Cabs pulled by men have always been around and if you go take a look at either South-East Asia or other developing under developed nations across the world, they are still very much present. Maybe some twenty years ago I used to find them very regularly in my own city of Hyderabad, but not anymore. With modern technology taking over they have been put out of work. I mean, what good can come out of a slow vehicle pulled by men? Well, plenty.
For starters, it might be slow but is pollution free. Sure it is not the best option, but if you want a wonderful and complete view of a city as a tourist, it is the best way. Moreover, if memory serves me correct the profession of pulling cabs and that too bare footed across the streets gave the world one of the greatest runners of all time-Jesse Owens. But with time and technology moving forward, this business has also found ways to move forward.
After five years of research and development Reno Tondelli has created California’s (if not world’s) first electrically assisted recumbent pedicab, dubbed the Solar Gondola. He started with an Organic Engines S.U.V. (sensible utility vehicle) and proceeded to cut, bend, sand, bolt and weld various bits of aluminum and vinyl to arrive at his new invention. The trunk contains the motor controller as well as six 12 volt, 17 amp hour batteries (4 for the motor, 1 for lights, 1 for the car stereo).
The roof of this design is built to withstand thin solar panels and with right technological aid Reno aims to go on and build a pedicab powered by the sun. This really is great news for all those who love to go around in one of these. Moreover it helps immensely on cutting on vehicular pollution. In nations such as India and China, where there is plenty of man power available and willing to do almost any job, this invention could be a life savior.
Via: Blog.360
