A creative dad has found an ingenious way to repurpose discarded vapes by transforming his wife’s pink ladies’ bicycle into an e-bike capable of reaching speeds of up to 15mph. Mark Hopgood, a software engineer and musician from Kent, came up with the idea after his electric bike broke down and he was faced with the hefty price tag of £1,200 for a replacement.
Hopgood, together with his son, has spent the past year collecting hundreds of used vapes and experimenting with their batteries to power various electrical devices. He purchased a motorized wheel and meticulously tested each of the 70 vape batteries in his garden shed to ensure compatibility before connecting them to the bike.
In May, after successful test rides, Hopgood took his homemade e-bike on a three-mile journey and reached a top speed of 15mph. Impressed with his creation, he plans to refine the design in his next iteration by enclosing the batteries in a proper casing to avoid exposed wires.
While Hopgood acknowledges the importance of safety precautions when working with batteries to avoid overheating and fires, he sees potential in repurposing discarded vapes that would otherwise go to waste. He hopes to share his blueprints with others and even run workshops to teach people how to build their own e-bikes using old vape batteries safely.
With millions of disposable vapes in existence and limited recycling options available, Hopgood believes there is a need for alternative ways to utilize their lithium-ion batteries. By repurposing these batteries for e-bikes, he demonstrates that they can serve a valuable purpose until the end of their life cycle.
This innovative approach not only provides a cost-effective solution for e-bikes but also contributes to reducing electronic waste. Hopgood’s project highlights the potential for creativity and resourcefulness in repurposing discarded items, urging others to explore sustainable alternatives for everyday needs.
The e-bike industry has been experiencing significant growth in recent years. According to a market research report, the global e-bike market is expected to reach a value of $38.6 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.7% from 2019 to 2025. The rising demand for eco-friendly transportation options and the increasing popularity of cycling as a recreational activity have been driving the growth of the e-bike market.
One of the major challenges faced by the e-bike industry is the limited availability of lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for powering e-bike motors. The demand for lithium-ion batteries is rapidly increasing not only in the e-bike industry but also in other sectors such as electric vehicles and consumer electronics. This has led to concerns about the sustainability of the lithium-ion battery supply chain and the potential for resource depletion.
The repurposing of discarded vapes, as demonstrated by Mark Hopgood, provides a potential solution to address the shortage of lithium-ion batteries in the e-bike industry. By utilizing the batteries from old vapes, Hopgood is not only reducing electronic waste but also extending the lifespan of these batteries.
However, it is important to note that working with batteries can be potentially dangerous if not done with proper safety precautions. Overheating and fires are risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, and it is crucial to handle them with care. Hopgood’s emphasis on safety precautions and his plans to share blueprints and run workshops on building e-bikes using old vape batteries safely are commendable.
In terms of recycling, the electronic waste (e-waste) problem is a growing concern globally. With millions of disposable vapes being discarded each year, it is clear that more sustainable solutions are needed to manage this waste stream. While recycling options for vape batteries are currently limited, the repurposing of these batteries for e-bikes offers a promising alternative.
Overall, Hopgood’s innovative approach serves as a reminder of the potential for creativity and resourcefulness in addressing environmental challenges. With the e-bike industry projected to grow and the need for sustainable solutions becoming increasingly important, initiatives like Hopgood’s could pave the way for a more sustainable future.
Suggested related links:
Global electric bicycle market size
BBC: E-bike sales at 10-year high in Europe
European Commission: Waste policy