This is awesome. One feature that would make it even more awesome is adding front and rear suspension and electric power assist hub to rear and/or front wheels.
I like that it is front wheel drive. Pulling with two front wheels rather than pushing with one rear wheel will increase the life of the tires. Good work,
Just because your head is too big for your body that doesn't make you wise. I like the way you pedal around at 2 mph on flat ground with a trailer full of empty boxes. STUNNING!!
Innovation is never wasted time. That is how inventions flourish! I personally would need electric assist as I am getting too old and crippled to peddle any more. I still have fond memories of peddling though. Did it for over 60 years and it was good, healthy exercise! I can still remember the thrill of first learning how to balance :-)
Nice. Thanks for thinking about cargo and multiple people, something most designers of hpv's and hybrids rarely think about. It's not just about personal transport, but about transporting people and stuff!
I've been looking for the perfect bike for awhile and I'm glad somebody is interested in something besides speed and style, something that can be used for fun or to carry a passenger or passenger and cargo while providing exercise. I think a few things are still being neglected. A practical vehicle needs to offer some protection from the elements. It needs to have more power as in an electric motor assist with fast charging batteries.
No offense taken. And I do appreciate that you left a comment. It started to seem like everyone was piling on with the same comment. And I feel the sentiment. In fact I said the same thing when I heard Aaron say it.
Luis, I am glad you like the bike. The trike is not a toy it's a useful transportation tool. Can it do 0-60 in 4 seconds? Does it carry an electric winch? Can it fly? Can you live underwater in it? Of course not but your car probably doesn't either. Does that make your car a useless toy? Can this do most of the the things most people do with their car most of the time? Yes AND it costs a hell of a lot less to own and operate. Plus it has the side benefit of getting you in shape, lol.
i really like the cargo trailer. with a few modifications, you can make a cargo trailer that can be used with most recumbent trikes and maybe even regular bikes.
So it doesn't have an engine, how many bicycle riders get a bike with a motor. Its imaginative and interesting so I'll give it a thumbs up for local travel.
@tnt303 yeah we were not planning on having the kid in the shoot but we wanted to show it being used in tandem. It was pretty safe in a fenced-in school yard. Later on the the kid is running the camera, btw.
I just looked it up. Al I found was a trailer that attaches to a bike like a B.O.B. trailer does for transporting 1 person.`Also there was a mountain bike set up with racks and panniers for holding medical equipment. Both of these are good ideas and possibly a step in the right direction but they don't compare to the big diesel powered machines that we use now. Like I said before, they have to be able to transport the patient quickly as well as hold all the medical supplies and a crew
They can. I can haul approximately 700 lbs on my current bicycle+trailer. I could haul more but my trailer's got a pretty low axle limit. A 23' sailboat is approximately 3/4 ton. No problem for 3 guys, but I prefer a 14' tandem kayak with sail and treadle drive which weighs less than 100 lbs. That's easy enough for anyone to carry. For heavy loads, you use a trailer with disk brakes.
@ramases1 pause at 00:57. it shows kilocalories per kilometer per passenger and speed. The graph demonstrates the the bicycles are a very efficient means of transportation in terms of energy use.
the nice thing about electric cars, from a pollution standpoint at least is it could reduce smog in metropolitan areas, or gary indiana. We could pollute places people dont want to go instead! Brilliant!
I hope you are right and soon. One of those alternatives, if allowed to happen, will be the bicycle. The best part is that bicycles can be cheap, efficient, and bestow health and happiness to their rider.
@breezebro This is only a concept and not a product ready to use. The rack is great. You can put big boxes on it or coult attach some net or basket for smaller items
I'm not a spelling Troll, but this made me LOL. Pedalling is what one does on a cycle. Peddling is what dodgy purveyors of dodgy DVD's do in the corner of a Market (eg). Here's a throwaway idea:- Pedalling only up and down (possibly Hydraulic) can be more efficient that the present round-and-round and up-and-down.... (crankshaft) idea.
I checked in with Clarence Eckerson of BikeTV in NYC and he is not aware of such a law he actually has a three wheeler he uses and knows others as well.
