Izhar Gafni, an interesting Israeli inventor, decided to construct a bike out of cardboard; unfortunately, he had difficulty finding any information about the engineering properties of the material. He was able to find some information on the properties of cardboard boxes: engineers test shipping boxes by dropping them with an enclosed load, but he was unable to locate any scientific research to assist in constructing his bicycle; in fact, three separate Israeli engineers informed him that it was impossible. But he was indomitable, and he ultimately used the fundamentals of Japanese origami to increase the weight-bearing capacity of cardboard by a factor of nearly three: the frame can withstand a rider of 220 kg. (485 lbs.).

Izhar Gafni coated his frame with an organic resin to imbue it with water-proof qualities (it was tested in an aquarium), and he heat tested his cardboard materials to ensure they could withstand the rigors of extreme summer heat.He intends for the bike to be available to every child in the world; for example, those in Africa, who walk dozens of kilometers to school each day.

Gafni’s cardboard bike is 95% eco-freindly cardboard, which is dunked in an organic resin (for water-proofing), and finished with an esthetically pleasing pearly paint: all for less than $10 a bike. His only concern is that the seat could be more comfortable…

Gafni has future plans for cardboard baby strollers, wheelchairs, etcetera…

If you’re intrigued, there is a video about Izahar Gafni’s cardboard bike project; a film that explains his inspiration and documents the construction process: I considered it well worth six-minutes of my time.

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