The Meguru electric trike is a low-speed urban runabout built from lacquered recycled iron, bamboo and washi paper – a car that you can throw on the compost heap when it reaches the end of its life.
The Meguru is a new breed of electric vehicle intended for use in Japanese towns. It is barely heavier than a cycle rickshaw and has a range of around 25 miles at 25 mph.
The Meguru will take two hours to recharge from a domestic electricity supply and cost £7,000 when it goes on sale.
Bamboo cars – Light, strong and green
Car manufacturers are starting to incorporate natural materials into the production process; door interior panels can contain a range of renewable materials including flax, sisal and hemp, and coconut fibres and latex can be used in seat upholstery. Cars like the ‘BamGoo’ and Meguru go much further. They may not have the refinement and performance of a conventional city car. but try putting a Fiat 500 on your compost heap.
One of the reasons why electric cars have a relatively modest range and performance compared to petrol and diesel-engined vehicles is that motorists have grown used to a level of equipment that adds a significant amount of weight. Electric bicycles do not face this challenge and as a result are already able to travel at a speed of over 18mph for over 70 miles before they need to be re-charged. The Meguru is intended for use at low speeds in urban areas. At speeds of up to 20mph a lightweight vehicle has little need for airbags and crumple zones and as importantly poses less risk to pedestrians and cyclists in the event of a collision.
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