Wind powered bike taxi

Video of a “Hybrid Rickshaw in Nepal.”



Yeah, we know the rickshaw driver is likely providing most of the power to turn that wind turbine, increasing his effort, but Adam @ Make suggests “suspend your disbelief for a moment and marvel at the dual-action windmill/rotating sign’s purported ability to use the wind to assist the rider.”

Seen at Bike Hacks.



See also:

  1. Wind advisory
  2. Dog powered trike
  3. Bike riding LA Mayor hooked by taxi
  4. Pedal powered spud launcher


  • Brent

    I'm not sure of his thinking, actually. Is the drum connected somehow via a chain to the wheels? Or, does he like the sail-like effect of it when the wind is behind him?

    A similar idea comes up frequently in the electric car forums I visit — “Why can't we mount a wind turbine on the car to generate electricity and recharge the battery?” It's an appealing idea, but (as you mention) never works in practice for the same reasons perpetual motion machines don't work.