Student designs £15 cardboard eco-bike

A design student from Sheffield Hallam University has invented a low-cost bike made almost entirely from cardboard.

Phil Bridge, 21, decided to design the bike when he discovered that in the UK a bike is stolen every 71 seconds.

Bridge’s prototype bike is made from recycled cardboard, meaning that the environmentally friendly bike frames could be produced for as little as £3.

The tires, chain, brakes and handlebars are made with the same materials as a standard bike.

These additions push the cost of the bike up to £15, but could be re-used every time the cardboard frame wears out.

Hexacomb cardboard is not only low-cost, but strong, water resistant, and light weight.

The cardboard bike can support riders weighing up to 80kg.

Its light weight is also significant, as low-cost bikes are usually much heavier than more expensive models.

Bridge hopes that the low cost of the bike will encourage more people to take up cycling, whilst deterring thieves who would have little to gain from stealing the bikes.