$9 Cardboard Bike

Izhar Gafni, an inventor from Israel, has developed a bicycle made of cardboard, costing just £10 to make. Izhar Gafni has created a fully functioning, water-resistant bicycle, made, from seat to spokes, entirely of recycled cardboard. The technology makes the environmentalist's choice mode of transportation even a bit greener and affordable.

Carboard bike

The all cardboard bike is suprisingly durable: it can carry riders who weigh up to 485 pounds. A layer of coating atop the cardboard shields the bike from the elements and gives the finished product the look and feel of lightweight plastic. While the cost to make the bicycle ranges from nine to twelve dollars, the manufacturer expects to sell the vehicle for sixty to ninety dollars depending on the optional addition of an electric motor.

By folding over sheets to double their strength, he claims the machine is durable, waterproof and costs very little to produce. Everything apart from the brakes and chain is cardboard - including the seat. It comes with the option of an electric motor and a smaller child’s version weighing 3.5 kilos and with a production price of £5 is also in the pipeline.

Being so cheap to produce, yet so effective as a form of transport, this design could make a real impact on the lives of children living in third world countries, such as Africa and parts of Asia, who walk dozens of miles a day for school or to collect water and food for their families. It would provide them with a fast means of transport and provide them with a much higher quality of life.

To promote this item, I feel charities should fund mass production of these bikes and distribute them to third world countries through Government funding and  public and business sponsorship. The charities could promote the cause and campaign through campaigns on the television which cause the target audience to feel empathetic and guilty, and promote online and on the streets to the public.

They could also encourage children in schools to take part in sponsored events to raise money and awareness.