The solar-powered bicycle is the Holy Grail of urban transport – a sustainable and near-silent way of reducing congestion that opens up cycling to a new audience of commuters.
The Solar Bike prototype is charged directly by the sun via solar panel disc wheels. Solar power frees the rider from electricity bills and the need for charging points.
What about cloudy weather?
Fair point. A power optimiser maximises the energy harvest from solar photovoltaic systems, which is especially useful when the performance of solar panels will vary widely because of shading or cloud. The solar bike’s cells are ‘shadow optimised’ which means they can provide 2-25 km of powered riding per day depending on the sun hours. But remember, if all else fails, the bike can be pedalled.
On a full charge, the battery stores sufficient energy for 70 km of assisted riding.
Solar-powered bicycle
More information about the solar-powered bicycle at offgridquest.com
Fully comp cycle insurance
For 25 years we have been providing straightforward, affordable bicycle insurance. Whether you use your bike to commute, shop, race or amble in the park, ETA Cycle Insurance has you covered. Electric bicycles including their batteries are covered as standard.
Many cycle insurers offer very limited cover, charging extra for features we believe should come as standard – The ETA never devalues bikes no matter their age, allows you to buy your replacement bike wherever you like, replaces stolen quick release components and handles claims in-house. Can your insurance provider say the same?
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A solar-powered cycle path for your solar-powered bicycle…
SolaRoad is new surface for cycle paths that converts sunlight into electricity and the first stretch, near the Dutch town of Krommenie, opens next week.
Solaroad
The idea behind SolaRoad is simple: sunlight on the road surface is absorbed by solar cells and converted into electricity, which is used for street lighting.
SolaRoad is laid as prefabricated slabs topped with crystalline silicon solar cells protected beneath a translucent layer of tempered glass. The surface has been engineered to be skid resistant.
More information at http://www.solaroad.nl/en/
Mary Fisher
Solar powered bike? Fine if you’re not trying to improve your cardiovascular performance. There again, if the battery runs low and you have to pedal those pv cells are very heavy …
David
The idea is good though, you are continually charging every time the sun is out. It could do with the wheels truing though and a crimp on that cable!