Okay, let’s be honest for a second. Most of us talk about climate change, post some sad infographics during Earth Week, maybe switch to a metal straw—and then go right back to business as usual. But some people? They actually do something.
Enter four students from IIT Bombay who straight-up invented a Carbon removing bicycle that removes carbon dioxide from the air while you ride it. Yeah, wild, right?
This isn’t just some tech-for-show situation. It’s practical, kind of genius, and could change how we think about everyday transportation. Here’s the scoop…
First things first — what is Carbon removing bicycle?
So this “carbon-negative cycle” (yup, that’s what they call it) looks like a regular bicycle… but it’s got a sneaky upgrade. Inside the frame, these students fitted a special setup that sucks in dirty air, traps the CO2, and sends out fresher air.
That’s right. While you pedal to your local chai tapri or just cruise around the block, your bike’s out here doing part-time climate work.
And no, it’s not powered by batteries or fancy software. It works using rotational motion—the air moves through the device as you cycle. Totally low-energy, super smart.
So… who made this?
Meet the gang: Aryan Gupta (MS Chemistry), Aryan Shah (final-year Electrical Engineering), Mohit Jajoriya, and Vaibhav Garg—all students at IIT Bombay.
Apparently, they came up with the idea while… wait for it… cycling. (Poetic, huh?) Just four college dudes, chatting about how messed up the air quality is in Mumbai, and boom—“Hey, why don’t we build something that cleans the air while we ride?”
You can’t make this up.
Let’s break it down: how does this even work?
Okay, deep breath. Time to nerd out a bit.
They built what’s called a Direct Air Capture (DAC) system. But unlike those massive factory-sized DACs you might’ve seen in news articles, this one is mini and fits inside a bicycle. No fancy liquids or complicated tech.
It uses solid chemical reactants that trap CO2 when air passes through. These solid reactants are lightweight (important for biking), and they last around 2–3 weeks before needing a refill. Once full, you just pop in new ones. Easy-peasy.
Here’s a rough idea in simple human-speak:
| Feature | What it does |
| Rotational fan | Pushes air through filter while you ride |
| Solid reactants | Traps CO2 from that air |
| Lightweight case | Doesn’t mess with your cycling experience |
| Refill time | Every 2–3 weeks, like changing a cartridge |
| Shelf life | Whole device lasts ~5 years |
Oh, and it doesn’t need charging. Your legs do the work.
So… is this thing real or just another “student idea”?
It’s very real. Not only have they built the prototype, but it’s also been shortlisted for the Hult Prize 2025 (basically, a huge global student innovation challenge). They’ve done lab tests, real-world rides, and even some early exhibitions.
And get this: while riding the prototype to the Bandra-Kurla Complex for a demo, people stopped them on the road. Some were confused, others curious, but all of them wanted to know, “What is this thing?!”
That’s when the students realized something powerful: this bike isn’t just a tool—it’s a conversation starter.
Let’s get real: why does this matter?
Because most “climate tech” feels way outta reach for regular people. Like, what are we gonna do with some $100,000 carbon-scrubber machine? Nothing.
But this? This is climate action on wheels. It gives everyday people—me, you, anyone with a bicycle—a way to literally clean the air around them.
Let that sink in.
You’re no longer just reducing emissions by not using a car. You’re actually removing carbon from the air while you ride. That’s next-level stuff.
Truth Bombs & Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
| “This is just a prototype, nothing useful.” | It’s already been tested and shortlisted for awards. |
| “CO2 can’t be captured like that.” | It can—solid DAC tech has existed for years. |
| “It must weigh a ton.” | It’s lightweight enough to pedal normally. |
| “Only big industries can cut CO2.” | Nah. This lets you help, too. |
| “It’ll never hit the market.” | Corporate parks and IIT-B campuses are already in talks for pilot trials. |
Real Talk: It’s not perfect… yet
Look, nothing’s flawless. And this tech has a few speed bumps:
- You can’t see how much CO2 it’s captured in real time—yet.
- The reactants need replacing every few weeks (kinda like changing a Brita filter).
- It still needs to be made super affordable for everyday use.
- No app or fancy tracker so far.
But hey, this is just version 1.0. Imagine what version 5 could look like?
What’s next?
Right now, the team’s planning trials at IIT Bombay and some corporate tech parks. The idea is to test how it performs in different conditions and how people use it day-to-day.
There’s even talk about adapting the same tech to other devices—like gym treadmills or stationary bikes. So you might be burning calories and cleaning air at the same time.
Pretty solid motivation to stop skipping cardio.
A Few Honest Thoughts
Honestly? This thing’s impressive. Not because it’s perfect—but because it’s trying. In a world where most people just tweet about climate change or make sad documentaries, these students actually went and built something.
It’s not just science—it’s hope with pedals. And even if this version doesn’t go mainstream, it’s sparking a conversation we desperately need: How can individuals, not just companies, start removing carbon?
Final Word: One Small Pedal for Man, One Giant Push for the Planet
Not to get cheesy, but let’s be real—this isn’t just a bike. It’s a sign that real, scrappy, smart innovation still exists. It’s hope that’s not locked behind billion-dollar companies.
And most of all—it’s proof that climate action doesn’t need to be complicated.
Sometimes, all it takes… is a cycle and an idea.
Also read: Google’s AI Ad Suite Lands in India After Digital Ad Tax Gets Repealed