aerovelo eta bike is the world’s fastest human-powered vehicle

aerovelo’s ‘eta’ bike is as fast as a car speeding on a highway, reaching speeds of 89.59 mph (114.18 kmph). created by todd reicher and cameron robertson, the aerodynamic bike set a new speed record for a human-powered vehicle at the world human powered speed challenge in battle mountain, nevada this year.

this record breaks the previous world record, also held by aerovelo’s ‘eta’ of 86.65 mph / 139.45 kmph, set on september 18th, 2015. analysis of the vehicle performance showed that it requires less than 198 watts of pedal power at 90 kmph, which translates to a 9544 mpg highway fuel efficiency. this is the highest per-passenger mpg of any existing transportation technology at this speed.

according to aerovelo co-founder cameron robertson, ‘the efficiency of this vehicle seems impossibly high: it’s a powerful example of the massive change we can achieve with existing technology in the near future. eta’s performance is a testament to the passion and engineering the team devoted to this endeavour, and showcases what can be achieved when we seek to do more with less.’

built with an extremely low centre of gravity, the ‘eta’ moves three times faster than a normal bike. the superbike is able to reach these incredible speeds thanks to its carbon fibre frame and shell. the rider, preferably a physically fit rider, is seated in a specialized recumbent layout, leaning backwards. this enhances the bike’s ability to reach high speeds by reducing body pressure and focusing all of the energy solely on the rider’s legs. unlike a conventional bicycle, the bike rider relies on two video cameras installed on top of the bike’s oval shell.

aerovelo co-founder todd reichert powered ‘eta’ to 2 consecutive human-powered world records between september 14th and 17th, 2016. reichert achieved 88.26 mph/142.04 kph on september 14th, 2016 and 89.59 mph/144.18 kmph on september 18th, 2016. he states, ‘it’s an unbelievable feeling to be riding in something that efficient. it cuts through the air with such little resistance, and before you know it, you’re cruising at highway speeds on nothing more than your own power. when you realize that this is the same amount of power it takes to light up a few light bulbs, it’s truly mind blowing.’

the world human powered speed challenge draws designers and athletes from around the world to test their high-tech speed bikes on highway 305–the straightest; flattest; smoothest road surface in the world. the international human powered vehicle association (IHPVA) sanctions all records. the aerovelo project has also received funding and support by sponsors including the university of toronto; GMC; paterson composites; and solidworks.