Freeplay Freecharger Weza Portable Energy Source

A very eco-friendly power-pack ideal for emergencies in the middle of nowhere!

This is a robust, solidly-built and sturdy power pack made from heavy-duty plastic with a rubberised base which will withstand heavy use and can sit in a pool of water or damp conditions without suffering any damage. It can be used anywhere at all, in any conditions and provides an independent power supply when and where you need it - and 5-10 minutes of pedalling can produce sufficient power to jump-start an engine. A selection of adapters are supplied to suit a range of charging needs and it has a useful LED charge indicator. Further, the supplied 7Ah battery can be replaced making it truly 'green'.

It can be charged in several ways - via 230v AC mains, 12v DC, conventional battery charger or by pedalling. We use ours mostly for the latter so that I can use it whilst camping in remote, rural locations miles from any power supply and my husband can use it at sea as an emergency power supply should his marine electrics fail.

On depressing the non-slip rubberised pedal, it springs up again so charging tends to be 'start-stop' and it's quite hard work - rather like pumping up a car tyre but greater pressure is needed and your leg does more work. It's fine for about 5-10 minutes use but after this and changing leg after 15-20 pedals, I'd had more than enough and it felt more like a (noisy) piece of gym equipment. A heavier or fitter person might have kept going for longer but it is undeniably tedious particularly when you consider than a 5-minute step charge will only power a modest laptop for about 2-4 minutes. If you're only using it to charge small low-drain items such as a mobile phone then 5 minutes of steady pedalling can power it for over 2 hours (or 70 hours from a full charge - but I doubt anyone could achieve this via pedalling alone). The optimum way to use it is to charge from a conventional source prior to use then pedal for top-ups, but this might not be practical if away on a long trip or the Weza in regular heavy use.

I think the concept of the Weza is great - it's imaginative and meets a genuine need. It is possibly the first truly portable, eco-friendly power source that can be used anywhere that isn't dependent on an external power supply, sun or wind but my feeling is that the design could be improved upon. Kinetic energy is wasted by the pedalling mechanism and I feel it would be better if the pedals rotated like a bicycle so that pedalling could be completed while sitting down if manual charging was to be the main method - although admittedly this method might resemble a disability aid for the elderly! It is very tiring to stand and constantly depress the pedal and fatigue soon sets in.

If you're looking for an reliable emergency power supply to use when there is nothing else available then it has a monopoly and is just the job. However, if you have regular access to a dependable mains or 12v power supply for charging an alternative battery pack then my personal preference would be to choose a compressor/power pack preferably with a higher-Ah battery. If you don't then a Weza is just what you need.

OK so creating a full charge with the step power is hard work (but good exercise!) but starting with a full charge, using the Weza sensibly and topping up the power after each use, this is a great piece of kit. I haven't tried to start a car with it yet but have powered a variety of other devices inc. lights, laptop, satphone. The battery lasted well and recharged efficiently using at different times the car whilst travelling, a solar panel, and the treadle. Like all Freeplay products I use, it is solid, reliable and simply works when and how you need it to. Not something to backpack with(!) but in the 4x4 or at home for if the power goes off (or where you haven't any mains anyway!) this is good stuff. Get one, or one day you will wish you had!

I have purchaased this product and have been impressed by its quality and also the comprehensive adaptors and tools provided in the package. I comes with an excellant carry bagFreeplay Freecharger Weza Portable Energy Source