Sunday, September 26, 2010

Man powered automobiles are not just on The Flintstones

The characters from “The Flintstones” lived alongside dinosaurs, which is fairly much impossible, and drove foot powered automobiles, which isn’t. The mechanism that propels the bicycle hasn’t really been improved on since it was invented. A not quite, but seemingly revolutionary leap forward in human powered travel is hitting town streets near you soon. A vehicle 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 automobile that can do 30 mph with ease. The auto can give you a workout and get you around without needing to fill it up. Article source – Human- powered cars aren’t just for the Flintstones by Car Deal Expert.

HumanCar

Charles Greenwood saw the opportunity for a human powered vehicle for urban applications in the late ’60s. 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. Full capacity production will start once pre-orders, already at over 100, hit 800. The company is good to go, as it can be profitable once in full production mode.

Row, row, row your auto

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, fewer than three aboard should engage the electric motor to assist. The steering is type of like a high end motorcycle. You’ve to lean to turn. The HumanCar isn’t 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.

Not the most recent idea

The auto has a limit. It is geared for trips within the city or around the neighborhood. The DOT has already given it the seal of approval for exactly those purposes. It is not new technology, really. Man powered automobiles have been made before. Other things like human run 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.

Find more information on this subject

Daily Mail

dailymail.co.uk/motoring/article-1304120/The-human-powered-car-reach-speeds-60mph.html

Human Car

humancar.com/index.htm



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