Flexible member energy conversion device (550) converts flexible member (100) deflection mechanical energy to electrical energy. Flexible member (100) deflects and conforms to surface (40) as wheel (20) rotates while transporting load (10). Energy conversion device (550) is comprised of single or multiple electroactive polymer transducers (500), charge exchange mean (350), charge element (402), and recovery element (403). Transducer (500) is comprised of a top electrode (504), a bottom electrode (506) separated by an elastomeric polymer spacer (502). In this configuration, transducer (500) functions as a variable capacitor. Transducer (500) is elevated in capacitance when in stretched configuration and reduced capacitance when in unstretched configuration. Energy conversion device (500) produces electrical energy by transferring electric charge from charge element (402), through charge exchange means (350) to transducer (500) in stretched configuration. Transducer (500) is then allowed to return to an unstretched configuration. The charge in transducer (500) increases in energy when the transducer (500) returns to relaxed configuration. This causes the electrical charge to flow to recovery element (403) through charge exchange means (350).