ease.
Beach Wagon: Equipped with powerful and wide tires, it boasts strong off-road performance, making it ideal for beach outings.
Fun for Kids: You can attach a wiggle car to the front, turning it into a fun toy for you and your children, with the wagon providing the power.
Utility Wagon: Its primary function remains transporting goods. Photographers, in particular, have converted it to carry extensive equipment.
What’s New in the EVX Wagon 4.0
Let’s explore the exciting features in the 4.0 version. Traditional camping wagons struggle with steering resistance due to their universal wheels, making it difficult to steer in place when carrying people. The EVX Wagon 4.0 perfectly solves this problem with newly designed Super Universal Wheels.
It’s been four years since I invented the electric camping wagon, and it should be perfect by now. I noticed that many families have a second child, and previously it was nearly impossible to turn in place with two children onboard. Now, even with two kids, the 4.0 version turns smoothly.
Multiple Application Scenarios
You can customize your EVX Wagon with three types of seating options to suit different needs:
1. Moon Chair Mode (Crossed Legs Mode)
The first option is the Moon Chair, which allows us to sit comfortably in the wagon. It works best when sitting with crossed legs, hence the name “Crossed Legs Mode.”
Does this mode look like a wheelchair? However, because the wheelbase is longer than a wheelchair, you can safely navigate curbs and even single steps—something you can’t do with a traditional wheelchair.
Find a nice place and enjoy the Crossed Legs Mode.
2. Foam Stool Mode
Placing a foam stool in the compartment makes it easier to get in and out of the wagon compared to a moon chair
No more carrying luggage and gear when the family goes out for a hike. When you’re tired of walking, you can take turns resting in the wagon, making family outings more convenient.
Another use for the foam stool is the remote Cruise Mode. The fastest speed is 5 mph, equivalent to a person walking briskly.
Version 4.0 adds a 13 mph electric motorcycle mode. With the addition of a foam stool, it can provide temporary riding capabilities.
3. Fishing Chair Mode
This mode is primarily for anglers. Since the wagon has four columns, it’s compatible with almost all accessories of an angler’s fishing box.
Fishing used to look like this:
But now, fishing looks like this:
The world’s first remote-controlled electric folding fishing wagon! A fishing sunshade is a perfect match for this wagon, instantly turning it into a mobile carport. My dad is a seasoned fisherman and loves this setup.
You can play around with three different chairs in countless ways. Due to the high steering stability of the 4.0 version, you can even stand up while using it—something that wasn’t possible before. I’ve also waterproofed the wagon, so even in a rainstorm, it handles with ease.
The Fun of Remote Control
Why did I turn it into a remote-controlled wagon? Let’s see how you would normally cross water:
But with the RC wagon, you can do this:
Or even this:
I didn’t build just a wagon—it’s a city-friendly tractor suitable for various uses.
Building Your Own EVX Wagon
Let’s build one for our family together! Don’t worry—all the accessories needed to make this wagon are readily available.
DIY Assembly
Gather Materials:
1. A folding wagon
2. An EVX Wagon 4.0 Kit electric conversion kit
Assembly Steps:
1. Install the kit’s encoder hub motor and tighten it with a screwdriver.
2. Remove the screws at the central crossroads and install the control box.
3. Install the gimbal kit and attach the newly developed gimbal.
Complete the modification.
Ready-to-Use Option
If your hands-on ability is limited or you think it’s complicated, I have an EVX Wagon 4.0 Complete Wagon for you. It’s an aluminum alloy folding wagon that works right out of the box. There’s also a moon chair buckle designed next to the wagon to store the moon chair without taking up space.
Introducing the EVX Wagon 4.0 Pro
This time, I also bring you the EVX Wagon 4.0 Pro Edition. It’s the world’s only folding electric wagon that can carry two adults and still steer in place.
In electric motorcycle mode, the EVX Wagon 4.0 Pro Edition can load four people.
Rest assured, there won’t be a 5.0 in the future because I have many other exciting projects to work on, like debugging this robot:
I will continue to provide various upgrades for the 4.0 series. You can look forward to these enhancements and increase functionality through upgrades.
The Journey of Development
I receive many messages from people who want to learn about product development. This time, I’ll talk about how to properly develop products and considerations.
Four years ago, I developed a two-wheel-drive motor focusing on small size and high power. I first used it on my six-wheel-drive scooter and later on electric skateboards, both of which were very stable. Eventually, I realized I needed something like a dog—a remote folding wagon that would follow me and carry cargo or even me around.
Evolution Through Versions
EVX Wagon 1.0:
Used a flatbed folding wagon.
Issues: Large when folded, inconvenient for trunk storage, couldn’t stand upright when folded.
EVX Wagon 2.0:
Switched to a poly folding wagon frame, reducing folded size by half.
Issue: Caused yaw when traveling on uneven ground.
EVX Wagon 3.0:
Added a yaw correction system.
