Pretoria - A new bicycle called "A hi fambeni" powered by hydrogen has been launched by Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor.
The bicycle, translated as "Let's go," is made up of cutting-edge light and strong materials. The design is meant to accommodate the transport needs of people living in rural villages.
Launching the bicycle at the Resource Driven Technology Centre for South Africa Conference on Thursday, Pandor said A hi fambeni offers a practical way to promote public awareness of hydrogen and fuel cell technology as a clean energy alternative.
Designed by Pierre Terblanche, an internationally-renowned bike designer, and built by students of Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Pandor said it will inspire invention and innovation among young South Africans.
The minister was pleased that the innovative collaboration focussed on the bicycle, a mode of transport that is affordable.
She said electric bikes are a huge part of the future of green transport economy.
"In many ways, the future of e-bikes can be seen in what has happened in China over the last decade. The growth in the number of electric bikes in China has been spectacular. In 1998 there were a mere 400 000 electric bikes in China. In 2008, there were 21 million," Pandor said.
In 2007, the department launched Shova Kalula (Pedal Easy), a partnership with the private sector and civil society that planned to give a million bicycles to school children by 2015 and to construct dedicated bicycle pathways.
Pandor said there has to be some synergy between Shova Kalula and Hai Fambeni, the hydrogen-fuelled e-bicycle prototype.
She said the plan is to start with a bike, a trike and then a car.
