The $15,000 Escape Pod? Plan B is Bonkers, But I Kinda Want One
Hear me out. I know I said before that this looks like a bicycle designed by a mad inventor after a few too many energy drinks, but there's something weirdly compelling about the Plan B. It's like a post-apocalyptic penny-farthing with a splash of steampunk thrown in for good measure. Forget those bulky, aggressive electric bikes for a moment – the folks at the Arsenale in Dubai have embraced minimalism to the point of absurdity, and I'm sort of digging it…
First things first - this isn’t a purely electric bike, no - this is a hybrid. And not just a hybrid - this contraption is powered by two - wait for it - 1 kW electric motors. That’s right - ONE kW each. If that wasn’t adventurous enough, the motors sit inside the wheels and are surrounded by gasoline. No, I haven’t been drinking. The motors are small on purpose, the rims’s primary job is to hold the gasoline for a generator that charges the onboard battery, which in turn powers the motors. I mean - you couldn’t make this up, could you?
Now, this isn't some newfangled idea. Those fuel tanks in the wheels and the exposed wiring? Yeah, we've seen this before, back when it failed a couple of times on those crowdfunding sites. And it failed spectacularly despite its rather enticing $2,000 price tag. Well, the creators of this invention are not easily discouraged and decided the third time’s the charm. The bike hasn’t changed much since, but the price tag? Oh, that is all new. Turns out, sticking a $15,000 sticker on a questionable product is the ultimate Plan B for some.
So, what in the world is the Plan B? Think of the slowest, least powerful electric bike you can imagine. Motors weaker than your blender, a top speed of a brisk jog, and fat tires that look like they're begging to be punctured by a determined pebble. It's designed with one primary goal in mind: sipping its fuel and charging batteries ever so slowly to cover - supposedly - ridiculous distances, right? Well, you’d be right as long as you’re not planning on trips longer than 50 km, according to Arsenale.
And that's where the appeal lies, at least for a small, slightly unhinged niche of riders. This isn't about speed thrills, power fantasies, or even looking cool. Picture yourself silently traversing remote landscapes where gas stations went extinct along with dinosaurs. Imagine tackling sand dunes or snowy trails without scaring away all the wildlife. This could be the ride for explorers, preppers with a fear of empty roads, or park rangers needing to navigate tricky terrain without making a fuss.
Speaking of terrain, let's address those fuel tanks in the wheels. It's a stroke of engineering genius or a recipe for disaster, depending on how optimistic you're feeling. Handling is bound to be a nightmare – like trying to steer a shopping cart loaded with watermelons. And I don't mean in a fun, drifting sort of way. Expect to wrestle this bike into every turn.
Then there are those mystery tires. They look suspiciously like they were designed for a particularly large hamster cage rather than actual off-road adventures. I have serious doubts about their grip, durability, and overall reliability. Add in the questionable build quality with exposed wires and a finish that looks... let's just say "enthusiastic," and the Plan B starts resembling a glorified science project.
The Plan B is a gloriously impractical contraption with a price tag that'll make your eyes water. It'll probably leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere… but at least you'd go down in a blaze of eccentric glory. Yet, there's a spark of genius at its core. If they nail down the reliability, the ruggedness, and maybe lower that price to, well, something resembling reality, this could be the quirky, long-range adventurer's dream machine.
Would I bet my life on it as it stands now? Absolutely not. Would I still love to take this weirdo for a spin and see just how far it could go? You bet. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need to go dust off my welder. I've got some ideas…
