Solar Bicycle Project

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the making of a sustainable solar-powered electric bicycle. The idea of sustainable development has gained significant traction over the last few decades. As reserves of coal, natural gas, and petroleum deplete, it is becoming ever more imminent to switch to renewable sources of energy. The objective of this study was to determine the reliability and cost efficiency of a solar-powered electric bicycle in daily life. This descriptive study involves a design making phase, a phase where spare parts are procured, a product development phase, and a testing phase.

The prototype bicycle now has a top speed of 35-40 km/h and can travel up to 40 kilometres in a single charge. The bicycle can be fully charged in 3 hours with the standard lithium ion battery and in about 5.5 hours via the attached solar panel.

This bicycle can be built at an approximate cost of USD 467 and is quite apt for warm environments such as the Middle East and Mid-Asia, where sunlight is abundantly available; in the United Arab Emirates, considering current electricity tariffs, the driving cost of the bicycle will be around USD 0.035 per every 40 kilometres.