EVX Wagon 4.0:
Recognized the demand for more power and better looks.
Designed a wide-wheel off-road encoder hub motor.
Offered an out-of-the-box wagon for those less inclined to DIY.
EVX Wagon 4.0 Pro:
Pushed the power to the extreme.
Created a riding mode capable of pulling 300 kilograms.
The Super Universal Wheel
One of the surprises of the 4.0 and 4.0 Pro Editions is the Super Universal Wheel.
You can’t buy it in the market; I had to develop it myself and have the factory produce the mold. Made of a super wear-resistant and low-friction material, it enhances the wagon’s performance significantly.
I conducted extensive tests:
Durability: Even when pressed under a car, it’s completely fine.
Load Capacity: Tested going down stairs while carrying my weight. The impact effectively doubles the weight due to gravitational acceleration.
Traditional wagons use only two bearings in the universal wheel, which can be damaged under such stress. My Super Universal Wheel uses a four-bearing design, increasing maximum load-bearing capacity. After hundreds of tests, I’ve ensured it won’t break.
Improved Maneuverability
Why the Crossed Legs Mode wasn’t possible until the 4.0 Edition. Trying the old version, you can see that steering in place was very hard. With the new version, it’s effortless—even with a load of 100 kilograms.
Even so, steering in place with two people was still challenging with the 4.0 version. That’s why I developed the 4.0 Pro.
Enhanced Power with the 4.0 Pro
The EVX Wagon 4.0 Pro incorporates a planetary torque booster inside the motor, doubling the power at the same speed and power consumption.
The Pro version with two people is very easy to steer in place.
By this point, all four wheels that touch the ground have been upgraded.
Designing the Optimal Frame
I’ve long wanted to build my own wagon rather than using someone else’s brand. To create the best frame for an electric wagon, I combined your previous suggestions with features from over 50 wagons I’ve used.
Key Improvements
Handle Design: The handrail now automatically bounces back, addressing the annoyance of it falling off before.
All-Aluminum Construction: While not ultra-light, it’s manageable enough for a woman to move. There’s a technique to moving wagons—grab two of the four columns for easy handling.
Enhanced Load-Bearing: Introduced a double-fork chassis design for double load-bearing capacity. I jumped into it at 87.5 kg with no problem at all.
Side Storage: Added side bags for storing mobile phones, remote controls, and batteries, ensuring they don’t get lost and don’t interfere with folding.
Moon Chair Storage: Designed a buckle to store the moon chair without taking up space.
Addressing Tipping Wagon Compatibility
Some have asked why the electric upgrade kits don’t support tipping camping wagons. The reason is that the frame can deform after electrification, compromising stability. Therefore, the kit will not support tipping wagons.
As an alternative, you can get a mesh pocket to increase the wagon’s capacity and prevent items from falling out on bumpy roads.
Advancements in Encoder Motors
Many might be unfamiliar with encoder motors, as they are primarily used in robotics and are expensive. Traditional encoder motors collect very little data per revolution and don’t meet the requirements for a wagon.
Therefore, I developed my own high-precision encoder motor, which is more suitable for electric wagons.
I also opted for solid tires to eliminate the worry of flat tires.
Why Develop a Custom Encoder Motor?
Traditional encoder motors have only 2,000 counts per revolution, which isn’t sufficient. My encoder achieves 70,000 counts per revolution.
What’s the point?
When the wagon encounters an external force, the hub motor only turns less than 1%, and it gradually slows down and brakes. Then it accelerates back to its original speed smoothly.
The motor controller operates at 800 times per second to manage the motor, something humans can’t do. That’s why I let the computer handle 90% of the work.
When the computer knows the speed and position of the motor, it can determine the current attitude and terrain, adjusting throttle or brake accordingly.
And don’t worry about moving the wagon when it runs out of power. The brushless hub motor has no resistance when unpowered, so you can just drag it around.
Battery Recommendations and Performance
Regarding batteries, I recommend the 8-string lithium iron phosphate battery available on my website. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are very safe—you can search online for more information.
More than 3,000 EVX Wagon owners, both domestic and international, have used this battery from versions 1.0 to 4.0 without any safety issues, proving its reliability.
The range mainly depends on the battery capacity. Please check the Battery product page for specific details.
For example, with a 20 Ah battery and an 87.5 kg load, the wagon can reach up to 15 kilometers in range.
Conclusion
The EVX Wagon series represents a significant advancement in foldable electric wagons, combining practicality, versatility, and technological innovation. Whether you’re transporting goods, enjoying family outings, or pursuing hobbies like fishing, the EVX Wagon 4.0 and 4.0 Pro offer unparalleled convenience.
I encourage you to build one for your family or consider the ready-to-use options. Stay tuned for future upgrades and accessories that will further enhance its capabilities. Let’s continue to explore new ways to make our lives easier and more enjoyable with the EVX Wagon.
