In the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon “The Flintstones,” automobiles were all powered by foot. Since the advent of the bicycle, there hasn’t been a great deal of advance in that kind of mechanism. Some slight changes have been made. There is a fairly big break through that’s about to be hitting city roads. car that uses man power no longer has to be relegated to the bike path, as a design firm from Oregon has come up with a man powered auto that can do 30 mph with ease. It is a win, win situation, using no gas and keeping the driver in shape.
The HumanCar
In the late 60s, engineer Charles Greenwood saw habits that he didn’t like, such as too much commuting and not enough exercise. He also saw an opportunity. He and the rest of the engineers and designers he works with have been at it for awhile. The goal was to create a vehicle that could travel at auto speeds with no engine to speak of. The car also produces zero emissions. It burns calories too. You will find already 100 orders in. According to the Daily Mail, once orders hit 800 full production will start. The company has already done the math. Once full capacity production begins, it will already be profitable.
Rowing not only for boats
The driving action is more rowing than pedaling. Experimental models have been clocked at 60 mph. However, the standard model, the HumanCar Imagine PS, will do 25 to 30 mph with ease. It seats four, however if fewer than three people are aboard, the motor can be used as a boost. Steering is done by leaning, comparable to a motorcycle. The HumanCar isn’t really only for the super fit. Greenwood routinely uses it, is over 60 years old, and even used groups of seniors to test it who adored the machine.
Old principles
The auto has a limit. It is geared for trips in the city or around the neighborhood. It has approved for that purpose by the Department of Transportation. It is not new technology, really. Man run autos have been made before. The Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross made human powered flight possible, though consumer applications are limited. Ironically, the urban vehicle of the future may result in being straight out of “The Flintstones”.
Further reading
Daily Mail
dailymail.co.uk/motoring/article-1304120/The-human-powered-car-reach-speeds-60mph.html
Human Car
humancar.com/index.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment