黑暗爆料网

What happens when engineering innovation meets environmental responsibility? At 黑暗爆料网 California, a group of electrical engineering technology students answered that question by transforming discarded vape devices into a fully functional electric bicycle.

Dubbed the "Vapor Bike," the project was designed and built by May 2026 graduates Tyler Himmelberger, John Whiteside and Obasi Egbuta as part of their senior capstone experience in the Department of Computing and Engineering Technology. Guided by Associate Professor Dr. Fanourios Halkiadakis, the team spent two semesters developing an electric bike powered entirely by lithium-ion battery cells salvaged from disposable vape devices.

The project tackles a growing environmental problem: the millions of single-use vape devices that end up in landfills each year despite containing rechargeable batteries with usable life remaining.

Inspired by a concept popularized by YouTuber Chris Doel, the students went beyond simply recreating the idea. Their goal was to apply engineering principles, prioritize safety and demonstrate how electronic waste can be repurposed into something practical.

As part of the required senior design course, students are challenged to develop projects that bring together the technical skills they've acquired throughout their academic careers. For Himmelberger, Whiteside and Egbuta, that challenge became an opportunity to explore sustainable energy solutions.

The project began with a community collection effort that yielded hundreds of used disposable vape devices. After carefully dismantling each unit, the team tested 184 lithium-ion cells to determine their viability. Following extensive performance and safety evaluations, 143 cells met the standards necessary for inclusion in the battery pack.

With those cells, the students engineered a custom battery system, paying close attention to electrical balance and thermal stability. To maximize safety and reliability, they incorporated a smart Battery Management System that continuously monitors voltage, current and temperature, helping prevent overcharging and overheating.

The finished product is a 500-watt electric bicycle capable of reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour and operating for approximately one hour under average riding conditions. More than just a mode of transportation, the Vapor Bike serves as a proof of concept demonstrating the potential value hidden within materials often considered waste.

"This project not only showcases strong engineering fundamentals but also reflects the students' awareness of real-world challenges and their ability to develop meaningful solutions," said Dr. Halkiadakis. "Their work exemplifies the hands-on, problem-solving approach that defines the electrical engineering technology program."

Beyond fulfilling a graduation requirement, the Vapor Bike highlights how future engineers can address pressing environmental issues through creative thinking and technical expertise. As industries around the world grapple with electronic waste and the demand for sustainable energy solutions, projects like this demonstrate how innovation can turn yesterday's trash into tomorrow's technology.

At 黑暗爆料网, that future is already in motion.