People spend millions of dollars every year on gym memberships, fitness equipment, and diet fads promised to help them lose weight and develop a better physique. We are constantly moving but often not enough to have a real physical benefit to our bodies. There may be a way to get our activity level up and provide power for our gadgets at the same time. There are several inventions available that will allow us to accomplish that goal.
Pedal power is not a new concept. Practically since the dawn of human existence people have searched for ways to use pedal power to operate inventions. Leonardo da Vinci even designed a flying machine that operated on pedal power. Bicycles were one of our first, and still one of the most popular, means of travel. The first sewing machines operated using a treadle, a single pedal mechanism. Scientists are now looking toward this pedal power as a source of energy for our modern devices. Biologic ReeCharge is perfect for professional or hobby cyclists.
This device captures energy generated during peddling to recharge cell phones, music players, and other small devices. Another product, Bike4Tea, uses energy generated from bike riding to heat beverages for the cyclist. Even if you aren't an avid cyclist, you can still benefit from pedal powered devices. An invention called Pedal-a-Watt is a stand generator that you place your own bicycle into. When you ride, depending on the power of your pedaling, you can generate 100-300 watts of electricity. This is an excellent way to get your exercise while powering the television to watch your favorite show. It is also a great way to encourage your children to become more physically active. Hook his or her video game system to the Pedal-a-Watt and watch them go!
Other great ideas for human-powered items are being introduced every day. One such invention is an electricity-generating shopping cart for the homeless. The energy created by pushing the cart from place to place can be stored and later used to operate lights or small heaters. Although this is a far cry from an answer to the problem of homelessness, it could offer a small level of comfort to those in need until a solution is found. A somewhat smaller and less revolutionary device is the self-powered computer mouse. One of the main problems in using a wireless mouse is the constant need to replace batteries, which will later end up in landfills. This device generates electricity to power itself while it is being moved around during normal use.
There are literally hundreds of other human-powered devices available now with even more being researched daily. While it is unlikely that human power will ever be the answer to filling all of our energy needs, it is quite possible that it will soon power many of the smaller devices we depend on. And when it comes to green power and stopping pollution, every little bit counts.
