A Japanese inventor, believes his invention can finally tackle global warming: his scooter that runs on salt water. The vehicle uses a solar-powered heater, creating a chemical reaction between water and salt that powers the bike's engine.

76-year-old electrician Masahide Ichikawa has a moped like no other - the engine runs on salt water.

He has invented a system capable of mixing pure sodium and water in a tank under the seat and supplying enough hydrogen gas to power the bike.

Ichikawa explains the workings of the bike as if it were a family heirloom.

Masahide Ichilawa, Japanese Inventor, said, "There is a water tank in the vehicle, the sodium gradually falls into it producing hydrogen gas which then goes in a tube that inflates. Sodium is mixed with water and the chemical reaction occurs, producing the hydrogen gas required to power the scooter. When the tube is full a switch automatically turns off the mechanism and the vehicle is ready to run."

Although the hydrogen engine is nothing new, Mr Ichikawa believes his system is different from traditional hydrogen vehicles which store large tanks of the highly-combustible fuel.

The bike isn't going to be embarrassing anybody at traffic lights, currently it has a top speed of about 15-20mph and the fuel only lasts for a few minutes. But, Mr Ichikawa believes his invention has promising business prospects.

Masahide Ichilawa, Japanese Inventor, said, "If I could put together a team with other researchers, I think it would be ready to start a business in six months or a year."

Ichikawa's salt-powered bike project began about three years ago in partnership with an American funder. He says he would eventually like his invention employed worldwide.

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