Human–electric hybrid vehicle explained

A human–electric hybrid vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, or more specifically a hybrid human-powered vehicle, whose drivetrain consists of a human being and an electric motor/generator (and one or more electricity-storage device(s) such as a battery(ies) or ultracapacitor(s)). Some vehicles are able to operate off both human power and be plugged in to operate on battery power.[1]

It can have characteristics of a bicycle,[2] velomobile or other lightweight human operated vehicles[3] with the addition of faster acceleration and regenerative braking, allowing a higher average velocity, especially in hilly terrain.[4]

Some vehicles have a clutch and three or more wheels, allowing the operator to continue pedaling and charge up the electricity-storage device during traffic stops.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Edwards . Lin . Human-electric hybrid car expected next year (w/ Video) . phys.org . en . August 17, 2010 .
  2. Web site: Hanlon . Mike . High performance electric-human hybrid bicycle . New Atlas . April 30, 2006 .
  3. Web site: Danigelis . Alyssa . 'HUMAN-ELECTRIC' HYBRID CAR GOES 30 MPH UPHILL . Aug 14, 2010.
  4. Web site: HE Human Electric Hybrid Vehicle | gadgettastic . 2011-09-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111016145436/http://www.gadgettastic.com/2008/01/22/personal-transportation-concept/ . 2011-10-16 . dead .