In 2013, Aerovelo set their sights on building the world’s fastest human-powered vehicle to surpass the previous level-ground speed record of 133.8 km/h (83.1 mph). In 2015, Eta first succeeded in its goal and has since incremented the world record four times, most recently with an astounding 144.17 km/hr (89.59 mph).
Each year teams from around the world gather in Battle Mountain, Nevada in search of speed. The goal of the annual World Human Powered Speed Challenge is to provide an opportunity for teams to go as fast as possible on one of the fastest, flattest, straightest roads on earth.
The course is 5 miles long, and it takes absolutely every bit of it to build up to these kinds of speeds. After the first 1.5 miles, Eta is travelling over 100 km/hr, building towards a final sprint in an all out effort that lasts no more than 5 minutes.
Eta at a Glance
- Top Achieved Speed: 144.17 km/hr
- 9544 MPGe equivalent fuel efficiency
- Empty Weight: 25kg
- Shell Construction: Pre-preg Carbon-Honeycomb Sandwich
- Frame: Wet lay carbon fibre
- Tires: Ultra thin 650c clinchers
- Vision system: dual SD cameras/screens with on-screen data display
- Custom build cranks, chainring, bottom bracket, hubs, wheels, headset
Eta gets its name from the greek letter "Eta" used in engineering to denote efficiency. This project is about the pursuit of ultimate efficiency. Based on the measured power input of the pilot, Eta boasts an equivalent highway fuel efficiency of 9544 MPGe, on the order 100x better than the most efficient electric cars.
With the mere power of one human, Eta is capable of reaching speed that most cars dare not drive. This video takes a look under the hood at the team and the technology that makes Eta one of the most efficient vehicles on earth.
In September 2015, Aerovelo's Eta Speedbike set a new world record in human powered speed by going 139.45 km/hr (86.65 mph). The Eta Speedbike Project is the continuation of Aerovelo's quest to promote new ways of thinking about lightweight, efficient design.