MEEA is proud to be one of thirteen Energy Bike hosts throughout the state of Illinois. This program, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), offers any interested organization the chance to borrow an 'energy bike' which functions as hands-on energy education tool.
Participants pedal the bike, which is connected to a panel containing several types of light bulbs. As more bulbs are switched on, electrical resistance—and the associated effort required to pedal the bike—increases. The demonstration panel includes both incandescent (traditional) and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs, allowing participants to actually feel the difference in energy required to power each type of bulb. They will learn that lighting up just one incandescent requires the same pedal power, and electricity, as four CFLs!
Any organization is welcome to borrow MEEA's energy bike. All that is required is a $50 usage fee for maintenance and bulb replacement and a large vehicle to pick up the bike and supply box.
Email Jamie Peters to request the energy bike from MEEA or receive more information!
Here are some photos of the Energy Bike in action!