I think its a great concept! I'm a big user of cargo bikes. The ability to adapt it to a 2 or 3 person tandem really makes it viable as a personal OR family vehicle. How's the cornering stability at higher speeds and such? Tadpole trikes are great but my understanding was that they are generally made low to reduce some of the problems that come from cornering two wheels at the same angle following different radius circles.
@kevincarbonaro dude, we were in a fenced in playground so I think the danger of head injury for my son was very low. The designer, however, rode the bike there and had his helmet on and left it on probably because it was a cold day.
@pdxktv I agree completely about stopping wasting fuel, I have a design for a diesel-steam compound hybrid engine that should be capable of about 70% efficiency when used as a generator set (its not suitable for transportation), but I do think with a bit of common sence we can keep enough fuel for emergency vehicles!
@STEPHEN1MAN Yes traffic is bad! Human powered machines like this are a great solution for reducing the congestion and pollution caused by motorcars. No one is claiming this vehicle is the solution every transportation need/terrain - what vehicle is? Not even a cargo helicopter can cover all conditions/needs. Modern cars are massive overkill for what we use them for on a regular basis - (trips with one passenger that are two-miles (or less), and carrying very little (if any) baggage.
Loved the concept and the bike although much work is still needed on it in my point of view. Wouldnt like coming down a hill with a heavy cargo on the back with either weak steering or lacking breaking power.
I can't say I agree motor vehicles are being phased out, at least not in the US. I could only see the average US citizen using a power assisted bike. In countries where bikes are more common for transportation, you can often make a bike from scrap bikes left around the city on bike racks. Try to keep the design of the bike the same, or go beyond human power. I don't think I would want to pedal 1 extra wheel, and a trailer uphill if you catch my drift :) you could easily throw a hub motor in.
@MrHobiecat Don't forget cars need maintenance, too. Lubing a chain costs a lot less than lubing a car - except, maybe, at your bike shop where they appear to be really gouging you on bike tires.
I think some vehicles will still need a motor, such as ambulances, heavy goods vehicles, some police vehicles etc but for all the rest it's a good idea
@MrHobiecat Please read all the words. I said "when TOP speed is not a factor". For example, the train from NY to DC vs. the Plane. They work out about the same even though the plane can go six times faster.
@MrHobiecat it's not based on speed but kcal/km per person and has not changed all that much of the years. You can search images for "bicycle is the most efficient means of transportation" and find the graph and a lot more information on the subject.
@MrHobiecat most of the driving I do in the van is hauling a small number of humans. In that case, there is not much practical difference between the vehicles. In many urban environments a bicycle can actually get you to your destination quicker than a car so the 75 mph cruising speed is irrelevant. There is nothing misleading or inaccurate about the graph. If your goal is to transport humans and top speed is not a factor then the bicycle is the most efficient means.
actually, if designed properly, forward pedals can be just as efficient as lower ones. im not sure if his design is optimal, but its just a prototype anyway.
@killyouin1punch geez can't remember anymore - Some school or museum in Chicago. I was able to get permission. If you really want to know I can try to look it up it's been awhile.
@Corkoth55...By law bikes are supposed to be ridden on the street not the sidewalk.Most get intimidated onto the sidewalk by cars.Where I live a few cities have bike lanes.
its amazing. big problem is i live in england and you would never be alowed to ride one on the roads and we have very little cycle lanes. plus the fact its all hills..lol
The point is that this vehicle could carry non-riding human passengers, if desired. I think it's obvious that we'd all choose a high-powered motorized ambulance with working paramedics and life saving equipment if that was an option.
Very cool, would be helpful in places without motor vehicles. It still seems fairly complex though.. lots of parts and pieces. It'd be great if there was a way to simplify it.
would have been HUGE in China 30 or 40 years ago - but i wouldn't want to be bleeding like crazy on the way to the hospital in a peddle-powered ambulance. very cool, original design though. kudos on that.
I'd happily take a stretcher or even ride on someone's back to the hospital if there was no motorized ambulance available. Believe it or not, bicycles are used as ambulances around the world where gasoline and motor vehicles are difficult to come by.
