US firm New Energy Technologies has successfully tested its ‘Motion Power Energy Harvester’, a prototype of a speed bump that can capture kinetic energy from moving vehicles and convert it into electricity.

The prototype resembles a flattened speed bump with long pedals across the top that press down when tires roll over them. This force turns gears inside and generates 2000W of electricity instantaneously, engineers told Foxnews.

The newly designed system is to be installed in places where hybrid, next-generation electrical and conventional fuels-driven vehicles decelerate or stop.

The company says that when the system is fully optimised and installed, it may be used to augment or replace conventional electrical sources used to power roadway signs, street and building lights.

It may also substitute storage systems for back-up and emergency power, and provide power for other electronics and appliances.