Comments on: The Human Powered Car

By: Bob K

Bob K — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:04:01 +0000

I see so many here commenting about the cost of gasoline going up as a reason to make better use of human powered vehicles. If the cost of gasoline goes up to $5 a gallon in a couple years and $10 a gallon or more over the next 10 or so years, it’s only because we’ve decided as a nation that the environment is more important than inexpensive energy.

We could easily tap into our natural gas, coal and oil reserves for the next few decades or so…long enough for greener sources of energy (solar, wind, etc.) to efficiently and economically take over the bulk of our nations’ energy needs.

If gas and energy prices go up drastically in this country, it is by design, to speed up the implementation of green technologies now. That may seem like a great idea, but our economy may suffer tremendously in this approach (and some would argue it is already)and we will all be riding bikes and inexpensive human powered vehicles (like our legs)…not because we want to, but because it is all we can afford to do.

Human powered vehicles such as the HumanCar will be nothing more than a novelty exercise vehicle for the wealthy. Green initiatives will only serve to shrink our economy until they become WAY more efficient and less expensive. The more we implement them, the more vehicles like this one will become attractive to own, but the less we will be able to afford one. It is quite the conundrum we are forcing on ourselves.

By: Neal Hilt

Neal Hilt — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:37:05 +0000

I have a design for my “Human Vehicle”. As large as a mid-size. Pushing a foot platform or platforms spins four freewheeling 130 LB gear wheels. Direct torque to the rear axle. It accelerates then coasts between shifts or shift all four then coast. Travel a mile or more then pump again. Leg power multiplied. As you or two persons pump the drivers side or and passenger side platforms, gear wheels to chosen rpm. Accelerator petal to slave cylinder to hydro shift (four switch valve sys). Fluid engages clutches to pressure plates one at a time. Get your own car to 50 mph then neutral- see how far you go. Oil pump for lube. Generator for lights, horn , and stereo. Standard disk brakes.

By: Andrew Horning

Andrew Horning — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:49:36 +0000

C.Filtz, that’d be very cool for lots of reasons (low profile/aerodynamics, perhaps variable stroke length or even asynchronous pedaling for burst of power or control…), but it’d be perhaps impossible to beat the efficiency, gears, weight and cost of existing crank tech.

By: C. Filtz

C. Filtz — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:20:16 +0000

Since the rowing motion seems pretty awkward, why not have a horizontal pedaling motion, like on a stepper? or since a lot of people do it naturally, why not use a swinging motion? (that might not be the best idea, we aren’t used to using much muscle power to swing our feet)

By: Marty Metras

Marty Metras — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:32:42 +0000

What is every one afraid of the idea is good and sound. We will not get rid of gas powered cars for a long time. We have hybrids and electrics on the road now why not make room for some more ideas.

By: Julia Saludes

Julia Saludes — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:44:24 +0000

Mr. Lonnie Hensley is describing the PEDICAR from back in the 70s, it was an invention of my father’s that never panned out the way he intended. His design is very unique, and it was meant to be used by both fit an unfit alike. In the development phase of the project, he was endorsed by Dr. Paul Dudley White, a former US President’s personal physician (or so I was told at the time, I haven’t checked that out) but this Dr. drove the Pedicar up a flight of stairs outside the capital building in (Hartford?) when he was in his 80’s… I have driven it myself, it was a very unusual and easy drive, fully self contained. He had an order for 10,000 units from the Army, but manufacturing fell apart.

It was awesome!

By: Janet Hinkel

Janet Hinkel — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:27:10 +0000

This is great, but I’m looking for something that is designed around the natural movements of the human form. The human being is designed to walk and run long distances – upright. The seated and bicycle models for human movement aren’t great for the joints and muscles (particularly the knees, hamstring and lower back) over the long term and tend to require people to already be athletic. Most of these human powered models seem to be prioritizing speed. Is there anything out there prioritizing HOW the human body is used? Essentially, I’d like to “walk/run” 150 miles without it taking all day, have a vehicle that exponentially increases my speed and allows me to use the roadways.

By: David

David — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:43:05 +0000

I want to participate in the first HumanCar 500…

Natural NASCAR… FORMULA FITNESS… Sweat Box Derby… Peddle Passion…

Inspiring, innovative and ingenious. Keep it going, no pun intended.

