BATTERY-FREE ELECTRICASSISTED BICYCLES

With the heightened awareness of global environmental issues, electric bicycles are in greater demand in Europe and North America. However, it is important to remember that electric bicycles still require electricity to operate and the electricity used to charge these batteries come from the power grid, which is often generated by non-renewable sources of energy.

Former professional cyclist Lin Mingzhang spent seven years inventing a battery-free, electric-assisted bicycle system that runs up to thirty kilometers after only twenty seconds of pedaling. Lin's story is an inspiring one of perseverance and adaptability. Despite a devastating injury that ended his BMX career, he found a new passion in researching the mechanics of bicycles and running his own bike shop. After just three months of physical therapy, he was able to regain mobility, which is a testament to his strength and determination. Over the years, Lin gained a deeper understanding of how to optimize bike performance and worked on developing new and innovative cycling technologies.

Although battery technology has advanced in recent years, electric-assisted bicycles are still limited in storing enough power for long-distance cycling and charging options are limited outside of the residence. Lin had a vision to create a batteryless electric-powered bike as a solution to this dilemma.

After multiple setbacks and injuries from doing work himself, he did not give up on his goal of soldering parts in different combinations. He sought the help of mechanics and continued to experiment until he found the right working combination. Instead of being discouraged by his accidents, he saw them as opportunities to learn and improve. He believed that the answers he was seeking were hidden behind those accidents and used them as stepping stones towards success.

The seven years of trials and errors that Lin endured were not easy. He had to spend countless hours contemplating through days of multiple failed attempts. Despite his friends' lack of faith in him, Lin persisted in his efforts, comparing his determination to that of cycling. He never gave up on his goal and his persistence paid off in the end.

Lin’s spirit of persistence and determination was his ticket to success. After countless hours and 6 million NT of investment, he ultimately achieved the goal of developing a battery-free electronic-assisted system. His innovative product is currently in the process of patent applications in several countries and will be on the market in 2023.

Lin Mingzhang explains that energy is stored by stretching and compressing two long springs coiled within the two metal disks. The system starts to store all the energy created after the cyclist pedals for only twenty seconds. A leisurely cycling speed of 10 km/hr would result in an output of about 25 km/hr with the stored energy. Additionally, all the dynamic energy is recycled by the springs and stored further into the system.

Since the recycled energy enables cyclists to climb uphill in one-tenth of the effort required by a regular bicycle, Lin says that anyone can go uphill singing effortlessly with the help of his invention. For leisurely riding, this option is definitely one to try!

Lin's story is an inspiration to all those who are struggling to achieve their goals. It reminds us that success often comes after many failures, and that determination and perseverance are essential qualities for achieving our dreams.