Wind/Solar Concept Bike Helps Riders Conquer Mountains And More

In terms of green transportation, bike commuting is definitely picking up speed in the states -- of course, it's long been popular in multiple European countries but at least we're finally catching on.

It really is an ideal way to reduce your carbon footprint, stretch your financial resources and fit aerobic exercise into your schedule which will ultimately make your arteries squeal with joy.

Unless you live in an area that is absolutely flat (does that even exist?!?), you are bound to encounter sections along your journey that will require that you pedal reaaaaaally hard to make it up that hill.

Then there's the wind. You know what I'm talking about -- relentless, searing wind laughing in your face and saying, "Ahhhh-Haaaaa-HAAAAAAA! I DARE YOU TO DEFY MY PRESENCE, bicycling peasant!!" 

Sometimes, it takes every bit of strength you've got, forcing you ultimately pull over on the side of the road in order to prevent yourself from suffering a premature heart attack.

See, there really is a good reason why designer Chen Chun Tung has come up with a Wind-Solar Energy Bike -- for people like you and me who aren't blessed with the sheer muscle performance of Lance Armstrong.

The concept revolves around a compactly designed bicycle equipped with solar panel spoilers and an energy plane that work to harness wind energy, gravity electric energy and human energy for back up power when you should need it.

If you encounter sections of your journey that are really just too tough to conquer with your own huffing and leg power, then just flip the bike into electric mode and launch yourself like a rocket.

Yanko Design offers a detailed description of Tung's bike features below:

The adjustable solar energy plane:

The adjustable solar energy plane is fixed below the main pipe of the bike and can absorb solar energy at ordinary times. When riding long distances, the solar energy plane expands in size so that more solar energy can be absorbed directly.

Spoiler:

Blending solar-cell coating with wind-power electricity generation, this system is affixed below the handle of the bike. The spoiler can produce electric energy through wind-force and solar energy -- the driving force lightens the weight of the bike. The front of the spoiler also has a headlight which can be removed to function as a flashlight.

Two front forks:

There is a coil and magnet within the two front forks, and the gravity of rider will cause a shaking force which will generate a magnetic field to cut the coil, ultimately producing electric energy.

Front and back wheel:

A motor and electricity coils are located in the front and back wheels and can produce electric energy while rotating during normal conditions. When the bike is ascending a slope and the biker is too exhausted to pedal, they can switch over to the automatic motor to get assistance.

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If this were on the market, would it be worth your hard-earned money?

Do you think that it would be a betrayal to your fitness goals/greenness by relying on a back-up source of power to launch your two wheels during moments of desperation?