Cardboard bicycle

A cardboard bicycle is a bicycle composed mostly of cardboard. Only prototypes have been made as of 2012^[update].^[1][2][3] Reported benefits include low cost,^[1] and construction from recyclable^[3] and renewable materials.^[4] The low cost is also expected to act as a theft deterrent.^[5][6]

A cardboard bicycle by Phil Bridges

Phil Bridge's prototype

In 2008, Phil Bridge created a cardboard bicycle as part of a three-year degree course in Product Design at Sheffield Hallam University.^[5][7][8][9] It was intended to discourage theft,^[8] supports a rider up to 169 pounds (77 kg),^[7] and is constructed from a structural cardboard called Hexacomb.^[5] It is waterproof, but is only expected to survive six months of constant use.^[5] The drivetrain and brakes are metal, as on a conventional bike, and it rolls on standard pneumatic tires.

Izhar Gafni's prototype

I.G. Cardboard Technologies cardboard bicycle.

In 2012, Izhar Gafni, an Israeli mechanical engineer and cycling enthusiast,^[10] unveiled a prototype bicycle made almost entirely out of cardboard in his workshop in Moshav Ahituv.^[2] The components, including bike’s frame, wheels, handlebars and saddle,^[3] consist of sheets of cardboard folded and glued together.^[1] The complete bike weighs 20 pounds (9.1 kg),^[2] and is treated to be fireproof and waterproof.^[1] Gafni reports that it can support riders up to 220 kilograms (490 lb).^[10] It has solid rubber tires made from recycled car tires.^[1] Power is transferred from the pedals to the rear wheel with a belt, also made from recycled rubber.^[3] Gafni and a business partner planned to mass-produce a bike based on the prototype and retail it for 20 USD,^[2] with a unit cost of 9 to 12 USD.^[3] The target market is low-income countries.^[3] The prototype was featured at the November 2012 Microsoft ThinkNext event in Tel Aviv.^[11] Gafni has been trying to raise $2 million on Indiegogo to fund the project.^[12] As of 25 June 2013, he had raised $10 thousand.^[13] The campaign has ended with a total of $40,107 raised.^[12]

See also

• Bamboo bicycle
• Bikes Not Bombs
• Chukudu wooden freight bicycle
• Outline of cycling
• Wooden bicycle
• World Bicycle Relief