What is an Energy Bike? 

An Energy Bike provides an opportunity to demonstrate concepts of energy with a bicycle that is equipped with a generator and attached to an electrical board.  The Energy Bike generates electricity to power a variety of light bulbs and small appliances and is one of the most successful teaching tools available .It allows the rider to sense their energy being transformed and trace the energy flow back to the sun.

The rider can see how energy changes forms, feel the energy, hear the explanations of energy transformation and understand the measurements of energy - Volts, Amps, Watts

A new improvement is the introduction of two rotary switches: one  to switch between three different amp meters for measuring various sizes of resistance from 0-30 Amps, 0-5 Amps, and 0-1 Amp;  the other switch allows for a quick comparison by switching between 3 sets of 4 LEDs, CFLs , and Incandescent bulbs so.  Three sets of four toggle switches turn the individual bulbs in the three separate groups on or off, allowing for the comparison of energy requirements based upon the rider’s physical ability.

The educational board also uses two super-capacitors, which will allow the rider to store enough energy to power a couple CFLs or the four LEDs for an amazing amount of time. Four dc sockets are built into the board for the various accessories. The board also shows the difference between a fuse and a circuit breaker and teaches electrical safety in regards to the amperage various gauges of wire can safely carry. The board is weather resistant with a black polycarbonate back panel that fully encloses and protects the internal wiring while transporting.

The board fits into a case that measures 47x19x8 and has three handles and wheels for easy transport. The case weighs approximately 44lbs and fits into any car.  The generator stand for the board allows the use of any bicycle from 24 inches to a 700c road bike or 29R. We can provide a Biria commuter bike that offers an ultra low stand over so any child or adult can climb on to the bike with ease, or you can use your own bicycle. 

How can I get an Energy Bike?

Area companies and organizations often sponsor Energy Bikes for school districts. The Energy Bike Package (bike, electrical board, roller case, appliances, training session and materials) costs approximately $5,000.
What is included in the Energy Bike Package?

• A bicycle
• A display board which includes:
• Fuse
• Meters (volts, amps, watts)
• Capacitors
• Rolling display case
• A stationary stand with attached generator in a separate carrying case
• Light bulbs (LED, Incandescent, CFL)
• Small appliances: fan, hairdryer, radio
• Curriculum
• Assembly manual

Energy Bike Technician: Kurt Lehmkuhl 

klehmkuhl@ohioenergy.org American Electric Power (AEP) Districts

AEP sponsors Activating, Energizing Girls In Science (AEGIS) workshop each summer that is designed to get girls involved in the sciences. A group of middle school female students and their teacher spend 3 days building an Energy Bike.  They learn how to work as a team, wire a circuit board, set-up the Energy Bike and present energy lessons using the Energy Bike.  The schools keep this great educational tool and share it in their district.  For more information about the AEGIS program, contact Debby Yerkes.