TNN
Bangalore, Dec 12: Two engineering students have invented a bicycle that can also work as a boat! Suraj Verma and Taran Raj from R N Shetty Institute of Technology displayed their invention at the Vaahan Yatra exhibition in Whitefield on Thursday.
The amphibious bicycle is just a conventional bicycle with some add-ons -- two attachments enable it to run on water and land. The first consists of four thermocol floaters designed aerodynamically and enclosed in aluminium for strength. Attached to the front and rear wheels, they are waterproof and can be retracted when the bicycle is on land.
The second attachment comprises propellers attached to the rear wheel. They are secured by a rod that goes through the axle.
Once in water, one can pedal as if cycling on land, only this time the blades will slice through water and provide propulsion. Other features include a rudder and an utility box to store cargo.
Specifications
Floaters are aerodynamically designed to support 220 kg -- a person of 80 to 100 kg and cargo of 60 to 80 kg
Weight-carrying capability of floaters divided in 75:25 ratio between front and rear pairs for stability in water
Time required to set up the bicycle before using in water is 2 to 3 minutes
10 propellers placed perpendicular to the axle of the rear wheel
Semi-circular rudder on both sides of the front wheel
Utility box big enough to hold medium-sized cargo
Average speed of the bicycle in water is 10 km/h
Upgrades
Water guard around the rear wheel
Bigger propellers to increase speed in water
Modification of chain gear to enable reverse movement