Solar Bike Fujin Combines Two Green Techs in One
Although they are not very common in the United States, powered bikes (not motorcycles, mind you) are used in other countries around the world as an alternative to the traditional bicycle as a means of transportation. Many of them use small electric motors, or some sort of gas, however, so they are not totally environmentally-friendly.
However, a Japanese engineer who worked on the rover that was a part of the Hayabusa probe has come up with a new design that can drastically reduce the carbon footprint of these vehicles. Credited only as Mr. Yamawaki, he works for a company called Hama Zero , which showed off the bike at Electric Vehicle Development Technology Exhibition (EVEX for short).
He brings to the design some of the technology he used in designing the rover, including wheels that spin with incredibly low levels of friction. So little friction is created when the wheels spin, that with a gentle spin with the hand, they will allegedly spin for 20 minutes without stopping!
The bike is capable of speeds up to about 45 mph, and can travel 137 miles with a fully charged battery. If you ride it to work and leave it in the sun for 8 hours, you'll be able to travel 31 miles, which is pretty impressive, especially since you'll be riding to and from work for free!
Check out the video for a demonstration and more information.
Source: Engadget
