HUMAN POWERED VEHICLES (HPV)
Embrace the challenge, create memories, and achieve a breakthrough.
The Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) program at the Energy Breakthrough inspires students to design, build and race in the ultimate test of pedal-powered endurance.
What is the program?
Entrants design, build and compete with a vehicle powered solely by human power.
Our event specifications direct the construction of the vehicle – including safety, dimensions, steering regulations, lighting and warning device requirements.
Leading teams can cycle almost 900kms in 24 hours, with advanced materials such as carbon fibre, kevlar and titanium infiltrating vehicle designs.
But it’s not just about the cutting edge – just the opportunity to participate keeps teams coming back year after year to pedal around the famous lakeside circuit!
For more than 30 years, schools and education centres across Victoria and Australia have converged annually to compete in the Human Powered Vehicle category and celebrate the achievements in this program.
Design, build, present and test your pedal-powered vehicle.
Alongside all other categories at the Energy Breakthrough, teams compete across three areas of assessment:
- Design & Construction
- Display & Presentation
- The Trial (Primary = 14 hours in two parts, Secondary = 24 hours)
All entrants are required to participate in the Trial sections on the street circuits at Maryborough in November (including a nine-hour lights-on period).
There is a compulsory eight-hour break for primary entrants (Class A) during the night, making the duration of the primary event 14 hours.
Which students can take part?
WHICH STUDENTS CAN TAKE PART?
The Energy Breakthrough caters for schools of all shapes and sizes, with the HPV classes based on the oldest grade level of the riding students.
This also means schools with combined primary and secondary students may compete together as a cohort under one class. Additional support staff, assistants and pit crews are not included in the grade level brackets of our classes.
Primary Class A1:
Teams of between 6 and 10 Primary students from schools with enrolment of 200 or less. At least half of the team must be female.
Primary Class A2:
Teams of between 6 and 10 Primary students from schools with enrolment of more than 200. At least half of the team must be female.
Secondary Class B1:
Students up to Year 8, with a minimum of six and a maximum of eight riders. At least half of the team must be female.
Secondary Class B2:
Students up to Year 10, with a minimum of six and a maximum of eight riders. At least half of the team must be female.
Secondary Class C:
Students up to Year 12, with a minimum of six and a maximum of eight riders. At least half of the team must be female.
Secondary Class All Female B/C:
Teams consisting of girls from Years 7 – 12. Min. of six, max of eight riders.
Secondary Class Open:
Any group of school students, in Years 7 – 12, that cannot fulfil the gender requirements of other classes. This class is for secondary school students only. Teams have minimum of six and a maximum of eight riders.
Where can I learn more?
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
We’re here to help you and your team get to the start line.
The Team Manager’s Hub has all the key resources you need to get your school ready to compete at the Energy Breakthrough.
Click below to view the latest vehicle specifications, guides, checklists and other key information.
Looking for suppliers and plans to build your HPV? We can help with that too!
An education-first program for schools of all shapes and sizes, with vast benefits across a range of curriculum areas.
From Primary School right through to VCE level, the HPV program engages students in fun and rewarding STEM subjects, as well as many personal and social capability components of the Victorian Curriculum.
Click through to our Curriculum hub, where we detail the areas of education and provide ready-made program plans and curriculum resources.
How can we get involved?
HOW CAN WE GET INVOLVED?
If you’re ready to submit your team’s entry, please enter a ‘Human Powered Vehicle’ team via the MyEB portal.
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