Naturmobil
Encyclopedia
The Naturmobil is a horse
-powered vehicle for travel on paved road
s. The vehicle is controlled by a driver in a similar way to a motor-driven vehicle, with the horse inside the vehicle on a treadmill
. It weighs 300 kg (661.4 lb), or probably around 700 kg (1,543.2 lb) with the horse. It cruises at about 20 km/h (12.4 mph), with a top speed of about 80 km/h (49.7 mph). The treadmill also charges batteries
which will power the vehicle if the horse needs a break.
The vehicle was invented by Abdolhadi Mirhejazi, an Iranian engineer, who says "the Naturemobil was developed with the safety and welfare of the animal in mind". At least one veterinarian
, Dr. Matt Pietrak, has concerns for the horse's wellbeing while powering the vehicle.
Horse
The horse is one of two extant subspecies of Equus ferus, or the wild horse. It is a single-hooved mammal belonging to the taxonomic family Equidae. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million years from a small multi-toed creature into the large, single-toed animal of today...
-powered vehicle for travel on paved road
Road
A road is a thoroughfare, route, or way on land between two places, which typically has been paved or otherwise improved to allow travel by some conveyance, including a horse, cart, or motor vehicle. Roads consist of one, or sometimes two, roadways each with one or more lanes and also any...
s. The vehicle is controlled by a driver in a similar way to a motor-driven vehicle, with the horse inside the vehicle on a treadmill
Treadmill
A treadmill is an exercise machine for running or walking while staying in one place. The word treadmill traditionally refers to a type of mill which was operated by a person or animal treading steps of a wheel to grind grain...
. It weighs 300 kg (661.4 lb), or probably around 700 kg (1,543.2 lb) with the horse. It cruises at about 20 km/h (12.4 mph), with a top speed of about 80 km/h (49.7 mph). The treadmill also charges batteries
Battery (electricity)
An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta and especially since the technically improved Daniell cell in 1836, batteries have become a common power...
which will power the vehicle if the horse needs a break.
The vehicle was invented by Abdolhadi Mirhejazi, an Iranian engineer, who says "the Naturemobil was developed with the safety and welfare of the animal in mind". At least one veterinarian
Veterinarian
A veterinary physician, colloquially called a vet, shortened from veterinarian or veterinary surgeon , is a professional who treats disease, disorder and injury in animals....
, Dr. Matt Pietrak, has concerns for the horse's wellbeing while powering the vehicle.