# Oversized Wooden Scooters The Chukudu is From the DR of Congo By Rodney Boot | Published 2012-09-09 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chukudu References: [creativeroots.org](http://creativeroots.org/2012/08/chukudu/) & [abbyross](http://www.abbyross.com/) The Chukudu is one of those weird and wonderful inventions from Africa that amaze people who see these contraptions for the first time. These [oversized, handmade wooden scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wooden-sculptures-1) from the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo are mainly used for transporting various goods up and down the hills. The Chukudu comes in three models: small, medium and large, and has become the donkey of eastern congo. Its name originates from the sound it makes, which is "Chu-ku-du, chu-ku-du, chu-ku-du" as it rolls along the lumpy, lava-covered streets. New York photographer Abby Ross traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo to capture these magnificent contraptions and the people who make a living off them. An owner can earn up to $10 a day, which is a lot of money for transporting various goods. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 87% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Transportation](https://www.trendhunter.com/transportation) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Oversized Handmade Contraptions:** Opportunity for developing unique and efficient modes of transportation for carrying goods. - **Innovative Transportation Solutions:** Disruptive potential in rethinking traditional transportation methods for economic and social development. - **Empowering Local Economies:** Exploration of income-generating opportunities through the use of sustainable and locally-made vehicles. ### Where This Applies - **Transportation:** Chance for companies to provide specialized vehicles for transporting goods in challenging terrains. - **Photography:** Platform for capturing and showcasing unique cultural practices and inventions. - **Art and Design:** Possibility for artisans to create and market handmade, oversized contraptions for various purposes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Utilitarian Cargo-Hauling Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scootility.md) - [Two-in-One Scooter Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/popup-scooter.md) - [Bamboo-Bodied Folding Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bamboo-folding-scooter.md) - [Triple-Wheeled Steel Electric Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tltboard-gorilla.md) - [Two-in-One Kids Scooter Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/childrens-electric-scooter.md) - [Urban Rental Scooter Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-rental-scooter-concept.md) - [Sustainable Multi-Person Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hop-vehicle.md) - [Multi-Person Scooter Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scooter-platform.md) - [Hybrid Design Electric Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prozui-electric-scooter.md)