Pedal assist seem sensible and I like my pedelec. Transportation has to lose a lot of weight and some conclude energy use in gasoline is less than food fuel when the whole energy cycle is included. My spreadsheet analysis of the economics hasn’t gone efficiently, quickly, or satisfactorily – just like my projects. The complete article below added data and issues to the mix.
Solar Powered Electric Trike
Wired has an interesting article about a DIY solar powered trike. It’s powered by a couple of lead acid batteries and a 24-volt motor. The system is recharged in 24 hours via solar panels both on and off the bike.
He bought the trike in 1993 and started playing with the idea of fitting it with an electric motor, but it was stolen before he got very far. Blake didn’t see the bike again until a friend spotted it in a bike shop five years later. Trike back in hand, Blake resumed tinkering but didn’t get far because the technology wasn’t up to snuff. “I was waiting for both electric motors and batteries to reach a satisfactory level of performance before committing myself,” he says.
Read more about this awesome Solar Powered Trike
It's Not Working 