The easiest form of transportation to achieve at home is personal transport, whether it be human, animal or any other simple, old school transportation. It doesn't have to be low-tech or slow, however, and some human-powered machines can rival the most efficient cars.

Human Power
Human-powered machines are extremely versatile, and machines have been invented for every area of transportation, including planes, boats, cars, bikes, helicopters, blimps, and even human-powered hover-crafts! The human body is an amazing machine in itself, and is capable of producing 2 kW of mechanical energy in spurts, although you or I will probably be doing good to continuously produce around 300 watts. 300 watts is no laughing matter, however, and is more than enough to get around most cities. Bicycles are considered one of the most efficient machines for converting human mechanical energy (outside of the shoe), and most methods use bicycle-like mechanisms to power the system.

If major cities were to convert just 20% of the daily commuter traffic to human-powered transport, we would see clear skies and roads. Cities are perfect places for human power, because distances are short, speeds are slow, and most city-dwellers lack proper exercise (that is not an insult to anyone, just a note that most city folks don't have enough time or opportunity for exercise). So, let's start riding bikes, or bike-like vehicles. Bicycles are not what they used to be, and many designs these days include closed bodies, just like a car for all-weather travel. There are many options, and most will cost a fraction of a car or truck, and many are down-right cheap and easily maintained.

Animal Power
Animal “engines” are the original renewable resources outside of human-transport. Most areas in the developed world look at animal transportation systems as being cruel, slow, inefficient, and poor. The fact is, animal transport may be better for the planet AND its inhabitants than just about ANY internal combustion vehicle. Animals convert biomass very efficiently, and most animals, like the horse, are multi-taskers. One day they can be your car, the next your tractor, and the next day your child's best friend. What Hummer can do all of that? Yes, you have to feed them, and water them, and care for them, but they don't leak oil, they rarely break down, and they can reproduce themselves, which is very cool. They hold a very good spot in an integrated homestead, providing manure for the garden, disposal of weeds and kitchen wastes, and fun for the whole family.

Animal transportation is not just about horses, however. Many large animals can be trained to pull a wagon or for riding, including cows, horses, donkeys, goats (the goat cart), dogs, llamas, ostriches, camels, elephants, and many more. The basics are to get the animal to enjoy working, and you do that by NOT over-working them. Most animals love to be around lovable owners, and allowing them to be part of the action is half the fun. It is a serious matter to train an animal, but it can be enjoyable for everyone. Get to know some of your local animal breeders, you'll learn loads.