Low-tech (third world) version will be made entirely of recycled plastics, and virtually indestructible
September 18, 2006 (Press Release) --
SEATTLE (BUSINESS WIRE)-Sept.18, 2006-The designer of an innovative and versatile human powered, street legal car, believes it can go a long way to solving the world's problems.
Professional Engineer, Charles Greenwood of HumanCar(r), Inc.,
in Seattle, Wash., says their product offers an exciting and
environmentally friendly alternative transportation mode that provides
great possibilities for both first and third world countries. It
requires no fossil fuels and can also be used to produce electricity.
Patented as a "teamwork and strength training apparatus," the
car can be operated on or off a powered guideway (transportation grid). It can be completely human powered, or switch to anelectric-assist motor when required. www.humancar.com
"It's a foundation for the future of global transportation,"
he says. "It's also the most fun you will ever have driving a car."
Greenwood's design firm has tested the "HumanCar FM-4," cruising in downtown Seattle traffic and racing downhill at speeds of more than 60 mph, with reportedly great handling characteristics. People aged 12 to 70+ have powered/driven it with great success and enjoyment, according to its inventor.
The vehicle operates with four people working in concert like
an engine, each propelling it forward by hand, pushing and pulling on their own special "t-bars." The two front people face forward, while the two back people face the rear.
The two "pilot" seats are concave pads that can swivel from one
side to the other (bi-laterally), allowing the drivers to "body-steer" on curved roadways by leaning to one side or the other. The steering is similar to that of skiing or snowboarding, Greenwood explains.
One HumanCar prototype currently exists. Its open-air chassis is
made from 4130 steel tubing, and it includes a battery to store
electricity generated by the vehicle when it's coasting, plus an
electric motor to assist propulsion when needed, such as up lengthy, steep inclines.
"It's a real success in design. It can pull G-loads going
downhill almost better than a conventional car," says Greenwood. "We believe that HumanCar will result in healthier people, lower insurance, zero oil dependence, and less gridlock, just to name a few benefits."
This spartan vehicle evolved from Greenwood's continuing passion for hot rods and virtually all wheeled machines. He has built and raced exotic handcrafted 200mph+ vehicles for over 40 years now.
However, back in 1968, he designed a three-wheeled row-type
human powered car that was also exhilarating to drive. He began developing the HumanCar 38 years ago.
"HumanCar has been underground for quite a while, and available on a custom basis only. We're just now making a push for it to become available to everybody and full production cars are very close. Don't be surprised when one passes you within the year," he says.
After investing more than $1 million in the research and
development of his prototype, Greenwood is seeking partnerships to sell the cars world wide.
Professional Engineer, Charles Greenwood of HumanCar(r), Inc.,
in Seattle, Wash., says their product offers an exciting and
environmentally friendly alternative transportation mode that provides
great possibilities for both first and third world countries. It
requires no fossil fuels and can also be used to produce electricity.
Patented as a "teamwork and strength training apparatus," the
car can be operated on or off a powered guideway (transportation grid). It can be completely human powered, or switch to anelectric-assist motor when required. www.humancar.com
"It's a foundation for the future of global transportation,"
he says. "It's also the most fun you will ever have driving a car."
Greenwood's design firm has tested the "HumanCar FM-4," cruising in downtown Seattle traffic and racing downhill at speeds of more than 60 mph, with reportedly great handling characteristics. People aged 12 to 70+ have powered/driven it with great success and enjoyment, according to its inventor.
The vehicle operates with four people working in concert like
an engine, each propelling it forward by hand, pushing and pulling on their own special "t-bars." The two front people face forward, while the two back people face the rear.
The two "pilot" seats are concave pads that can swivel from one
side to the other (bi-laterally), allowing the drivers to "body-steer" on curved roadways by leaning to one side or the other. The steering is similar to that of skiing or snowboarding, Greenwood explains.
One HumanCar prototype currently exists. Its open-air chassis is
made from 4130 steel tubing, and it includes a battery to store
electricity generated by the vehicle when it's coasting, plus an
electric motor to assist propulsion when needed, such as up lengthy, steep inclines.
"It's a real success in design. It can pull G-loads going
downhill almost better than a conventional car," says Greenwood. "We believe that HumanCar will result in healthier people, lower insurance, zero oil dependence, and less gridlock, just to name a few benefits."
This spartan vehicle evolved from Greenwood's continuing passion for hot rods and virtually all wheeled machines. He has built and raced exotic handcrafted 200mph+ vehicles for over 40 years now.
However, back in 1968, he designed a three-wheeled row-type
human powered car that was also exhilarating to drive. He began developing the HumanCar 38 years ago.
"HumanCar has been underground for quite a while, and available on a custom basis only. We're just now making a push for it to become available to everybody and full production cars are very close. Don't be surprised when one passes you within the year," he says.
After investing more than $1 million in the research and
development of his prototype, Greenwood is seeking partnerships to sell the cars world wide.
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