In time, alternate fuels will arrive, and transportation devices will be made more efficient. This will further obsolete the need for expensive human energy. And will allow us to devote more time towards innovation.
Actually, bicycle powered ambulances are in actual usage. You do what you can when you have little. Check this out: plippo.com/client/bambulance/home.html Not only is it a bicycle ambulance, it is designed to be made primarily from bamboo as that is strong and locally available and cheap (or free)
@MrHobiecat and what is the cost per hour at 140 mph? This is silliness. In my reality, I can bike to most of the destinations I typically need to get to in about the same time as it would take to drive. Cost per mile on the bike is a fraction of the driving cost including my time. There is the added benefit of exercise and the joy of riding. When the distances are too great there are other choices. If we keep wasting our resources those choices will become limited and more expensive.
Actually, I had one hour to shoot the video of this trike (not mine) I picked the easy area to shoot. I have seen these in action and going up hills. Hell, I ride my own (inefficient) adult-style trike up hills loaded with 100+lbs of equipment and I only have three gears. Since you are so incredulous you should find out more at Stitesdesigns. BTW, you can add an electric assist motor. Of course, you can just continue to be a weakling and drive you car all the time.
You sir, are RIGHT! BUT diesel vans don't compare to helicopters. Unless you don't have a helicopter or the jet fuel to make it go. In which case the diesel van starts looking pretty good as you are bleeding out in the ditch somewhere. Unless of course you don't have a diesel van or the fuel to make it go. In which case, the bicycle and trailer looks pretty nice. Of course, not if the tires are flat. In which case a stretcher might save your ass. Unless.... You get the idea, eh?
You idea is cool but, and this is a big but, I think is essential for this type of convertion to be able to adjust the seat position so anyone can pedal comfortably. The kid in the video needed to move forward in his own seat in order to pedal so this is basically an adult tricycle, and not all adults but only those who are in an specific height range. Anyone out of that range will be uncomfortable pedaling.
@TheFlightlover yeh im a cyclist and your right, they are in the worst possible peddling position for leg power and lower back strain. I like the idea it just needs improving.
@caruser4 While it would be helpful if ambulances were motorised, in many places including first world countries such as Denmark, they use cargo bikes. Cargo bikes, are used more then people think.
I was on the fence about it, but that ringing endorsement at the end sealed the deal for me.
This is awesome. One feature that would make it even more awesome is adding front and rear suspension and electric power assist hub to rear and/or front wheels.
I like that it is front wheel drive. Pulling with two front wheels rather than pushing with one rear wheel will increase the life of the tires. Good work,
Just because your head is too big for your body that doesn't make you wise. I like the way you pedal around at 2 mph on flat ground with a trailer full of empty boxes. STUNNING!!
Innovation is never wasted time. That is how inventions flourish! I personally would need electric assist as I am getting too old and crippled to peddle any more. I still have fond memories of peddling though. Did it for over 60 years and it was good, healthy exercise! I can still remember the thrill of first learning how to balance :-)
My dream bike is a tandem Greenspeed that I could use to tour the continent... thanks for the video, it has great footage and information!
Nice. Thanks for thinking about cargo and multiple people, something most designers of hpv's and hybrids rarely think about. It's not just about personal transport, but about transporting people and stuff!
I can tell you put a lot of time and effort into the design! Congrats, and good luck.
I've been looking for the perfect bike for awhile and I'm glad somebody is interested in something besides speed and style, something that can be used for fun or to carry a passenger or passenger and cargo while providing exercise. I think a few things are still being neglected. A practical vehicle needs to offer some protection from the elements. It needs to have more power as in an electric motor assist with fast charging batteries.
No offense taken. And I do appreciate that you left a comment. It started to seem like everyone was piling on with the same comment. And I feel the sentiment. In fact I said the same thing when I heard Aaron say it.
this is actually plausible. im glad some of us are still thinking
Luis, I am glad you like the bike.
The trike is not a toy it's a useful transportation tool. Can it do 0-60 in 4 seconds? Does it carry an electric winch? Can it fly? Can you live underwater in it? Of course not but your car probably doesn't either. Does that make your car a useless toy?
