DIY Electric Rail Car Explores Abandoned Western Tracks

Matt Spears turned a lightweight electric three-wheeler into an adventure machine that rides abandoned railroad tracks across the western United States, proving that innovation often starts with a wild idea and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

The Spira is already an unusual vehicle. With three wheels, foam body panels, and a design closer to a go-kart than a traditional car, it barely registers as road-legal transportation in most places.

But Spears saw potential beyond pavement. He modified his Spira to ride on forgotten railway lines that snake through remote wilderness areas, creating a one-of-a-kind exploration vehicle.

His first rail adventure didn't go perfectly. Hitting an obstruction at high speed destroyed the front axle and damaged other components, but instead of giving up, Spears saw an opportunity to make his creation even better.

The upgrades transformed the little vehicle. He installed a go-kart rear axle with custom wheels and an improved braking system, then added a more powerful 5 kilowatt electric motor for tackling longer distances and steeper grades.

Even without all the parts he originally planned, Spears took his rebuilt rail rider out for a test run that exceeded every expectation. The vehicle performed so well that he pushed farther than ever before, crossing a questionable wooden trestle and venturing deep into wilderness areas rarely accessed by anyone.

Why This Inspires

This project shows how setbacks can fuel better solutions. When the front axle broke, Spears could have abandoned the whole idea, but instead he used the failure as motivation to build something stronger and more capable.

His work also highlights an unexpected benefit of America's vast geography. While many countries reclaimed their abandoned railways for scrap metal or converted them to bike paths, thousands of miles of forgotten tracks still exist in remote western areas, creating unique opportunities for adventurous makers.

These rails tell stories of boom towns that went bust, mining operations long closed, and communities that faded away. Now they're getting a second life as pathways to wilderness exploration, all thanks to one person's determination to turn an unusual electric vehicle into something even more remarkable.

Spears plans to document more journeys on these forgotten rails, and his upgraded electric explorer is ready for the challenge.