Cheers,

Dave

By: lonnie hensley

lonnie hensley — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:06:12 +0000

Andy is right, actually most people wouldn’t give up the easiness of a car ( gas would have to be about 10 dollars or more a gallon for them to even think harder about that (not all people but most ) and their would (because of the collision factor almost need to have a area for pedal cars “like a bike path ” which almost assuredly will never happen .

So meanwhile in area’s that would allow it pedal cars would have to share the inner city roads .

this is not to discourage anyone from the adult pedal car idea i am slowly working on my own version i am using an abf berg pedal kart am planning on raising the body height , add 20 bicycle wheels and add an 18 speed derailer bicycle system and finally a light weight body . and eventually something i call turbo boost that will allow the car to take off fast from stop signs etc. so always keep an open mind its better than just giving up .

By: Andy Horning

Andy Horning — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:42:00 +0000

I see only three problems:
1. Drivers, if they’re anything like voters, are destructive ignorami. And many are steering three tons of metal at over a mile a minute while eating a burrito and talking on the cellphone.
2. Most cities are designed for cars, not for people. It’d take generations to fix that.
3. Politicians will oppose you until you’re big enough to make fat campaign donations.

By: Lonnie hensley

Lonnie hensley — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 03:32:31 +0000

This car is ok but also another advanced one seater was the “pedicar ” of the 70’s . Here is a website for more info on it! It was an all enclosed vehicle with a 5 speed and reverse and had a straight line pedal motion . This car was discontinued and is no longer made it cost $550.00 . If this pedicar was made today with a sportier body and a two seater it would sell like hot cakes!
http://www.geocities.com/aircooledvair/pedicar.html
and
http://openweb.tvnews.vanderbilt.edu/1972-10/1972-10-17-NBC-33.html
and
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_pedicar
and
http://www.geocities.com/ahotvair/human_powered_pedal_car_1.html

By: Green Earth

Green Earth — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:05:12 +0000

Nothing wrong with a car that also lets you get some exercise! It may not be for everyone, but it could be just right for many!

By: Sonubu

Sonubu — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 00:07:02 +0000

That’s 60mph around a corner my man – do the research, this is race car technology not some 3 wheeler that flips over at 20mph – this is the real deal – plus like Jiffy Dog said it makes you cut from head to toe.

By: Jeff Bales

Jeff Bales — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:31:39 +0000

Hmmm… it says that it goes 60mph, but, that is COASTING downhill. Hmmm…

By: luke

luke — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:39:42 +0000

Somebody should invent something like this that a single person can use, maybe like a motorcycle? But then the rowing might get uncomfortable, so why not use pedals? It sounds like a pretty good idea on paper, but i think people would rather pay for expensive cars and gas.

By: Victory Gasworks

Victory Gasworks — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 05:12:14 +0000

I think this car is awesome! With a little more battery power it can do everything that you would need in a suburban environment.

By: marielle

marielle — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:58:57 +0000

Hey, I was a back seat driver in this HumanCar – Sept. 08. It is not so much work y’all!

I also lived in Asia… they would LOVE it! And, they wouldn’t whine like westerners do…

By: jiffy dog

jiffy dog — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:51:47 +0000

IT will give you more stamina in the sack jack.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 22:10:34 +0000

Think about the benefit to families and the environment in the over-populated cities of Asia and India. They already will squeeze three or four people on a bicycle. This would be a great transition for those families wanting to hop right into a fuel powered vehicle and might buy those governments some time to get their pollution emission problems in check. Have you thought of incorporating a magnetic motor into the equation to increase torque and decrease resistance to the operators?

By: nancy selzer

nancy selzer — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:22:17 +0000

I don’t know how anyone could vote against the idea of a human-powered car. I’ve had the same idea for years with some modifications that could make this thing go faster, be safer, and only require one person supplying the energy. What you “simple-minded” people who vote “nay” on this idea forget, is, just because this is a simple idea and a simple prototype, is that it lays the ground work for all possible future advancements. We aren’t driving Model-T’s anymore, are we? But look what they lead to! Some people have no imagination. I think our government should pump some $ into this idea. By the way, government grants may be available for YOU to improve on this idea. At the very least voice your ideas and concerns. Others can build off your input. Rev up your brains and think of the possiblilites instead of being so negative.