Can this do most of the the things most people do with their car most of the time? Yes AND it costs a hell of a lot less to own and operate. Plus it has the side benefit of getting you in shape, lol.
i really like the cargo trailer. with a few modifications, you can make a cargo trailer that can be used with most recumbent trikes and maybe even regular bikes.
So it doesn't have an engine, how many bicycle riders get a bike with a motor. Its imaginative and interesting so I'll give it a thumbs up for local travel.
@tnt303 yeah we were not planning on having the kid in the shoot but we wanted to show it being used in tandem. It was pretty safe in a fenced-in school yard. Later on the the kid is running the camera, btw.
Great work Aaron!
I just looked it up. Al I found was a trailer that attaches to a bike like a B.O.B. trailer does for transporting 1 person.`Also there was a mountain bike set up with racks and panniers for holding medical equipment. Both of these are good ideas and possibly a step in the right direction but they don't compare to the big diesel powered machines that we use now. Like I said before, they have to be able to transport the patient quickly as well as hold all the medical supplies and a crew
They can. I can haul approximately 700 lbs on my current bicycle+trailer. I could haul more but my trailer's got a pretty low axle limit.
A 23' sailboat is approximately 3/4 ton. No problem for 3 guys, but I prefer a 14' tandem kayak with sail and treadle drive which weighs less than 100 lbs. That's easy enough for anyone to carry.
For heavy loads, you use a trailer with disk brakes.
Well, I like it!! I like that it's recumbent...probably comfier on long rides.
Nice job, awesome ride.
it shows the energy needed to move the vehicles listed there.
to underline that bicycles are the most efficient way to move.
@ramases1 pause at 00:57. it shows kilocalories per kilometer per passenger and speed. The graph demonstrates the the bicycles are a very efficient means of transportation in terms of energy use.
the nice thing about electric cars, from a pollution standpoint at least is it could reduce smog in metropolitan areas, or gary indiana. We could pollute places people dont want to go instead! Brilliant!
very very good invent
I hope you are right and soon. One of those alternatives, if allowed to happen, will be the bicycle.
The best part is that bicycles can be cheap, efficient, and bestow health and happiness to their rider.
I second that. "Peddle faster Jim hes gone into cardiac arrest!!!!"
Just what the world needs in this era of high fuel costs and global warming.
@breezebro
This is only a concept and not a product ready to use.
The rack is great. You can put big boxes on it or coult attach some net or basket for smaller items
Thanks K1.
This would do really well in the Netherlands where they already have a network of cycle tracks.
congrats. Cool bike !
Really cool idea. Similar to an Xtracycle or Big Dummy.
I'm not a spelling Troll, but this made me LOL.
Pedalling is what one does on a cycle.
Peddling is what dodgy purveyors of dodgy DVD's do in the corner of a Market (eg).
Here's a throwaway idea:- Pedalling only up and down (possibly Hydraulic) can be more efficient that the present round-and-round and up-and-down.... (crankshaft) idea.
I checked in with Clarence Eckerson of BikeTV in NYC and he is not aware of such a law he actually has a three wheeler he uses and knows others as well.
Cool bike!! It would be great for Twins like us!!
I think its a great concept! I'm a big user of cargo bikes. The ability to adapt it to a 2 or 3 person tandem really makes it viable as a personal OR family vehicle.
How's the cornering stability at higher speeds and such?
Tadpole trikes are great but my understanding was that they are generally made low to reduce some of the problems that come from cornering two wheels at the same angle following different radius circles.
Well done keep up the good work
@kevincarbonaro dude, we were in a fenced in playground so I think the danger of head injury for my son was very low. The designer, however, rode the bike there and had his helmet on and left it on probably because it was a cold day.
@unabonger777 sounds like a great mad max sequel - we should shop this
Very nice idea and cool vid, thanks.
Yes, each of the riders can pedal at their own rate so you must be careful of slackers and freeloaders ;)
The idea is great, the design may need a little bit of work, but overall it looks great.
Good job.
