Well, desperation is the mother (father?) of invention, and this "vehicle" definitely is such an example. An eight seater bike, that has 3 solar panels on top and crazy little engine on back. It somewhat resembles the "surrey with the fringe on top" from Oklahoma.

When his gas bill reached $700, Brent Hatch decided that something had to change. Since he and his wife have 7 children, it was not easy to find a vehicle that would carry the entire family. Brent found a eight seater bicycle for $2000 from a beach front bicycle rental agency. He expected the rest of the family to pitch in on the pedaling. No one did.

So he went looking for a way to turn his eight seater bike into an eight seater powered…something. He started out by adding a small electric engine, but it would not power the bike long enough for Mr. Hatch to finish his errands. So he attached three solar panels to the top of the bike and using parts bought on the Internet, created his own solar powered engine. The bike/car, whatever, can be pedaled or powered. The engine is controlled by the "driver's" thumb and the vehicle can now travel the hills of Pasadena, California with relative ease.

The multiple passenger vehicle wouldn't win any races. It might possibly be one of the few vehicles caught by the neighborhood dog, but it does allow the Hatch's to drop off and pick up their children at nearby schools, run short errands and turn the heads of passers by.

Entry was posted on Monday, April 28th, 2008 at 10:14 am under Technology, Cars, Amusing, Strange.  Print This Post