Designer Ben Lai, based in Singapore, has designed a renewable energy generating bicycle which he calls the Energy Harvesting Intermode Transport System. The idea is that commuters will be able to travel whilst creating and storing power for future use.
Source: Ben Lai
Source: Ben Lai
The bicycle is able to generate electricity in two ways. Firstly the wheels of the bicycle are hubless and hold incorporated wind turbines. The turbines enable the bicycle to harvest energy from the wind even when the bicycle and wheels are stationery in order to generate electricity. When the bicycle is moving, the moving wind activates the turbine.
Source: Ben Lai
Secondly, the body of the bicycle is embedded with solar panels which store energy in a battery pack installed near the pedals.
The Energy Harvesting Intermode Transport System also features an integrated RFID card reader which activates the bicycle lock and an embedded GPS for better security. The bicycle is still at the concept stage but in the future, and with refinements, could become a valuable source of power to commuters.
Information and top image source: Ben Lai
For more attend: Energy Harvesting & Storage USA 2009
