OK, so since we just posted about a ridiculous pedal-powered concept, I thought we should also write a bit about a more serious prospect, the Imagine LMV.

The Imagine LMV is what HumanCar is calling its new offering. And while it is both pedal and row-bar powered, the people don't directly drive the car. In fact, the Imagine LMV is an electric vehicle that simply allows the passengers to charge the batteries while driving. The batteries (we're guessing) can also be charged through more traditional means.

Using batteries instead of pure human power allows the bike to hit speeds of up to 30 mph while also being, in theory, much safer than bicycles. Unfortunately, the batteries and generators also make the vehicle tremendously more expensive than traditional pedal-powered transit at roughly $15,000.

At that price, we have to wonder why we aren't just looking to buy a really nice hybrid electric bicycle. Or three...

For more info, check out HumanCar's PDF brochure on the new vehicle.

Via AutoBlogGreen

Comments (6)

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Pretty cool for flat roads...
written by Vladan , February 09, 2008

One can hardly imagine to climb to the hill with this car... . It might help to place some solar cells on the roof or on the sides of the car to gain some more power for recharging the batteries....

Cheers
Vladan

...
written by Al Fin , February 09, 2008

What about the Twike? It's a hybrid human-electric and has been out for several years. Originally from Switzerland, now made in Germany.

Back to the stone age?
written by Dan , February 09, 2008

I love it... but I can't help but hear this tune in the back of my head:

"Flintstones. Meet the Flintstones.
They're the modern stone age family.
From the town of Bedrock,
They're a page right out of history.

Let's ride with the family down the street.
Through the courtesy of Fred's two feet."

Waiting on the Tech Trickle down
written by Gene , February 10, 2008

I would be so glad to see some of this technology applied to durable medical equipment. Manual wheelchairs with electric motor assist has been tried. (iGlide) But as far I know that concept never really took off. Even the some newer battery tech would be an improvement for standard power Wheelchairs. Yes, everyone wants to go green.

but...
written by def , February 10, 2008

do they have to make it look so geeky? that's fine for eco-geeks, but...

a forum just for electric bicycles.
written by ebikehub , February 12, 2008

check out www.ebikehub.com if you want more information about electric bikes, electric bike motors, etc.

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