Pedal Power Generator Workshop

Turn your own energy into electricity!

What if a bicycle could be more than a way of getting somewhere? With a few simple components, a bike can become a small power station, generating electricity for lights, USB devices, sound systems and all sorts of experiments.

This is a hands-on workshop for anyone curious about human-powered energy, DIY technology, electronics and practical ways of making and using electricity.

Over two days we'll learn by designing, building and experimenting rather than simply following a set of instructions.

Saturday 31 October

Design and make a pedal powered generator

We'll look at the basics of electricity and electronics, how generators work, and how to design a pedal power system for a particular purpose. Then we'll get hands-on and start building.

Sunday 1 November

Complete the generator and make a PA system

We'll finish our generator builds and explore how pedal power can be used to run a sound system. We'll build a PA system and experiment with what we can do with the electricity we generate.

Build your own system to take home

You can choose to design and build your own pedal powered generator during the workshop and take it home afterwards.

If you want to do this, you will need to purchase the components for your own build in advance. We'll provide guidance on what you need, but you will need to allow at least 4 weeks for ordering and delivery.

Your system could be designed for charging USB devices, powering lights, running a small sound system, charging batteries or simply experimenting with human-powered electricity.

If you don't want to build your own system, that's absolutely fine. You can still take part in the workshop, learn how everything works and get hands-on experience with the equipment.

Who is this for?

You don't need previous electronics experience. This workshop is suitable for people who are curious about how things work and want to learn by doing.

It's particularly suited to people interested in permaculture, appropriate technology, renewable energy, DIY, repair, community projects and practical self-reliance.

Location

The Ideas Factory
28 Bidder Street
Canning Town
London
E16 4ST

Cost

We want to make the workshop accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, so it is offered on a conscious contribution basis.

Suggested contributions:

• Ideal: £160
• Average: £90
• Minimum: £40

Pay what you can afford and what you feel is fair for the teaching and experience. If affordability is an issue, please contact Rakesh and suggest what you can afford.

Please note: If you choose to build your own generator to take home, the cost of the components is additional and is your responsibility.

Registration

Register for the Pedal Power Generator Workshop

Come and discover how much useful energy you can make with your own body!