@pdxktv
I agree completely about stopping wasting fuel, I have a design for a diesel-steam compound hybrid engine that should be capable of about 70% efficiency when used as a generator set (its not suitable for transportation), but I do think with a bit of common sence we can keep enough fuel for emergency vehicles!
@STEPHEN1MAN Yes traffic is bad! Human powered machines like this are a great solution for reducing the congestion and pollution caused by motorcars.
No one is claiming this vehicle is the solution every transportation need/terrain - what vehicle is? Not even a cargo helicopter can cover all conditions/needs.
Modern cars are massive overkill for what we use them for on a regular basis - (trips with one passenger that are two-miles (or less), and carrying very little (if any) baggage.
Loved the concept and the bike although much work is still needed on it in my point of view. Wouldnt like coming down a hill with a heavy cargo on the back with either weak steering or lacking breaking power.
Portland? I thought it was the old Central High School in Missoula, but that's my brain going backwards 50 years.
It's very cool motion with you and the passenger both pedaling (at different cadences, right?) Beautiful. Nice submission.
only you are a genius. apenas vc é um genio
I can't say I agree motor vehicles are being phased out, at least not in the US. I could only see the average US citizen using a power assisted bike. In countries where bikes are more common for transportation, you can often make a bike from scrap bikes left around the city on bike racks. Try to keep the design of the bike the same, or go beyond human power. I don't think I would want to pedal 1 extra wheel, and a trailer uphill if you catch my drift :) you could easily throw a hub motor in.
Did you say Ambulance? Yeah I really want my ambulance to be a bicycle. Good one.
@MrHobiecat Don't forget cars need maintenance, too. Lubing a chain costs a lot less than lubing a car - except, maybe, at your bike shop where they appear to be really gouging you on bike tires.
Yeah, I hope we keep the regular ambulances for a while.
grearing is everything.I would love to see how much weight this could pull.like if it could pull a car.
the ambulance was a bit too far hahaha, but good idea and originality
I think some vehicles will still need a motor, such as ambulances, heavy goods vehicles, some police vehicles etc but for all the rest it's a good idea
@MrHobiecat Please read all the words. I said "when TOP speed is not a factor". For example, the train from NY to DC vs. the Plane. They work out about the same even though the plane can go six times faster.
@MrHobiecat it's not based on speed but kcal/km per person and has not changed all that much of the years. You can search images for "bicycle is the most efficient means of transportation" and find the graph and a lot more information on the subject.
@Midwestevilmonkeys as far as i know only the prototype was completed. Check out Bill Stites if you are interested in something similar.
@MrHobiecat most of the driving I do in the van is hauling a small number of humans. In that case, there is not much practical difference between the vehicles.
In many urban environments a bicycle can actually get you to your destination quicker than a car so the 75 mph cruising speed is irrelevant.
There is nothing misleading or inaccurate about the graph. If your goal is to transport humans and top speed is not a factor then the bicycle is the most efficient means.
wow that is cool as hell
actually, if designed properly, forward pedals can be just as efficient as lower ones. im not sure if his design is optimal, but its just a prototype anyway.
@killyouin1punch geez can't remember anymore - Some school or museum in Chicago. I was able to get permission. If you really want to know I can try to look it up it's been awhile.
Sadly it is not. I will be sure to post something when/if they decide to move forward.
@Corkoth55...By law bikes are supposed to be ridden on the street not the sidewalk.Most get intimidated onto the sidewalk by cars.Where I live a few cities have bike lanes.
its amazing. big problem is i live in england and you would never be alowed to ride one on the roads and we have very little cycle lanes.
plus the fact its all hills..lol
Thanks, Ramen. I'm not sure this would be practical for snow. I think there may have been a pedal powered snow mobile in the innovate or die contest.
The point is that this vehicle could carry non-riding human passengers, if desired.
I think it's obvious that we'd all choose a high-powered motorized ambulance with working paramedics and life saving equipment if that was an option.
Most excellent! What an awesome invention. Please tell me you'll partner with someone to produce these things.
Very cool, would be helpful in places without motor vehicles. It still seems fairly complex though.. lots of parts and pieces. It'd be great if there was a way to simplify it.
would have been HUGE in China 30 or 40 years ago - but i wouldn't want to be bleeding like crazy on the way to the hospital in a peddle-powered ambulance.
very cool, original design though. kudos on that.
