A Brief History of Human Powered Transportation

The "Raccoon Compact Shuttle" electric-hybrid bicycle shown is manufactured by Honda. An electric motor augments the power provided by the rider to assist in accelerating from rest and hill climbing. Computer control provides the correct balance between the human and battery power sources. With its 24 volt - 3 amp-hour nickel-cadmium battery the bike has a range of about 12 miles. The cost in Japan in 1999 is $850.