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A lot of interesting projects have been coming out of the Innovate or Die contest. We talked about it a while back and, now that it's over, we've got to talk about some of the entrants (and of course, the winners).
First, I just wanted to share this somewhat intriguing "human-electric" hybrid concept. While it's not immediately suitable for the world most of us live in (with commutes longer than five miles) it could be a real winner in urban envionments.
The vehicle's on-board batteries can be charged via the grid, photovoltaics on the ceiling, or a pedal generator on board. In my opinion, it's a winner because it allows for possible vehicle-to-grid applications (storing renewable power) and it's a tad more convenient than a bike, as it has a roof, and greater stability (you don't have to pit your feet down when you stop.) Plus, it could conceivably shield you from the elements (my main complaint about bicycles during this time of the year.)
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written by Danno, January 22, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Entity_(South_Park)
The size is a big issue as someone mentioned above. It would be more practical to use an electric bike and power the batteries from a renewable source like solar panels and wind turbines.
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written by xodus83, January 22, 2008
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written by Tom Konrad, January 22, 2008
I doubt the PV panels make sense though... with the ability to charge by pedaling, anyting you get from the solar will likely be insignificant.
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written by Drew, January 23, 2008
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written by Magnulus, January 23, 2008
Sure, I could park in a parking house that was fitted with charging stations, but how much do you think that'd cost me?
Just saying that even if these things cost as little as bikes or even less, they still wouldn't be a viable alternative to a bike for people like me; urban dwellers with little money (aka. students). I'll just dress well when it's raining or cold.
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written by Virgil, January 24, 2008
-Where do the batteries go?
-How is the area at the top (really narrow) possibly big enough for PV panels?
-How does it avoid rolling forwards/backwards?
-Weight? way-more than a regular bike/trike
-Sideways windage - one big gust and you're tipping over buddy!
-If you don't wanna put your feet down when you stop, get some training wheels!
Ha ha ha ha ha ha (haven't laughed so much in a good while). Was this done by an elementary school student? :D :D :D :D :D
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written by Kris, January 28, 2008
Seeing these kinds of ideas still alive should make us all GLaD, though.
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One problem I can see with this thing is that it doesn't seem nearly as maneuverable as a bike. You would basically HAVE to ride in the roads in countries/ cities that don't have dedicated bicycle routes. In general, I would also say that it is just too huge. I can fit a bike in my flat, but you'd need to make some pretty serious changes to cities' infrastructure to make room for these things.