Thanks to Saudi-based inventor Nasser Al Shawaf and
Dutch engineering partner BPO, the world first calorie-burning car has been
created in the FitCar PPV, a genuine pedal-powered vehicle. This prototype is based on an
Audi A4 Avant 2.0-liter TFSI automatic, which has had its throttle replaced by
a bicycle pedal mechanism, mated to a flywheel which engages the accelerator.
Basically, the cars electronics turn the driver’s pedaling efforts into
throttle action, so the harder you pedal, the faster the car accelerates and
vice-versa.
According to its builders, the car can actually
deliver manufacturer specification performance and economy, despite the fact
that you have to use a pedaling motion to get it rolling. Also, in order to
make room for the bicycle and flywheel mechanism, the brake pedal has been
replaced with a simple ‘push hand control’ system, like the ones used in
motability vehicles.
The business man also added that you can burn as
many as 300 calories per 30 minutes in the FitCar. In order to operate the vehicle,
you utilize three simple settings. First, there is ‘Drive Slow’, which is for
slow moving traffic. Getting you up to speed will be the ‘Drive Fast’ setup, if
for example you need to get on the highway, whereas ‘No Drive’ will actually
keep you standing still while you continue exercising using the pedals.
There is also a rotary dial on the pedals helping
you adjust the resistance, similar to changing gears on a regular bicycle.The FitCar PPV has been patented
internationally and is currently awaiting RDW approval in the Netherlands for
road use across Europe.
