Chch students’ invention to be discussed

Press, 8 February 1986, Page 4

Chch students’ invention to be discussed

A speedy J humanpowered alternative to the bicycle has been devised by a group of Canterbury University engineering students.

The design, a threewheeled refinement resembling a go-kart, will be discussed at the Institute of Professional Engineers of New Zealand conference between February 10 and 14 in Auckland.

Tentatively called the H.P.V., the design used bicycle technology, with modifications which improve comfort, mobility, and aerodynamics. It also features a highly efficient gear system. Top speeds of about 50km have been achieved in pedalling by students of

average fitness, and even higher speeds are possible. Powerful disc brakes have been added which equal performance by most cars and which are twice as efficient as brakes at present used on conventional cycles.

Problems with wheel lift, commonly associated with three-wheeled vehicles, has been overcome, allowing safe cornering at reasonable speeds. Students are continuing during 1986 to find ways of making the H.P.V. commercially viable. The prototype cost about $5OOO to make and its designer believes that once the cost falls to between $l2OO and $l3OO the H.P.V. will find a ready market.