MasterFlex's CargoBike hauls wares via hydrogen fuel cells
By Darren Murph 
posted May 14th 2007 8:46AM
posted May 14th 2007 8:46AM
Nah, MasterFlex's fresh new wheels aren't exactly made for easy lugging, but if your legs are all given out, this hydrogen fuel cell-powered bicycle won't rely on fossil fuels to get you around. Designed for easily hauling goods (or rambunctious youngsters) around town, the bike also sports a 250-watt fuel cell system that not only gives your body a rest whilst handling "inner-city logistics," but you can reportedly stroll along for 150 miles at a mind-numbingly slow 3.7-miles per hour if you're in need of fresh air. Interestingly, it seems that the power system can also be channeled to peripheral lighting sources or to "cool transported goods," which should definitely interest those looking to open a mobile drink shop in downtown Phoenix. The bikes are already being utilized in various third world nations, but the pieces are seemingly in place to get these motorized machines to areas of Europe in the very near future.[Via Wired]
For Mix Master Mike
I would think that Funk Master Flex would be a more likely match.
Um -- the whole 'three worlds' rationale goes "Old World" (traditional European 'Great Powers'); "New World" (the Americas); and "Third World (any and all under the admittedly subjective label of 'developing countries'). There is (and always was) overlap -- for example, South America can be considered both New World and Third World, depending on the context.
Now... you wanna talk Iron Curtain, then you got a case.
The term "third world" is an antiquated Cold War era term... doesn't really exist today since there is no longer a "second world" (Soviet eastern block).
Actually 3rd world is a reference to Old World (Europe) and New World (America).
I, and Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_world) humbly disagree with you. :)
This cracks me up. What's next, horse Buggy with ABS, GPS and XM Satellite radio? Hah!
Looks like an old school ice cream bike. Didn't they do that back in the 50s? Ride around in a cooler equipped bike like above selling ice cream?
Looks like an old school ice cream bike. Didn't they do that back in the 50s? Ride around in a cooler equipped bike like above selling ice cream?
Unfortunately it WILL rely on fossil fuels.
Guess where most of the hydrogen comes from? The refining of petroleum.
Wicky makes a good point -- where do you get the hydrogen? You can buy a solar-powered "cracker" that will generate a trickle of hydrogen all day, every day, which would probably be enough to power one of these things, but I'm guessing you're not trying to sell souped-up *bicycles* to people with that kind of money. This is a neat idea, but I can't see it gaining widespread commuter use. For its target market (bike-powered vending?) I guess it gets the job done, but that's a pretty small niche.