People powered bus by UKZN students is a hit

A group of UKZN engineering students got more than they bargained for while testing out their final year research and design project, a human powered technology pedal bus, on Durban’s beachfront promenade last Thursday afternoon.

The fun science project created more than a stir, with many beach goers stopping to take a picture or video of the never-been-seen-before concept in South Africa. Some asked if they could pop in for a ride.

Student, Phillip Mancook said the idea came from Professor Glen Bright, who mentioned the popular “beer buses” he saw while in Germany. “So we have been thinking about the concept for three years. Ours is a technology bus, we wanted to do something with renewable energy. The bus is propelled by multiple people, the driver sits at the front and controls the steering, braking and power assistance, while rows of people sit on bicycle seats and pedal to help it power forward,”explained the excited student.

More technology can also be added to the bus which already has space to serve refreshments on a table top while pedaling.

Supervisor for the project, Fiona Leverone said it was great to see the bus functioning and finally out on the promenade after months of hard work the students had poured into it.

Another student who couldn’t contain his excitement was Sachin Keshav, “It’s the best feeling ever, especially because you work on something the whole year and finally see it working. It was something I was hoping for, but seeing it in action is amazing especially with all this attention it is getting, definitely a great feeling,”he added.

Professor Glen Bright said the best thing about testing the project on the promenade was showcasing technology. “It’s also showcases our students design and creativity skills making use of alternative energy. The bus has no emissions and is an urban form of transport that can be adopted. The tech bus also shows the fun side of engineering and really created much attention on the beach,”he said.