Many people often complain about not having enough time to exercise. But what if exercising for one hour could power your home for twenty-four hours? Would that be enough motivation?
Manoj Bhargava, the billionaire behind the 5-hour energy drink, is the inventor of the Free Electric hybrid bike. His invention makes it possible to generate enough electricity to power lights and basic appliances for approximately 24 hours by doing one hourly workout each day on what is essentially a stationary bike. The pedaling action drives a flywheel, which turns a generator and charges a battery. This simple invention has the potential to provide electricity to the 1.3 billion people without power globally.
The Free Electric hybrid bike could provide poverty-stricken communities access to clean and free energy, with a direct impact on internet connectivity and education. Bhargava believes that the majority of the poor stay poor due to a lack of access to power.
Bhargava plans to distribute 10,000 of these bicycles in India next year. But his simple fixes to big problems don’t stop at bikes. Bhargava is taking on drought and water scarcity by developing the Rain Maker, a machine designed to take any type of water, including saltwater, and make it drinkable. He is also working on a scheme to extract heat energy from deep within the earth. Bhargava has pledged 90% of his wealth to charity and research.
Sometimes the solutions to big problems don’t require sophisticated technology. Something as simple as a bike could help cut energy costs, reduce emissions, and lower obesity rates. That’s a win-win-win.
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Creator of 5-hour Energy Wants to Power the World’s Homes—With Bikes
Pedaling for a hour can power your home for twenty-four hours
Photo is a screen shot from Billions in Change.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio.