In the classic Hanna-Barbera cartoon “The Flintstones,” cars were all powered by foot. The mechanism that propels the bicycle hasn’t really been improved on since it was invented. Some slight changes have been made. There is a pretty large break through that’s about to be hitting city streets. A man run automobile with electric assistance is being released by a design firm from Oregon, and it can sustain 25 to 30 mph with impunity. The auto can give you a workout and get you around without needing to fill it up.
HumanCar
An opportunity was noticed by engineer Charles Greenwood, to create a vehicle that uses man power and provides good exercise. The concept that he and the team he works with was to create a vehicle that can be powered by human effort without needing a traditional motor, that travels at the same speed as vehicles easily in urban and residential areas. The auto 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. Once the business enters production capacity, it will already be profitable.
Rowing not only for boats
Passengers use a rowing motion to drive. 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, fewer than three aboard should engage the electric motor to assist. Turning is done by leaning. The HumanCar is not only for the super fit. Greenwood routinely uses it, is over 60 years older, and even used groups of seniors to test it who adored the machine.
An old idea
The car has a limit. It is geared for trips in the city or around the neighborhood. The DOT has already given it the seal of approval for exactly those purposes. This isn’t in any way the first foray into advanced man powered vehicles. However, some human powered automobiles have little commercial use. The Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross flew, but cost thousands. Interestingly, “The Flintstones” may have inspired an automobile for the future.
Additional reading
Daily Mail
dailymail.co.uk/motoring/article-1304120/The-human-powered-car-reach-speeds-60mph.html
Human Car
humancar.com/index.htm
