University of Liverpool students target human-powered vehicle record

Students from the University of Liverpool are attempting to build the world’s fastest human-powered vehicle, with the team searching for a suitable pilot to break the world record.

Thirty volunteers have put their name forward and will undergo testing to find the one who will power the vehicle to speeds of over 83.13mph, a record set by Dutch students in 2013.

Patrick Harper, lead ergonomics engineer of the Velocipede Team, told the Liverpool Echo: “We’re looking for our engine, someone who can power our machine.

“Ideally it would be someone with a small body and powerful legs, but finding someone like that is very difficult.”

The team are looking to break the record by a full 7% in their ARION 1 machine, which would take the record towards the 89mph mark.

Should the testing go to plan, the ARION 1 may be entered into the World Human Power Speed Challenge (WHPSC) in Battle Mountain, Nevada, next September – the same event that the record was set last year.

With a 1:17 gear ratio, the team are hope a male pilot can generate 850 watts of power, or 800 watts by a female for whom the record stands at 75.69mph.

Source: Liverpool Echo