USP Builds Eco-Friendly Transport

19/02/2020

EMI KOROITANOA
 
As vehicles have become a major cause of global warming, Ali Mohammadi says electric bikes are a great eco-friendly alternative.

Mr Mohammadi, who is a lecturer in the School of Engineering and Physics at the University of the South Pacific (USP), also believes this would be a good solution to the ever-increasing prices of petroleum and gasoline-based fuels.

“Pacific Island Countries will need to look for more sustainable, cheap and user-friendly means of transportation which are not only economical but environmentally friendly as well,” he said.

Mr Mohammadi said Fiji is easily affected by the price changes in fuel hence having an efficient and nonfuel depended vehicle is a choice many would prefer in the Pacific.

“The proposed E-Trike should be able to cater for the transportation needs of many people. Cheap and compact design is what most people require these days. It comes as a bonus when modern control techniques can be used to make the usage of tikes effortless and safe,” he said.

The bike, which was designed and built by the School of Engineering & Physics at USP, is a conventional mechanical bicycle interfaced with electric motor and a controller that is used to assist the user exert less force but not completely replace it.

An ordinary bicycle is designed to carry just one passenger.

An electric bike, on the other hand, is conventional mechanical bicycle interfaced with electric motor and a controller that is used to help assist the user to exert less force but not completely replace it.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said Fiji is a nation that is backing the demands of youths for action with climate conscious development, slashing its emissions while building an inclusive and resilient economy.

“We are committed to reaching the Paris Agreement’s 1.5degree target by achieving net zero emissions by 2050,” Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

“We all know that for Fiji, and any Pacific Island country, adapting to climate change is a much more urgent priority than reducing our negligible levels of emissions.”

“Indeed, effective adaptation is inseparable from sustainable economic development,” he added.