Some parts of our planet are home to some very interesting means of transportation that are surprising to behold.
Bicycles, cars, buses, trains, airplanes… These are popular vehicles that are widely used all over the world. But there are other means of transportation that can be used while traveling. History, culture and geographical conditions are among the most important factors that determine the nature of transportation processes and the structure of transportation vehicles in a region. That’s why in some parts of our planet you can find some really unusual vehicle designs. Here are some interesting transportation vehicles from around the world that you will be surprised to see.
Suspension Railway- Germany
This unusual means of transportation, known as the Electric Elevated Railway or suspended train, is the first on our list. It is an important part of the city of Wuppertal’s monorail (elevated railway line consisting of a single rail or beam, monorail) network. In operation since 1901, this interesting means of transportation is used by more than 85,000 passengers a day.
Coco Taxi – Cuba
It is worth noting that some parts of our planet have a very complex transportation system. For example, in some countries, locals and tourists travel in different vehicles. It is often the shape or color of a car that determines who can ride in it. Cuba is one of those countries where tourists and locals use different vehicles. The capital Havana is home to some very interesting and cute vehicles called Coco taxis. These vehicles, which are mostly used only by tourists, are very popular because they are faster and cheaper than normal taxis.
Monte Toboggan – Portugal
Of course, a means of transportation doesn’t have to have big wheels, an engine or a steering wheel. In the Monte region of Portugal, the 19th century Monte Toboggan is the number one destination for those who want to go down the high hills of the region in a fast and fun way. These vehicles, which wait in a certain area with their drivers, are roughly formed by placing wicker baskets on a sled-like device.
Maglev – China
How does a means of transportation move? China’s magnetic levitation train, or Maglev for short, needs neither manpower nor any fuel. The vehicle on the railway line, built with special magnet systems, moves thanks to the magnetic field and can reach a speed of 431 kilometers per hour.
DUKW – England
The interesting thing about some modes of transportation is that they were not originally designed as a means of transportation. The DUKW trucks that take tourists around London, the capital of England, were not built to navigate the tourist streets of a huge city, but to navigate the grim war fronts or mine-ridden seas. Designed by the American army during the Second World War to operate both on land and in water, the DUKW vehicles nowadays carry curious tourists, not armed soldiers.
Dog sleds – Alaska
We have already mentioned that geographical conditions are one of the main determinants of transportation practices and, consequently, means of transportation. Dog sleds, which are still widely used in Alaska, especially by the locals, are one of the best examples of this. Dog sleds are one of the few means of transportation that make it possible to get from one place to another easily in the snowy and icy terrain of the region.
Barco de Totora – Peru
Some of the means of transportation that first appeared in ancient times still exist today. One of them is the Barco de Totora, which you can find in different lakes of Peru but mostly on Lake Titicaca. These interesting boats made of bamboo branches for the Peruvian people are also works of art. The front parts of the boats are produced as a kind of sculpture depicting various figures.
Cyclos – Vietnam
The Far East is a geography where “transportation” is indeed quite chaotic. It is therefore not surprising that it is home to some very interesting means of transportation. Vietnam’s famous tricycles called Cyclos deserve to be included in the list of interesting means of transportation. These “bicycle taxis” with a section in the front for passengers to sit are one of the most common elements of Vietnamese traffic.
Ice Angel – United States of America
If you want to go from Madeline Island to Bayfield in Wisconsin, United States of America, the most interesting and safe vehicle you can use, especially if it is winter, is the Ice Angel. Because thanks to the huge air propellers of the Ice Angel, you can easily move over the frozen waters.
Bamboo train – Cambodia
The Norry, Nori or bamboo train is the last on our list of interesting means of transportation. Cambodia’s bamboo trains consist of a freestanding seat section, four wheels and a simple electric motor assembly that runs on a railroad track.
