The prototype is called the ERB and at just $9 to produce, it could bring simple, green transportation the masses at a fraction of the typical cost. It could be sold for around $20.
“Years were devoted to learn the properties and behavior [of cardboard] from all aspects,” said inventor Izhar Gafni.
He told Reuters: “I was always fascinated by applying unconventional technologies to materials and I did this on several occasions. But this was the culmination of a few things that came together. I worked for four years to cancel out the corrugated cardboard’s weak structural points.”
In a documentary directed by Giora Kariv, Gafni shares the ups and downs of making his invention a reality.
In the video, Gafni said that he is an amateur cycling enthusiast who for years toyed with an idea of making a bicycle from cardboard, after hearing about somebody who made a cardboard canoe.
He describes his bike as “packaging on wheels” and said that it is “strong, durable and cheap”.
He concluded: “What I like about it most is that it is made out of cardboard.”
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Excellent article and interesting concept showing how cardboard isn’t only for making cardboard boxes and packaging products!