Learner builds quad bike

Leandrea Louw
Leandrea Louw - A Grade 7 learner at Narraville Primary School in Walvis Bay built a 230 cc quad bike from secondhand and scrap material last year.

Stephan van Schalkwyk (14) was born in Windhoek, started his primary education at Narraville, and hopes to complete his secondary education at De Duine Secondary School in Walvis Bay. He wants to become a mechanic like his dad, Stefanus Basson.

“I love engines. My dad taught and still teaches me a lot about welding. Usually when we go to the farm, my uncle always has something that needs to be fixed.”

Last year February he bought a go-kart from his friend that needed fixing.

“Instead of fixing the go-kart I decided to build a quad bike from its parts. I bought a bike body in Narraville and got a 120 cc engine from my dad’s company. I managed to weld the go-kart parts to fit the quad body and bought the gearbox from my cousin. After I assembled all parts I went for a drive with it through the new industrial park near Narraville. A few parts broke while I was driving, but I fixed it again. Now it is up and running again and just needs a few tweaks. It boasts a 230 cc engine.”



He wants to sell his custom made bike.

“I have another bike, 450 cc, which needs fixing. I need about N$1 500 to fix it; that’s why I want to sell the other one. It’s no big deal to build another one - I can do it again.”

Aside from being a self-taught mechanic, Van Schalkwyk wants to join the school’s rugby team this year and also qualified to participate in the Welwitschia School Sport Zone athletics meet for shot put.

He also approaches companies during his off time after school to find out if they need any help fixing engines.

“Thus far I have assisted at JJD Enterprises, Blaauws Transport and Performance Transport. I usually do my homework before I go to bed.”

De Wet Mouton, a teacher at NPS, is someone constantly motivates him. “He cares about you and what goes on in your life.”

Check out Erongo’s Facebook page for videos of Van Schalkwyk and his quad bike.