A Bicycle Made Of Cardboard (featured above)
Alfa bike I.G. Cardboard Technologies, Israel
Israeli inventor Izhar Gafni recently developed a low-cost, eco-friendly bike made almost entirely of recycled cardboard and rubber. Tight folding of the cardboard gives the frame sturdiness, and the material is treated with waterproof resin so the bike won't turn into mush when it rains. Gafni hopes to have the bikes in production by 2014, with a price of about $20 each.
Fast Facts:
- Cost: Izhar Gafni estimates each bike will cost just $9 to make. He plans to sell the bikes for about $20 each.
- Frame: Because of the tight folding of the cardboard, the lightweight bikes can support up to 495 pounds.
- Durability: The cardboard bikes are treated with waterproof resin, so that they can withstand rain. The bikes are also fireproof.
- Materials: Alfa bikes will be made of 99 percent recycled materials, including recycled car tires for wheels.