Pinoy-developed amphibious trike offers transportation solution for flood-prone areas

The Salamander, an amphibian tricycle developed by a Filipino company, may offer a transportation solution for flood-prone areas.

 

In a report on GMA's “24 Oras” aired Saturday evening, H20 Technologies Inc.'s Salamander chief designer Atoy Llave said their product is a first in the world.


 

“Gumagawa kami ng solution para sa baha. If you see the design — if you cut the half, ang makikita mo diyan is a boat,” Llave said.

 

The gasoline-powered prototype of the Salamander can carry up to six people. Oars are provided in case it runs out of fuel while in the water.

 

An electric Salamander prototype equipped with solar panels is also available. That protoype has USB ports for charging gadgets during emergencies.

 

Llave said the Salamander is not yet on the market since the company is focused on local governments that might be interested in purchasing the amphibious tricycle.

 

“Ang target price namin is about P200-plus thousand. Kung puwede ngang lower than P100,000 why not?” he said.

 

Officials from the flood-prone Roxas District in Quezon City doubt, however, whether the Salamander can be operated in their area.

 

“Siguro mas mabilis yan actually than mga ating mga fiberglass boats. Ang weakness lang nito — Let's say kung ang isang area ay low-lying... Well, in terms of maneuverability, siguro hindi siya makaka-maneuver agad kung masikip yung lugar,” an official said.

 

“Maganda po pero ang problema po kung gagamitin dito yan, kakapit siguro sa makina 'yung mga plastic kasi maraming basura,” said another official. — Andrei Medina/JDS, GMA News