The Hanna Barbera cartoon “The Flintstones” was a long running program about a stone age family. There were cars, although the cars in the show were all run by foot. The mechanism that propels the bicycle hasn’t really been improved on since it was invented. That is, until now. There’s a design firm from Oregon that has come up with a human run car suitable for urban and residential travel. The car they invented sustains 25 to 30 mph easily and has electric assistance. It’s a win, win situation, using no gas and keeping the driver in shape.
It’s termed the HumanCar
Within the late 60s, engineer Charles Greenwood saw habits that he didn’t like, for instance too much commuting and not enough exercise. He also saw an opportunity. Since then, he has worked with a team of designers and other engineers coming up with car that can operate at motor vehicle speeds without a gas engine. The automobile needs no gas, produces no emissions, and gives users a workout too. According to the Daily Mail, there are already about 100 orders in, and full production will start when orders hit 800. Once the company enters production capacity, it will already be profitable.
Rowing not just for boats
Passengers use a rowing motion to drive. The HumanCar Imagine PS will cruise at 25 to 30 miles per hour, though experimental models have been clocked at 60 mph. There is a rechargeable electric motor aboard, and the four seat automobile should have the motor on if fewer than three are aboard. Steering is done by leaning, comparable to a motorcycle. Greenwood is older than 60 and routinely drives one, and part of the testing was using senior citizens to drive it, according to the HumanCar site, so it isn’t solely for the uber-fit.
Old concepts
The automobile has a limit. It is geared for trips within the city or around the neighborhood. It is already street legal. The DOT has approved it for exactly those uses. This isn’t brand new technology, really. Human run autos have been made before. Other things like human powered airplanes like the Gossamer Condor and Gossamer Albatross are cool, however have no consumer purpose. Interestingly, “The Flintstones” may have inspired an auto for the future.
Further reading
Daily Mail
dailymail.co.uk/motoring/article-1304120/The-human-powered-car-reach-speeds-60mph.html
Human Car
humancar.com/index.htm
