Two girls from Ronald Ngala Memorial Secondary School in Kilifi demonstrated their inventive skills by inventing a ‘water bicycle’ out of jerrycans that took four months to complete.
The two, Liz Maua and Maria Sidi, stated that the innovation was aimed at lowering ocean emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
According to them, the ‘hydro rider’ was tested in various parts of the beach and proved effective. The invention floats in water due to the buoyancy of the jerrycans, allowing one to move from one side to the other.
“We used it on a nearby beach and it was very efficient. Besides the environmental benefits, it is also a fun and refreshing activity,” one of the girls stated.
“The pedaling will initiate movement in the propeller which has the blades allowing the bike to move forward or backward depending on how you pedal,” the other explained.
The hydro rider is made up of eight jerrycans, four on each side, a pedal, and a water propeller in the back to propel the water.
According to the innovators, the frame was taken from a bicycle, and the metal was welded together to create the circular wings that hold the jerrycans.
The invention can carry up to 199 kilogrammes on a single ride and can accommodate two passengers.
They did, however, seek funding from the government and other well-wishers in order to perfect their invention and put it into mass production.
“There is a need to curb the increasing disposal of plastic in the ocean which has caused a risk to marine life,” the innovators explained.
Despite this, the hydro rider has a few limitations. Due to its vulnerability, it cannot be used in high tides or in open seas.
