To mark its 160th anniversary Hammacher Schlemmer catalog, seller of the Motorized Monocycle, set out to expand its eco-friendly lineup of strange and unexpected rides. With the exception of the Family Cycle and Carbon Chassis Velocipede, the new gathering of green wheels is almost exclusively electric and includes the solar-powered golf cart, the eight-speed transmission electric bicycle, the 120-mph electric car, and the rubber ducky-like 1-person EV.
Here is a closer look at each vehicle.
The Solar Powered Golf Cart - The smartly-designed electric golf cart has a panel with 72 photovoltaic cells built into the roof that collect solar energy, providing up to 33 percent more range between recharges than non-solar electric golf carts. The Solar Powered Golf Cart's160-watt solar panel provides a range of up to 49 miles or, approximately ten rounds of golf before requiring a full recharge. It can be recharged overnight via the six foot long cable and AC adapter or through 15 hours of direct sunlight. Its electric motor provides a maximum speed of 24 mph and comes fully equipped with headlights, turn indicators, brake lights and a horn. This item is priced at $9,000.
The Family Cycle - Families can spend quality time together, without the worries of unwanted car emissions, while riding this three-wheeled recumbent cycle preferred for its sturdy frame. The Family Cycle comfortably supports two adults and two children or several shopping bags, allowing a family of four to enjoy gentle, smooth touring without the added fuel costs. Unlike typical tandem bicycles, this single-speed side-by-side cycle has two sets of independent pedals that provide optimal pedal power relative to each pedaler's leg strength, instead of the "one-size-fits-all" pedal cycle circumference which lesser bicycles use. This item is priced at $2,700.
The Eight-Speed Transmission Electric Bicycle - Users can do their part for the environment, without compromising on a little bit of excitement, on this electric bicycle which can reach speeds of 20 mph. The Eight-Speed Transmission Electric Bicycle uses automatic transmission to downshift into a lower gear when it senses a hill, upshifts for rapid acceleration of up to 20 mph on flats, or allows you to pedal normally when you disengage the motor at your discretion making this a quicker way to travel while reducing your carbon footprint. Powered by a 750-watt electric motor, settings include rapid acceleration, a low gear setting for inclines and a setting for manual gear shifting that disengages the motor to preserve battery life. An LCD screen on the bike includes an odometer, clock, chronograph and speedometer. The bicycle has a range of up to 30 miles at top speed before requiring a five-hour recharge from its AC adapter. This item is priced at $5,500.
The 120-M.P.H. Electric Car - The 120-M.P.H Electric Car can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in four seconds to a top speed of 120 mph in one gear with no shifting - giving its passengers the speed and performance missing from most electric cars. Its small size eliminates the need for parallel parking as it can park perpendicular to a curb without the need for a full space making city driving a breeze. The driver and passenger sit in tandem front and back seats that feature easy-to-use four-point pilot seat belts similar to harnesses found in race cars. The 120-M.P.H. Electric Car generates no emissions and operates from a set of lead-acid batteries that can recharge using any service up to 50 amps, providing enough power for a range of 40-80 miles, up to four times the average commute in the U.S. This item is priced at $108,000.
First Carbon Chassis Velocipede - This is the first human powered vehicle to have a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, the same material found in the fastest high-performance Formula 1™ automobiles, making it the worlds most advanced three-wheeled velomobile. The customized vehicle combines the low-impact exercise benefits of a recumbent bicycle with the stability of a three-wheeled cruiser and the aerodynamics of a concept automobile. At a mere 60 lbs., the First Carbon Chassis Velocipede weighs approximately 1/50th of a combustion or hybrid-electric automobile, yet never needs to be refueled allowing users to save on the increasing gas prices. The First Carbon Chassis Velocipede features a shifter on the hand control for smooth, shudder-free shifting as well as a headlight, tail light and turn signals powered by a rechargeable battery. This item is priced at $14,000.
The Electric One-Person Car (aka The Rubber Ducky) - This electric, highway-legal, three-wheeled, single passenger vehicle combines the functionality of an electric car with the maneuverability and scale of a motorcycle. With a range of 30 miles per charge, it operates with zero emissions and uses less than half the energy of today's most efficient hybrid vehicles. The vehicle is powered by a 156-volt DC electric motor providing a top speed of 70 mph, allowing it to accelerate from 0-30 mph in 3 1/2 seconds and 0-60 mph in 12 1/2 seconds. It easily recharges by plugging into a standard 110-volt, 20-amp outlet and takes up to six hours for a full charge. The Electric One-Person Car comes fully equipped with an adjustable seat, AM/FM CD-player, retractable three-point safety belt, power windows, windshield wiper, air vent, heater, hydraulic shocks, a storage area behind the drivers seat which can accommodate a full grocery cart, a single headlight and a high-mounted taillight is flanked by turn signals. This item is priced at $36,000.