I just found this exist and seemed interesting but also funny.
The great energy efficiency of bicycles is also their downfall when it comes to using them for generating electricity - you generally produce quite low watts in the context of electricity consumption when pedaling a bicycle. This is not a problem when using it for locomotion, as bicycles are extraordinarily efficient for that purpose, but it does mean that they have very limited utility for electricity production. Basically, even if you’re well trained, you’re unlikely to be producing over 300 watts for a prolonged period of time.
Pretty cool idea. But wow, it’s a starting price of 3550€… https://www.tukasev.com/en/home/68-hr-bank.html
Not really free. You won’t recoup the price before the machine dies.
good grief. an alternator and a stationary bike from a junkyard costs like $200 total if that
No shit could build our own and do it for way, way less.
Yea, the price is a no. Still interesting.
Usually, when we hear about these sorts of things, somebody points out that humans are very inefficient at generating energy. So, there are two circumstances where this sort of equipment is a good idea.
First, is if you were doing the work anyways, like you want to exercise anyways, so generating power as a side-effect is a great idea. Essentially, you want a solid piece of well-made exercise equipment that can also save you a couple of pennies a year from charging your cell phone as a gimmick.
Second is if you want to have power for short periods even though you’re off-grid. This is a human powered generator where exercise is a side product.
To me, everything about this bike is expecting it will be used for the second scenario, to use it as a generator. The unusual form factor is designed for portability over ergonomics. Those silly feet on it don’t give a whole lot of stability. You don’t need to charge up its battery from an outlet or use solar panels if your plan is to use it in your apartment.
So my point is that the reviewer talks as if its primary use is the first use case, and gives it all sorts of glowing marks based on its suitability as a general exercise bike. It’s just weird, and makes me think that the review is not impartial.
This has existed since the 5’s, to be fair. It’s much more efficient now, and we have whole home storage options of course, but this is insane at this price.
