Pretty amazing example of the power of creativity in the world economy versus labor and capital.
An industrial designer, Izhar Gafni, has created a $9 bike made out of cardboard that can carry riders up to 485 pounds. This has the ability to affordable make transportation available to millions around the world. Hopefully they can set up local production, sales, and service globally to support employment and provide opportunity globally. Very cool social innovation.
The Alfa weighs 20lbs, yet supports riders up to 24 times its weight. It’s mostly cardboard and 100% recycled materials, yet uses a belt-driven pedal system that makes it maintenance free. And, maybe best of all, it’s project designed to be manufactured at about $9 to $12 per unit (and just $5 for a kids version), making it not only one of the most sustainable bikes you could imagine, but amongst the cheapest, depending on the markup.
via This $9 Cardboard Bike Can Support Riders Up To 485lbs | Co.Design: business + innovation + design.
Izhar cardboard bike project from Giora Kariv on Vimeo.
Campus Entrepreneurship 