Gandhi-Inspired Spinning Wheel Generates Electricity

September 22nd, 2008 by Ariel Schwartz

Mahatma Gandhi believed that the spinning wheel, or charkha, was a sign of self-reliance and independence. Now that belief is being taken to a new level with the e-charkha, a hand-driven spinning wheel that generates electricity.

The e-charkha, which was designed by Gandhi follower Ekambar Nath, can generate enough electricity in its attached battery for 6-7 hours of power in rural homes. Two hours of operation can light up the e-charkha’s specially designed LED light for eight hours— so the spinning wheel provides enough light for its continued use as an instrument of clothing production.

Even though the e-charkha is only 9,000 rupees ($197), the Indian government is giving the spinning wheels away for free in the farming village of Jatwara.

The spinning wheel reminds me of the electricity-generating exercise machines in Portland’s Green Microgym. There are so many opportunities to harness the electricity we already generate in our daily lives— I’m glad to see people are taking advantage of it all over the world.

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