Can human power be a sustainable alternative to mechanical power?

Modern society’s reliance on mechanical power is contributing to problems such as rising obesity. Human power, on the other hand, has a long history of eco-friendly use and could be an important alternative energy source for the future as we transition to a low-energy society.

 

What is human power? Before we discuss human power, we need to look at the harmful effects of mechanical power, which is deeply entrenched in our lives. Modern humans enjoy a rich and convenient life thanks to mechanical power. However, our over-reliance on machines has led to a lack of exercise, which in turn has led to an increase in the number of obese people. Considering that many exercise facilities that have emerged to solve the obesity problem also rely on mechanical power, we need to reflect on this structure of life.
On the other hand, power that harnesses human physical energy is already embedded in our lives in many ways that are eco-friendly and effective. For example, the Play Pump, an amusement park attraction in South Africa, uses play to pump up water, and “power generation floors” are installed in the stairwells of Tokyo subway stations and nightclubs in London, England. There are also real-world examples of human-powered cars, boats, and airplanes.
Human power has many advantages. Human living spaces are largely divided into public and private areas. Public spaces are open areas where people gather, and private spaces are closed areas where people are alone. The car, which most people use, is a prime example of a private space. Drivers are constantly on edge, stressed out by traffic, congestion, and the pressure of confined spaces. These conditions are known to have a negative impact on heart health if they last for a long period of time. Bicycles, on the other hand, are used in the public sphere, providing a sense of psychological security and reducing unnecessary expenditures of money and time, such as washing the car and refueling. The Alenax bicycle, a two-seater that maximizes the benefits of bicycling, reduces the amount of effort required by a single person, while providing a fun experience of socializing with others.
Interestingly, human power has been deeply involved in human life for a long time, such as the fire wagons of the Vigiles, the autonomous fire brigades of ancient Rome, or the Vietnamese cyclo. However, over time, human power has gradually fallen out of favor, and it’s not just a matter of efficiency, but also because our perceptions have changed with the rise of consumerism. Human power has many advantages over machine power in terms of efficiency and eco-friendliness, but modern humans seek comfort in every detail and never stop consuming. In addition, many people answer “impossible” to the question “can we fly under human power?”, but the last successful self-powered airplane was 40 years ago, so we are underestimating the potential of human power.
After all, human power is our oldest and most valuable asset, and it is arguably the most sustainable alternative energy source for the future. At some point, fossil fuels will be depleted, their value will increase, and they will eventually disappear. In a low-energy society, communities will shrink to a local scale, and lifestyles will be reorganized around less chemicals and more human power.