FollowA version of spring-loaded stilts, Powerisers are part walking, jumping, or running, combined with a superhero-like ability to leap (small to medium-sized) objects in a single bound — see them in action in this Powerisers video from their appearance on Planet Green’s G Word. The amped-up leg extensions make mobility faster, bouncier, and more fun and/or more dangerous — helmets and pads definitely recommend. They’re hot enough to have their own entry in Wikipedia, where you can learn more about them, including where you can procure a pair, if you dare. Learn more at Powerisers Deutschland.
For those of you who would prefer to go fast while keeping your feet on the ground, HumanCar is exactly what it sounds like: a car (well, it has four wheels, at least) powered by people. The HumanCar FM4 (pictured) has seats for four; the passengers “rock it like an engine,” which roughly equates to pushing and pulling on the amber-handled levers to generate speed (up to 60 mph, going downhill) and leaning to turn. Sound too weird to be true? See how it runs in this video with TreeHugger founder Graham Hill behind the wheel, from its appearance on G Word over on Planet Green. It’s street-legal, so try to not to act too surprised when one of these puppies pulls up to you at a stop light. Get more tips on how to green your car from Planet Green, and get the full story from HumanCar.
Equal parts social commentary on a sedentary culture and wild example of human power ingenuity, the Couchbike is exactly what it sounds like. You crank the pedals in extreme relaxation; it might even inspire you to take it through your local drive-thru, as attempted by these enterprising fellows. So much fun at Couchbike; get more tips on the best offbeat ways to move around without a car from Planet Green.
Combining rowing with cycling, the Champiot Ultra, a quadcycle that relies on arm power to create the drive. And it’s not just for fun: the manufacturers cite a long list of ailments it can reduce the suffering of, including insomnia, gall bladder stones and even decreased sexual drive. Feelin’ friskier already? Click on over to Champiot to learn more, and dig in to these cycling tips on Planet Green.
Like beer? Hey, who doesn’t. A fan of pedal power? Of course you are. Then the pedal-powered pub is for you. Passengers saddle up and hit the tap and the pedals at the same time; the pedal-powered idea has popped up in Amsterdam, London, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and other cities ’round the globe. Learn more about How to Go Green: Beers in the handy guide over on Planet Green.
Part treadmill, part scooter, all novelty velocipede, the Treadmill Bike is exactly what it sounds like: this wacky contraption lets you run while you bike. Or is that bike while you run? Either way, run (don’t walk) over to The Bicycle Forest to see this funky two-wheeler in action, and get more safe scooting tips from Planet Green.
Just when you thought you couldn’t hop up and down without sinking in water, the AquaSkipper saves us from drowning. This wacky gadget will do up to about 17 miles per hour, thanks to your gyrations that your friends might mistake for a funky mating dance or something. Keeping it afloat is a workout, but doing so is worth your while; allowing it to sink requires that you swim it back to the dock. See one in action, and pick one up, at Investist, and look good on the AquaSkipper in your new green bikini.
If the thought of riding a tricycle at 50 miles per hour sends shivers down your spine, the HyperBike is your ticket to ride. Designed to mitigate some of the limitations of riding a traditional bicycle, the HyperBike is big enough to easily be seen by automobile drivers, and fast enough to keep up with (or pass) them — word on the street is that it can “easily” achieve speeds of 50 miles per hour or more (and at that speed, you’d better wear your (pimped) helmet). Even NASA is interested; no word on whether or not HyperBike can leave Earth’s orbit, though. Roll over to HyperBike’s site to see more.
Another great hybrid of human-powered fun is the Walking Bike, combining shoes and bicycles for an artful (if not entirely super-functional) pedal-driven machine. The best of both worlds, or just weird? You be the judge. Get more (real) biking tips from Planet Green.
And last, but certainly not least, the human-powered forklift gets an honorable mention. Technically, yes, it offers transportation, in addition to the ability to lift and carry up to about 65 pounds, courtesy of your bulging muscles. Work your arms to crank your cargo up the lift, and then put the pedals to the metal to transport it where it’s gotta go. And, now that you’ve seen the human forklift, be sure to check out the video of the HumanCar over on Planet Green.
Source: treehugger
