PROJECTS > SCHOOL PLAYGROUND DISCO
Electric Pedals delivered a permanent human-powered playground disco installation at Eleanor Palmer Primary School in London. Developed in collaboration with prop and set designers Andy Knight Ltd, the project transforms physical effort into real-time electrical output for sound, lighting and interaction within a permanent outdoor structure. The installation demonstrates the direct relationship between movement, energy generation and visible results in a durable public-facing school environment.
The Installation
The installation is powered entirely by two X-Bike generators and one hand-crank generator
All generator equipment was fabricated in stainless steel for durability and long-term outdoor use.
The main structure, designed and built by Andy Knight Ltd, integrates the generator systems into a permanent playground installation.
A central console allows pupils to select music and interact with a nine-piece touch-sensitive MIDI drum machine powered directly by the system.
Two LED display strips provide live feedback, one showing real-time watt output and the other acting as an energy bar indicating available system power.
When sufficient energy is generated, the disco ball activates, linking physical effort directly to visible and audible results.
Impact
Turned a typical school break into a shared energetic experience
Encouraged children to engage physically with the concept of energy
Created spontaneous play and collective participation around sound and light
Made energy generation visible, immediate and fun without trivialising the concept
Increased social interaction and positive energy around physical activity
Outcome
Delivered reliable live power for extended disco sessions
Reinforced physical connection between effort and experience for students
Boosted enthusiasm for school events and community engagement