Bike, Boat, Car: 3 cutting-edge eco-vehicles

Backpack Bike

German Bike ‘Der Bergmönch‘ folds down into an easy-carry backpack.

Weighing in at just 9.5kg and designed for off-road use, it’s ideal for campers, hikers and other adventurous types.

It has no pedals, though, so it’s best for those who like climbing hills, but would prefer an easy ride for the descent.

Brakes are included, and the backpack has 12 litres of free space for lunch and a waterproof jacket.

Sun & Wind Powered Boat

Cruising to the prison island of Alcatraz off the coast of San Francisco has just become eco-friendly.

A new Alcatraz passenger ferry uses two wind turbines and a solar panel to power its navigation tools, lighting, and even some of the propulsion.

Called the Hornblower Hybrid, the ferry is capable of carrying 160 passengers.

When stationary or moving slowly, the boat’s propeller system switches from diesel engines to battery power.

Alcatraz manager Scott Thornton hopes the ferry will act as a ‘model of environmental innovation’ to inspire the rest of the US.

Air-Cleaning Car

Still in concept stage, the Green Apple is a three-seater car that uses in-built wind turbines to generate power whilst driving.

As well as generating power, the turbines clean the city air - a stroke of inventor’s genius.

An accessible battery pack on the rear of the car makes it easy to charge.

Designer Julien Sarremejean writes that the cars shape is derived “directly from nature, as a new born flower.”

And the name?

“Green Apple is just a play with ‘big apple’.” It is, after all, aimed for use on the streets of New York.