In this blog post, we will look at the potential of human body energy and its use cases as a sustainable future energy source.
What is human power? Before discussing human power, it is necessary to first look at the harms of mechanical power, which is deeply embedded in our lives. Modern people enjoy a rich and convenient life thanks to mechanical power. However, a lifestyle that relies too much on machines has led to a lack of exercise and an increase in the number of obese people. Considering that many exercise facilities that have emerged to address the problem of obesity also rely on machine power, we need to reflect on this structure of life.
On the other hand, the use of human physical energy as a power source has already been incorporated into our lives in many ways in an environmentally friendly and effective manner. For example, the Play Pump, a South African playground device, shows a device that draws water through play, and power generation floors are installed on the stairs of a train station in Tokyo, Japan, and in a nightclub in London, UK. There are also examples of cars, boats, and airplanes that are actually implemented using human power.
Human motivation has many advantages. Human living space is largely divided into public and private areas. The public area refers to an open space where people gather, while the private area refers to a closed space where people are alone. The car, which is used by most people, is a typical example of a private area. Drivers are under constant stress from traffic congestion and the pressure of being in a closed space. It is known that such a state has a negative impact on heart health if it continues for a long period of time. On the other hand, bicycles are used in public areas, so they provide psychological stability and reduce unnecessary financial and time consumption such as washing and refueling. The Aleanax bicycle, a two-seater bicycle that maximizes the advantages of such bicycles, reduces the strength required by one person and provides a pleasant experience while socializing with others.
Interestingly, human-powered vehicles have been deeply involved in human life for a long time, such as the fire engines of the ancient Roman autonomous fire brigade “Vigiles” and the Vietnamese “cyclo.” However, over time, human-powered vehicles have gradually disappeared, and this is because our perception has changed as consumerism has intensified, beyond simply an issue of efficiency. In terms of efficiency and eco-friendliness, human power is superior to mechanical power in many ways, but modern people seek comfort in even the smallest details and never stop consuming. In addition, many people answer “Is it possible to fly with human power?” with “No,” but the fact that a plane that actually succeeded in flying on its own power existed 40 years ago shows that we are underestimating the possibility of human power.
Ultimately, human power is a valuable asset that has been used by humanity for the longest time and is the most outstanding alternative energy that can continue into the future. One day, fossil fuels will run out, their value will rise, and they will eventually disappear. When a low-energy society arrives, communities will shrink to a local scale, and lifestyles will be reorganized around human power with less chemicals.