The future is here!
I'd happily take a stretcher or even ride on someone's back to the hospital if there was no motorized ambulance available. Believe it or not, bicycles are used as ambulances around the world where gasoline and motor vehicles are difficult to come by.
Okay, you caught us! In a fenced in school yard.
Better call the PC Police!
Ahhh, your right. I never noticed the rear mech. I just saw the petals in the front and assumed front wheel drive. I'm a doof... :P
In time, alternate fuels will arrive, and transportation devices will be made more efficient. This will further obsolete the need for expensive human energy. And will allow us to devote more time towards innovation.
I like it. I would like to use it if I had one.
Ever heard of a foot powered ambulance? It's called a stretcher.
Maybe I'm crazy but I bet you'd prefer a pedal power to that.
thank you,good video!
Actually, bicycle powered ambulances are in actual usage. You do what you can when you have little. Check this out: plippo.com/client/bambulance/home.html
Not only is it a bicycle ambulance, it is designed to be made primarily from bamboo as that is strong and locally available and cheap (or free)
Yabba Dabba Do - Nice bike, but It's probably not more than that - great use of modular components.
@MrHobiecat and what is the cost per hour at 140 mph? This is silliness.
In my reality, I can bike to most of the destinations I typically need to get to in about the same time as it would take to drive. Cost per mile on the bike is a fraction of the driving cost including my time. There is the added benefit of exercise and the joy of riding.
When the distances are too great there are other choices. If we keep wasting our resources those choices will become limited and more expensive.
i'd like these! but my town has no sidewalks for this (not many) and is busy :(
that is so coll i want one. when do they hit stores?? ill buy it
Not necessarily. Taking it off-road is a factor based more on tires than anything.
Actual, Aaron is not the dad. The other guy with the cap is (that's me - and the kid was shooting the video). Please don't tell the cops ;)
i wanna this bike!
yeah, ur right. the frame is aluminum, and the final transporter frame thing is gonna be steel.
Actually, I had one hour to shoot the video of this trike (not mine) I picked the easy area to shoot.
I have seen these in action and going up hills. Hell, I ride my own (inefficient) adult-style trike up hills loaded with 100+lbs of equipment and I only have three gears.
Since you are so incredulous you should find out more at Stitesdesigns.
BTW, you can add an electric assist motor. Of course, you can just continue to be a weakling and drive you car all the time.
We need this! One less car!
Except for a nice human powered vehicle there is a beautiful orange-white VW T2 in the background
Nice modular vehicle.
I think a pedal ambulance with electric assist would beat a conventional ambulance in heavy traffic.
You sir, are RIGHT! BUT diesel vans don't compare to helicopters.
Unless you don't have a helicopter or the jet fuel to make it go. In which case the diesel van starts looking pretty good as you are bleeding out in the ditch somewhere.
Unless of course you don't have a diesel van or the fuel to make it go. In which case, the bicycle and trailer looks pretty nice. Of course, not if the tires are flat.
In which case a stretcher might save your ass. Unless....
You get the idea, eh?
You idea is cool but, and this is a big but, I think is essential for this type of convertion to be able to adjust the seat position so anyone can pedal comfortably. The kid in the video needed to move forward in his own seat in order to pedal so this is basically an adult tricycle, and not all adults but only those who are in an specific height range. Anyone out of that range will be uncomfortable pedaling.
@11BobbyDick The adult in the video is not the child's father or step father.
ambulance? "Sir keep pressure on the wound the ambulance will be here in an hour as they peddle their way"
u know what else u could do is make a foot or two tall metal fencing with the corner posts for the trailer so stuff wont fall out
@TheFlightlover yeh im a cyclist and your right, they are in the worst possible peddling position for leg power and lower back strain. I like the idea it just needs improving.
No, no. Aaron is magical.
@caruser4 While it would be helpful if ambulances were motorised, in many places including first world countries such as Denmark, they use cargo bikes. Cargo bikes, are used more then people think.
i actually like this