Gelsenkirchen, October 6, 2006. The four-month "trial period" has been passed. Gelsenkirchen-based Masterflex AG is very satisfied with the test operation of the world's first fuel cell-powered bicycle fleet.
Since the end of May 2006, the innovative bikes have been available for hire at the Hybike bike station in the North Rhine-Westphalian town of Herten, for example on guided bike tours. Several hundred successful test rides prove that fuel cell technology has successfully passed the important first step from the laboratory to reality.
The minor technical difficulties expected and encountered in the course of this unique project were resolved within a very short time. The smooth operation of the bicycle fleet for months now underlines the stable running performance of the hydrogen-based Masterflex fuel cell already achieved in the laboratory. This is another important prerequisite on the way to series production readiness. Another milestone of the project is the provision of the required hydrogen infrastructure. Here, Masterflex AG has also succeeded in establishing smoothly functioning logistics for supplying the bicycle fleet with replaceable hydrogen cartridges since day one.
Masterflex AG is convinced that the operation of the bicycle fleet will make a significant contribution to the spread of fuel cell technology. The integrated Masterflex fuel cell significantly increases the range of a conventional electric bicycle.