We’re all for electric vehicles and innovative new uses for everyday objects – but this EX vehicle propelled by screwdrivers is just nuts. The pared-down racing trike harnesses two 18-volt screwdrivers as engines, allowing it to accelerate up to 30 km/h. It looks like a blast, however due to the vehicle’s aggressive skeleton-luge seating you might just need a screw loose to drive it.
Nils Ferber‘s EX vehicle was built from the ground-up to offer the distinct experience of hurtling headfirst through the streets just a few inches above the pavement. The three-wheeled design places the driver prone with both arms outstretched – the better to hang on for dear life. The throttle and brakes operate like a motorcycle, and a custom-built joint allows the rear section to tilt as the driver leans into curves.
Most of the vehicle’s drive components are made from modified bicycle parts, and the vehicle’s minimalist frame keeps its weight down while showcasing its elegant design. According to Nils Ferber, the EX was inspired by a skeleton and its organs, and it was finished just in time for its first race – they didn’t even have time to test drive it.
+ Nils Ferber
Via Ecofriend
From the look of the pictures it looks like the riders legs are wedged in between some steel bars. looks downright painful.
I’d like to see a video of this thing in action. i also wonder about how maneuverable it is. it looks like it would have a real hard time stearing.
What a screwy idea..
Nothing like being “rocketed headfirst through the streets” at less that 20 mph. So where do you put pole with the orange flag attached so cars can see you? Oh. Really? That’s why you are sitting in a butts up position? Okay, race you to the library, five bucks says I can beat you on my ten speed!
Love the use of the drills, but rear steering and brakes not a good idea.paul
My son and I powered his Razor scooter with a Makita drill last year. It was simple and he loved it. Check out the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpKbTMITTBk
I’ve always been fascinated with minimalist vehicles and this is an awesome little machine. Looks like a lot of fun. But I wonder if this riding position wouldn’t be fatiguing. So I still like my own minimalist vehicle notion for longer rides. Called the Green Bug (after the early 20th century cycle-car known as the Red Bug which inspired the Apollo Lunar Rover), it would use the chassis of a Mountain Quad (http://www.crank-it.com/quadhome.html) combined with four Brompton wheel motors (http://www.electricwheel.co.uk/) powered by a hybrid power plant using a supercapacitor and an alcohol/methanol fueled microturbine. (http://www.obilaser.com/images/Img55.jpg) Should go wiki-wiki. Now if I could only find some people to team up with to build it…
What kind of shoes is the rider wearing? I’d like a pair of those. The trike, well, eh…
Hmm, this might just lead to powered-by-only-power-tools drag races. Sweet. Black & Decker, are you listening?