Solar to Charge your e-Bike

[Mike Po]

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[D8ve]

Adding a second powered wheel is illegal( in the U.K.). So only suitable for non electric bikes.
A full covered wheel is a bit if an issue in areo terms not good in side winds.
The .5 sm of solar panels will generate very little compared to the 400 watt hours most users have in there batteries. And next to b.. all in the winter. Add in wheel weight, giroscopic effects there is lots against the idea.
Hub drive is the competition and is very well established.
Sorry but try again.

 

[anotherkiwi]

I park my bike inside for safety reasons, not much sunshine inside...

I agree with D8ve on the wind issue, I live on the coast and wouldn't be able to ride quite often with a full wheel not to mention being passed by trucks on the main road.

And it will also attract attention, maybe the attention of people who will need to have it in the back of their van...

 

[VictoryV]

Hi Guys,

Lastly, we would love suggestions and the main concerns of the technology with respect to technical, societal and economical aspects. Thanks in advance!

The aspect of the solar panels to the sun has a major effect on their performance, as does the time of day. If you are cycling North or South at noon then the wheel will not be picking up any solar flux and will just be extra weight and windage. Please see attached file

 

[EddieH]

What is the approximate distance you travel to work/school?

As I already told you I don't work or go to school how can I answer this.

Do you own an electric bike? *

As I just told you my main form of transport in an E-Bike what do you think?

Would you consider buying an electric bike? *

YES I already have.

Refer to the last question, if yes, what is your reason? *

What if I said No or Maybe, how can this question be answered?

If you own an e-Bike, would you consider buying the ABBY wheel to replace your existing wheel? Why? *
Yes, sounds interesting!
Not interested
I need to know more about the benefits
Maybe

2 questions with no way to answer both.
Maybe you should involve your English Dept to design a Survey that is answerable.

 

[IR772]

Well you have Startups and then you have Non-starters.

 

[Gubbins]

If this idea were feasible with current technology I think we would see this being used on the new electric cars as they are exposed to the sky all day long but we only see it on concept vehicles so I guess it doesn't work.

 

[Danidl]

Hi
Whether the OP for this thread read the comments or not.
The idea is appealing at first glance and probably a case study by some marketing students. But only at first glance I saw this concept first on another website and formed the same opinions as the other posters.The problems as listed by the other posters are exactly the reasons why it is not a good idea.
1.
Bikes are normally ridden and kept with their wheels vertical. The sun is mostly in the sky. And not on the horizon.
2
The area of the solar panel is ... At best 0.7m2 and with optimum geometry and 20% efficiently giving . 100watt peak energy.
3. There is a reason why wheels use spokes, it reduces sideway forces from gusts of wind.
4. The survey is biassed and very poorly organised. It assumes that the concept is a good idea and does not allow for dissent. In my previous existence I would have been extremely caustic to any of my students who would have produced it.

Solar charging of e bikes is a good idea, preferably by mounting the panels on the roof of the bike shed.... More area , facing the sun , panels serving two purposes .. shelter and energy collection.

 

[Mike Po]

Hi All,

Thanks for the great responses and suggestions. We will surely use the information to inform the developers. As for the poor survey, we are sorry for the inconvenience. We are actually not the start-ups of the project but were merely given the idea with very little information and time to assess. The survey will be adjusted!
If you have more suggestions or concerns, please post more so the problems can be suggested to the actual developer. Thanks!

 

[signwave]

If you have more suggestions or concerns, please post more so the problems can be suggested to the actual developer. Thanks!

Suggestions on what?

Why have you deleted your original post?

 

[anotherkiwi]

I think that the suggestion and general consensus is "this is a very bad idea and here are a whole list of reasons why". It did surprise me that the contents of the original post disappeared too.