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How to solve a problem like people thinking green vehicles are really quite silly? By inventing an even sillier one: the HumanCar, of course! Rather than using a low-carbon fuel source, or indeed a renewal one, the HumanCar, which will be for sale from 22 April in California, outputs a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide.
But its horsepower, if you will, comes from the coordinated efforts of its four rowing occupants.
This YouTube video features a prototype, but new versions of the HumanCar will feature bodywork, electric motors, "variable human power input" and a top speed of 80mph -- if your name's Steven Redgrave and you have three similarly talented, gold-medal-winning friends.
To be fair, the 'car' has an impressive range of options not seen on a bicycle such as WiFi, text-to-speech-powered satnav and an iPod-compatible stereo. It also features a range of biometrics in case you're worried that overtaking brings on a cardiac arrest.
If you have more money than sense, the HumanCar will set you back $15,000 (£7,500), and will shortly be available worldwide -- including the UK. We think we might just stick to the bike.
Correction: we have changed the final paragraph of this article to clarify the availability of the HumanCar. It will not only be availabe in South Menlo Park in California but will go on sale in Asia, Europe and the US.
07 February 2008 12:25pm
That's like those crazy one-person train cars in silent movies. You'd have to wear a top hat and a twirly moustache to ride it.
07 February 2008 02:13pm
Rubbish idea, it will sell well in USA & California in paticular (the fitness mad state).
You would never be car jacked! who would want to knick that.
Good luck though you have to admire the nuts of someone willing to put there credibility on the line and into something so insane.
You will sell quite alot of these.
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