The thirst for alternate fuels seems unquenchable. Here is another hybrid electric scooter that is all set to gratify the craving for efficient, low emission vehicles. This new electric two-wheeler runs on the good old Stirling engine, which operates on the principle of external combustion and guess what! Almost anything that burns will fuel it.

Dean Kamen, an inventor with Segway is developing this eco-bike with a tiny two-piston Stirling engine hidden beneath its seat and rechargeable battery packs at its floor. While the engine’s size is going to be a hitch limiting its power to a mere 5bhp, it stands apart from the other alternatives by not letting gas in or out of it.

The engine’s expected low efficiency and questionable performance is surely not letting it down. Leading companies like Honda has patented concepts using the Stirling engines and are exploring its use in autonomous robots for the US military. Multimillionaire Kamen has already invested a hefty amount of $50 million into its development. So, let us just look forward to the technology that is safe and green to take to the roads soon.

Via Gas2 / FreePatentsOnline