my PedalPC and standing desk in my home office

The PedalPC is a human-powered computer desk, allowing you to both exercise and generate electricity while you work.

It is intended for engineers, software developers, and other technical people (like me!) who want to be more energy-independent and physically active when working from home.

The design is based on what I have learned powering my home office using only human power for more than 14 years.

What You Can Do with a PedalPC?

The PedalPC can generate up to 70 W of electricity, depending on how hard and how fast you pedal.

That's enough to power the following equipment:

...while simultaneously recharging:

It CANNOT do the following:

  • power your refrigerator
  • cook food
  • run large power tools

These tasks consume more power than a person could comfortably supply.

How It Works

The PedalPC has 5 major parts:

desk and control box with 5 major components highlighted
  1. You pedal the generator, which generates electricity.
  2. The control box, which mounts to the rear of the desk, monitors your power production and consumption.
  3. Four 12 V and 8 USB power sockets on the sides of the control box supply power to your equipment.
  4. A battery mounted below the contol box smooths the generator's output and stores any excess you produce for use later when you're not pedaling.
  5. A small computer on the rear of the control box generates a dashboard you view with your web browser (see screenshot below--click to see the full-size version).
PedalPC dashboard screenshot
PedalPC dashboard screenshot

Features & Benefits

The PedalPC offers the following features:

Dependable

user working at desk in the dark

The generator outputs the same amount of electricity, no matter the time of day or weather conditions outside.

Adjustable

generator stand with seat and back in multiple positions

The seat is fully adjustable to fit your body

Comfortable

seat and mesh seat back

The seat has a large padded cushion and mesh back to allow you to work for long periods.

Portable

pedal generator stand shown partially folded up and folded on floor

The stand folds into a compact size to make it easy to carry, with built-in rollers to make it easy to move.

Durable

seat adjustment clamp

Made from rugged, rustproof anodized aluminum to last a long time.

Comparison to Alternatives

The PedalPC is not for everyone.

If a high-intensity workout is more important to you than generating electricity, then you want an exercise bike, not the PedalPC.

If you want to generate significant amounts of electricity in the most efficient manner possible at the lowest cost-per-watt, then you want an array of solar panels, not the PedalPC.

But if you are moderately healthy, would like to generate modest amounts of electricity in any situation under any condtions, want a moderate workout without wasting time, and can tolerate a small amount of generator hum, then a PedalPC might be for you.

If you are interested in having one built for you, please contact me.