There are several air powered small vehicles making the rounds of the eco-blogs. Some have novel engines that claim 100% greater efficiency other companies have been “just about” to release their air powered cars for nearly a decade.
From Wikipedia:
Various companies are investing in the research, development and deployment of Compressed air cars. Overoptimistic reports of impending production date back to at least May 1999. For instance, the MDI Air Car made its public debut in South Africa in 2002,[13] and was predicted to be in production “within six months” in January 2004.[14] Most of the cars under development also rely on using similar technology to Low-energy vehicles in order to increase the range and performance of their cars.
As you can see, I’m a bit of a skeptic when it comes to Air Powered Vehicles -but…
This DIY scooter doesn’t rely on inflated claims (sorry) of super efficiency. Rather it is a simple design using recycled materials and easily available parts. No magic - sorry. Just a really cool bike that runs for free if you can find a gas station that still has free air. The range of this scooter is about 7 miles and the top speed is under 20 mph. While this may seem pretty wimpy by motorcycle standards, 18 mph or so on a bicycle is pretty fast, and 7 miles would get me to work and back twice. For free.
From Motorcycle News:
An inventor has created what he claims is the world’s first motorcycle powered by fresh air.
Jem Stansfield says his converted Puch moped produces cleaner air than found in many town and city centres and so can actually reduce pollution.
“It actually fires out cleaner air,” said 37-year-old Stansfield, who used to be a sheep herder.
The University of Bristol aeronautics graduate fitted the Puch with high pressure carbon fibre air cylinders used by fire fighters as breathing apparatus in burning buildings.
The cylinders power two rotary air engines which in turn drive the chain to the rear wheel.
Unlike electric scooters, it takes just seconds to recharge from larger air tanks filled by a diving compressor.
With a top speed of 18mph and a range of just seven miles between air top-ups, Stansfield admits it’s never going to be good for trans-continental touring. But hesaid: “You could definitely run a fleet of delivery bikes on it.”
Via: Sustainable Design Update
