時速可達 60mph 的人力車

牙`蔚

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An American engineer has developed a car that can run purely on people power and reach speeds of up to 60mph.


Known as the HumanCar Imagine PS, the vehicle is operated by hand cranks. The driver and passengers crank levers back and forth to generate power that propels the car. It can reach 60mph on flat ground and 30mph on hills.


The Imagine PS can accommodate up to four passengers and it's a case of the more the merrier, as more bodies mean more power. There's also a back up electric battery to boost power when there are less passengers.


The vehicle is the brainchild of engineer Charles Greenwood, who has been developing it for over 40 years. He began the project in 1968 as a way to reduce exhaust pollution and make lazy drivers healthier.
The Imagine PS is due to go on sale next year and cost about &pound;10,000. HumanCar says that it has already received 100 pre-orders.


A roof is being developed for production cars and there are plans to add a touch-screen satnav system and airbags.


The company has a long-term business plan and intends to market the Imagine PS in developing countries. Full production will begin when the firm has 800 pre-orders, but the Imagine PS is already road legal.