For those who are too tired (or lazy) to pedal, or who are always rushing or running late, your prayers for a non-polluting, car-free commute may soon be answered. A Chinese company, Pearl Hydrogen, recently introduced a two-wheeled prototype that’s powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology, and runs about 15 mph at top speed.
There are no plans, as of yet, to ship the bike overseas, but the manufacturer is readying the prototype for mass production in China.
Unfortunately, the bike is still far too expensive for its proposed market, but representatives are saying that the price should drop from $2500 to $500 when they go to mass production. The bikes speed along at 15 mph for 60 miles and, when they run out of fuel, they can be ridden like a normal bike.
In the U.S., there’s been more brouhaha over hydrogen-powered cars, with bikes trailing behind in the discussion. With advances abroad, however, foreign models may bring the States up to speed.
The electric bicycle industry still has a long way to go in terms of battery technology and efficiency, so there are likely to be many electrical and mechanical flaws to discover and overcome as they produce more bikes. Bicycles take a beating, so the systems will have to be rugged enough to endure the daily commute.
While we wait for Pearl to perfect their fuel cell, we’ll cross our fingers and keep pedaling.
