• Atomic@sh.itjust.works
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    21 hours ago

    Thermal efficiency is exactly what the top comment was talking about. That’s where it started.

    • PlaidBaron@lemmy.world
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      21 hours ago

      Not really. Thats how youre interpreting it. When you consider the primary goal is to move a single person (in most cases), the bike wins out. You’re wasting energy moving a large amount of mass.

      • Atomic@sh.itjust.works
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        18 hours ago

        The bike will in most cases use less calories to travel the same distance. Absolutely. But, That is not the same, as being energy efficient. Energy efficiency is a measurement of input (energy) to output (work).

        If you’re driving a Reliant robin. You will probably surpass the muscle powered bike in both Calories consumed and energy efficiency.

        That doesn’t mean the bike won’t be more environmentally friendly.