An electricity-generating exercise bike has been designed and produced through a partnership between the School of Engineering and DHL Express, an international express company, to provide a new source of sustainable renewable energy and enhance eco-friendly business operations. 

 

Over the past year, the School has provided the expertise, insight and technical knowledge to co-develop six Power Bikes that can generate electricity. The energy can then be stored in a reusable external battery and used to recharge DHL couriers' electronic hand-held scanners. It also enables DHL staff to keep fit and helps to reduce the company's carbon footprint. 

 

The Power Bikes are based on a modified spinning exercise bicycle with a power generator attached. Hundreds of members of staff have already participated in the bike project, contributing power to thousands of shipments, according to Mr Ken Lee, Head of Commercial, Asia Pacific and Managing Director, Hong Kong and Macau, DHL Express. The Power Bikes are being piloted in Hong Kong, with other DHL offices already showing interest in the program.

 

Prof Roger Cheng, Associate Dean of Engineering (Undergraduate Studies), said that HKUST had been pleased to contribute to such sustainable innovation that showed the School of Engineering's ability to apply technology to real-life problems and commitment to working together with industry. 

 

DHL is an ongoing School of Engineering supporter, providing around HK$900,000 in sponsorship for different aspects of the School's work over the past three years, including transportation of student robotic machines for competitions overseas (see also here), a scholarship, and student enrichment activities.