i regularly use various bikes, a single speed, a mountain bike, and a couple of ebikes. i’ve been thinking of starting a new project converting a normal single-wheel trailer into a motorized self-propelled trailer. I need some input.

primary consideration is that i want it to be self contained, mostly meaning it carries its own battery and electronics, and preferably i do not want any cabling from the trailer to the bike.

i want the trailer’s motor to engage when the bike is in motion, and provide torque to offset trailer weight, etc.

the idea i have in mind is using an accelerometer tied to the throttle input of the motor controller to detect when the trailer is in motion and engage the motor. this way i could just start pedalling and then the trailer’s motor kicks in, and disengages when the bike’s speed drops below a threshold (or when i hit the brakes). i’d also have a switch of some sort to prevent the motor from engaging when the tow bar is not connected.

is this stupid? is there a better way? am i missing something important?