The Zeppelin and the Cyclone are a pair of prototype human-powered vehicles, designed by The Future People, that were displayed at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. These vehicles are undoubtedly futuristic but are also inspired by the past.
The Cyclone is particularly vintage-inspired, what with its classy white exterior shell, mahogany interior floor, leather seats and four wheel chassis. Front seat occupants power the vehicle by pedaling.
The Zeppelin looks a lot more futuristic and space-age. It is sheathed in an aluminum and polycarbonate exterior. It can be powered by tandem riders or indeed by its 750 watt electric rear motor, which can provide a maximum speed of 40 km/h.
The Future People won't be bringing these concept vehicles to market; however they plan to make the designs open source, which would allow others to build their own similar vehicles.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Human-powered Vehicles
- The creation of human-powered vehicles that are modern yet inspired by vintage design create opportunities for sustainable and health-conscious transportation options.
- Open-source Vehicle Designs
- The release of open-source vehicle designs for custom-built human-powered vehicles fosters a community of innovation and creativity in the transportation industry.
- Hybrid Human-electric Vehicles
- The development of human-powered vehicles that also have electric motor capabilities provides a more efficient and flexible transportation option for environmentally conscious consumers.
Where This Applies
- Transportation
- The transportation industry has an opportunity to utilize open-source designs and create sustainable and efficient human-powered vehicles for consumers.
- Recreation
- The recreation industry can offer unique and eco-friendly experiences to outdoor enthusiasts with the development and promotion of human-powered vehicles.
- Green Energy
- The green energy industry can potentially invest in the production and distribution of hybrid human-electric vehicles as an alternative to traditional motor vehicles.
