As America struggles to begin its shift away from cars as its primary source of transportation, other parts of the world are looking to travel by way of the most economically and environmentally sound methods available. One such method, is the electric bike, an invention that is quickly gaining popularity in Europe and parts of Asia. But, like most technological advancements of the 20th and 21st centuries, Japan is looking to revolutionize the already revolutionary innovation. SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion dollar, leading company for energy and environment, providing solutions for environment, energy and lifestyle applications, based on its brand vision ‘Think GAIA’. (sanyo.com) The SANYO eneloop Synergetic Hybric Bicycle combines human pedaling with a new technology that powers the wheels. The simple push of a button powers the bike at twice the speed reached by pedaling, and pedaling recharges the 250-watt battery contained behind the seat. The rider also has the option for pedal assistance, which gives the rider help down the road or even up steep hills. The one and only drawback to this bicycle is that it needs to charge. While pedaling, going downhill, and even braking all recharge the battery, they can not do it alone when excessive power has been used. (treehugger.com) That is where the innovative parking lot that is gaining popularity in Japan comes in.
Two lots are currently in place and a third is soon to follow bringing the initial capacity of these lots to 100, which seems small, but is sure to prosper into what could take the nation, and hopefully globe, by storm. The technology behind the charging dock is equally as impressive as the bicycle itself. "The system uses lithium-ion batteries to charge 100 of Sanyo's 'eneloop' bikes, with enough power left over to also illuminate the parking lot with LED lights at night. The concept is a completely independent and clean system eliminating the use of fossil fuels", said Sanyo Electic Company. (Mother Nature Network)
The two lots currently in use only offer rentals, but they are looking to expand and include open spots for eneloop bicycle owners. They are conveniently located near commuter train lines in Tokyo making access very easy for community and business use. (yahoo.com)
The benefits of this project are just too numerous to not catch on and spread to other areas, both geographically and within science. Electric bikes provide economic and environmental advantages, along with improved mental and physical health. The ability by owners to reduce, or even eliminate, the use of a car cuts down on CO2 and NOX, reliance on fossil fuels, and road wear. (electric-bikes.com) In addition, riders can expect to see improved physical health as a result of the cardiovascular workout provided, as well as, a mental boost gained from the tranquility of a smooth bike ride.
Links
Picture #1: http://www.physorg.com/news187937027.html
Picture #2: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/03/sanyo-solar-parking-lots-electric-bikes-tokyo.php
This is a great idea especially given that the bikes could recharge during use. Using this tool to commute is particularly effective because one the reasons biking isn't as popular is because it requires physical activity (as sad as that is). A bike with the ability to assist you definitely provides an incentive to not drive to work and use an alternative form of transportation. Unfortunately this isn't completely feasible cities without a biking infrastructure. Once official bike routes are in place this technology will be sure to encourage the transition to alternative forms of transportation.
ReplyDeleteDerek,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great point, and I hope that planners tasked with developing portions of our major cities are aware of this developing technology. Cities like Portland and San Francisco are proof that major cities can "share the road." Another great example is Chicago. This is a city that was originally planned for automobile use and a train/subway system. However, in recent years, thanks to cycling mayor Richard M. Daley, who wants to make Chicago the most bicycle-friendly city in the US, the city now has "12,000 public bike racks, 141 miles of on-street bike lanes, and 35 shared-use trails." This is proof that a well established city is more than capable of altering their landscape in an attempt to accommodate more bicycling.