ENERGY

Fun, interactive and educational energy challenges

Electric Pedals delivers human powered energy experiences that allow people to generate real electricity and feel the effort behind everyday energy use.

Our Energy challenges are hands on, physical and often competitive. From single bike activities to head to head races, participants learn about energy through direct, shared effort rather than abstract concepts.

Participants pedal bicycles to power lights, devices and live displays, making energy visible and tangible. These activities promote energy awareness, health and active participation and work just as well in offices and corporate settings as they do in classrooms, festivals and public spaces.

We offer a flexible set of core Energy challenges which can be delivered individually or combined to suit your event.

  • Head to Head Energy Challenge

  • Power Challenge

  • Light Bulb Challenge

Each challenge can be adapted to suit your space, audience size and event format. Take a look at the further information below, or get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise on the best setup for your event.

HEAD TO HEAD ENERGY CHALLENGE

Ever wondered how much energy it really takes to heat water?

In this competitive human-powered energy challenge, participants race to generate the electricity needed to bring a very small volume of water to the boil. Suitable for both adults and children, the challenge combines movement, learning and friendly competition, making it ideal for public events, schools and corporate settings.

How it works

Participants pedal stationary bicycles connected to generators, producing real electricity. Each person generates the equivalent amount of energy required to heat a pre-set volume of water, typically 5ml for children and 10ml for adults. Challengers go head to head to see who can reach boiling point in the shortest time. The energy is measured live, with results recorded for each race and participants competing for a place on the Top 10 leaderboard.

Learning outcome

Participants gain a direct, physical understanding of how much effort is required to heat even a very small amount of water, encouraging reflection on everyday energy use.

POWER CHALLENGE

How much power can a human generate — and how does that compare?

The Power Challenge is similar to a fairground high striker: a short, explosive test of how much power a person can generate in an instant. It’s a simple and engaging way for participants to feel in their legs what it takes to power everyday household appliances.

How it works

Each participant pedals as hard as they can in a short sprint to generate maximum power. Their peak power output (in watts) is recorded, and the highest score takes the top spot on the leaderboard. We then compare the cyclist’s power output with the power required to run common household appliances, putting the numbers into real-world context.

Learning outcome

Demonstrates how human power output is measured in watts and how it compares to the energy demands of everyday electrical appliances.

LIGHT BULB CHALLENGE

Feel the energy required to power different light bulbs

It’s something we often take for granted. We flick a switch and the light comes on — but how much energy does it actually take? Our Bulb Bike allows participants to power both LED and incandescent bulbs, which can be switched on independently. By comparing newer and older lighting technologies, people can feel the difference directly in their legs as they work to keep the bulbs illuminated.

How it works

Participants switch between LED and incandescent bulbs while pedalling. The difference in effort required is immediately noticeable, clearly demonstrating how lighting technology affects energy demand.

Learning outcome

Demonstrates how different lighting technologies require different amounts of energy, highlighting the impact of efficiency in everyday electricity use.

EVENT SUPPORT & PRACTICAL INFORMATION

You can hire our team of friendly experts to support your event. We provide and manage all equipment, including energy-generating bicycles and our unique power management system with live power feedback display.

We operate across the UK, Europe and internationally. All you need to provide is a suitable space and an audience ready to take part.

We provide

  • Appropriate equipment for each activity

  • Trained technical and event engagement staff

  • Magnetic leaderboard for recording results

  • Risk assessment and public liability insurance

You provide

  • A suitable space to host the activity (minimum space requirement: 3m x 3m)

  • For the Head to Head Challenge, a standard 13A power supply (we can bring our own power source if this is not available)

Optional add-ons

  • 3m x 4m marquee available for outdoor events

  • Branding options for front wheels, leaderboard and display

  • Hand cranks as an alternative to bicycles

Getting in touch

Once you’re ready, contact us with your event date, location, audience type and approximate numbers, and we’ll recommend the most suitable setup for your event.