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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums$20.00 Cardboard bicycle can change the world, says Israeli inventor
Cardboard bicycle can change the world, says Israeli inventor
http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/.JVk5.ad18rfezbun.G5Eg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Y2g9MjMzMztjcj0xO2N3PTM1MDA7ZHg9MDtkeT0wO2ZpPXVsY3JvcDtoPTQyMDtxPTg1O3c9NjMw/
Elmish said the business model they had created meant that rebates for using "green" materials would entirely cancel out production costs and this could allow for bicycles to be given away for free in poor countries.
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"Because you get a lot of government grants, it brings down the production costs to zero, so the bicycles can be given away for free. We are copying a business model from the high-tech world where software is distributed free because it includes embedded advertising," Elmish explained.
"It could be sold for around $20, because (retailers) have to make a profit ... and we think they should not cost any more than that. We will make our money from advertising," he added.
Elmish said initial production was set to begin in Israel in months on three bicycle models and a wheelchair and they will be available to purchase within a year.
"In six months we will have completed planning the first production lines for an urban bike which will be assisted by an electric motor, a youth bike which will be a 2/3 size model for children in Africa, a balance bike for youngsters learning to ride, and a wheelchair that a non-profit organization wants to build with our technology for Africa," he said.
http://news.yahoo.com/cardboard-bicycle-change-world-says-israeli-inventor-090732689.html
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)Yo_Mama
(8,303 posts)porphyrian
(18,530 posts)The cardboard is coated with some kind of eco-friendly something and painted, so it's sealed.
surrealAmerican
(11,361 posts)You probably figured that, but it's actually a pretty neat idea.
tuvor
(15,663 posts)The gentleman was featured on CBC Radio's Spark program a couple of weeks ago, and this video was referenced:
MelissaB
(16,420 posts)Thanks for the video.
Amazing
porphyrian
(18,530 posts)taterguy
(29,582 posts)IDemo
(16,926 posts)madinmaryland
(64,933 posts)n/t
taterguy
(29,582 posts)ZING!
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)due to energy transfers in a crash.
underoath
(269 posts)This could be really beneficial!
William769
(55,147 posts)greytdemocrat
(3,299 posts)That's pretty damn cool. I bet the ChiComs would be interested in these big time!!
Franker65
(299 posts)That looks really cool but there's just something about a metal bike...I wouldn't drive a cardboard car. I wouldn't trust a cardboard bike.
lovemydog
(11,833 posts)Thanks for sharing this cool news
NuttyFluffers
(6,811 posts)oh noes, you stole my inexpensive, replaceable bike...
i'd just litter these bikes all about metros just like the old ugly yellow bike share-a-bike plan in Berkeley, use a bike, drop it off, let someone else use a bike. this bike'd be so cheap it's not even worth the money to recycle off the parts!
Egalitarian Thug
(12,448 posts)jmowreader
(50,559 posts)Cardboard is made out of cellulose fibers. When you stress cellulose, eventually the fibers separate and the cardboard comes apart. (Yes, they can reuse boxes--but boxes aren't stressed. This will be.) A cardboard bike is no great deal if you need a new one four times a year.
This guy would be a hell of a lot better off coming up with some sort of inexpensive recycled plastic (PET bottles come to mind) that can be reinforced with...oh, why not hemp?...to make a cheap, eco-friendly sort of fiberglass.