Nov 14 2007Stackable Cars May Solve 'Last Mile' Problem
MIT believes they have come up with an eco-friendly solution to the 'last mile' problem. The 'last mile' refers to the distance you have to walk between your subway stop and your actual destination (i.e. home, work). The idea is to have a network of these small, electric cars stacked outside mass transit systems so commuters can grab them as needed. Instead of an engine they'll have four in-wheel electric motors run by lithium-ion batteries, saving a reasonable amount of space so the cars can be made extra small. They'll have 360 degrees of steering, so you can park the little bastards sideways in spots and maneuver into other small spaces. I'm not sure if something similar with bicycles or electric scooters has ever been attempted, but that may be a consideration as well. Good job MIT, except I invented stackable cars a year ago. And by 'invented stackable cars' I mean 'started a twelve car pile up during rush hour.'
MIT's Stackable City Car [inhabitat]
Thanks to Ben Hur for the tip
Reader Comments
1. Grace - November 14, 2007 3:33 PM
That's great, until drunk people start driving them and run over stray cats, or homeless people get a hold of them and begin taking New York hostage in their mini-death machines!
But seriously, people are assholes. They can't take care of anything remotely convenient. People are going to piss in them, throw up in them, or just not shower ever and stink them up with their BO. I love the idea, but it would only work if people weren't complete and utter degenerates.
2. boredom - November 14, 2007 3:54 PM
wow Grace tell us how you really feel....
3. randal - November 14, 2007 4:06 PM
"I'm not sure if something similar with bicycles or electric scooters has ever been attempted, but that may be a consideration as well."
Dean Kamen invented the Segway to solve exactly this "last mile" problem, but even after seven years, we don't see cities crawling with them.
4. gia - November 14, 2007 5:56 PM
cmon... thats cool..
5. Ben - November 14, 2007 6:54 PM
I feel the same way about this as I do the Segway. Just stop being lazy and walk. Or you could be like me and wrangle allegators from the sewer to ride to the subway everymorning. You burn about the same number of calories.
6. The Clap - November 14, 2007 8:40 PM
what happens when the guy in the middle wants to leave? stupid.
7. required - November 15, 2007 7:25 AM
The clap, I don't think you get it or you might already have it but I wouldnt advertise it even if it is cureable.
"The idea is to have a network of these small, electric cars stacked outside mass transit systems so commuters can grab them as needed."
The city owns them and you use them as you need them.
8. Anon - November 15, 2007 11:15 AM
The only way this would work is if the cars required a credit card swipe to remove them from the stack...otherwise they would be used as shopping carts are currently used - as mobile homes for bums.
9. Rsquared - November 15, 2007 3:55 PM
Bums and drunks are only the beginning guys...
Bank robbers could use them to rob banks and make a getaway. (assuming they don't only run 15 miles per hour, but in rush hour, that would be fast)
Need a "tank" for paintball wars, just borrow one of these babies.
Need to change your clothes and accidentally leave the ones you sharted in, in the car...no problem. The city accommodates once again.
Leave it in a metered space and let them ticket the crap out of it just for kicks, after all, they own it.
Graffitti artists can make a mobile artistic statement...
Oh the possibilities are endless. It's almost as if the city provides new forms of entertainment.
10. guate6 - November 15, 2007 5:08 PM
Perhaps they'll work, I think the idea is neat, though personally I'm into bicycling.
11. Ghost Reaper - February 3, 2009 7:56 PM
It is true people do not know how to take care of any thing that does not belong to them so I say piss on the idea stacked cars and every body walk that last damn mile because this country mainly over weight. The major problem would be the scrap men who will take anything that has copper or alumin in it and cut it down and scrap it so I think those cars would not last for long.
12. scott - March 18, 2009 3:28 PM
what would happen if you car was in the middle how in the world do you get out
13. Daiwiz - May 22, 2009 10:18 PM
Scott, I think your confused. People don't own these cars, they are the governments. What happens is you drive the mile or so home, and drop em off someplace I think. That way, every car is your car lol.
Great idea, but the problems have already been talked about lol. Oh, you forgot about a portable garbage can if your too lazy to walk your dog. Just drive around slowly while having someone hold onto the leash lol.
14. Richard Brownscombe - June 28, 2009 8:50 AM
The last mile isn't a problem; it's a solution to your body's need for some daily exercise. However, the disabled might benefit and, like some other unnecessary stuff, it looks cool.
15. Bob - September 7, 2009 2:49 PM
What about tall people? Can you get different sizes?