Bridgestone Cycle Co. and Yamaha Motor Co. announced recently that they have developed pollution-free bicycle taxis. Each company has produced seven such bikes to help visitors move around at the 2005 World Exposition, being held in Aichi, Japan. The EXPO, known as "EXPO 2005 Aichi" and "Exposition of Global Harmony," will be held from March 25 to September 25 in Aichi Prefecture in central Japan.

Bridgestone Cycle's unit is a power-assisted tricycle with two-wheel rear drive, modeled after the company's standard electric bicycle. Three adult passengers can ride at one time: two in the back and one in the seat beside the driver. With two small, light nickel hydride batteries, the taxi can travel about 20 kilometers in standard mode. If the main battery runs out, it can continue running on the spare battery.

Meanwhile, Yamaha Motor manufactured an originally designed tricycle equipped with the same power-assist system (PAS) used in its electro-hybrid bicycle, which first went on sale in 1993. The tricycle uses natural materials such as flax and wood fiber in the interior compartment. Transparent material in the roof gives riders a sense of openness. The bike employs a lithium-ion battery and can accommodate two persons besides the driver.




Posted: 2005/03/27 11:31:12 AM
Japanese version

TAG Eco-product/Business , Energy , Manufacturing industry , Transportation