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08 February 2007
The prototype was built by about 50 students of the technical school of Ans-Alleur and earned the school an environmental award.
The bike will cost around EUR 1,700 and weighs 17 kilos including 5 kilos of solar-panels, batteries and electrical engine.
The solar-panel is attached to the rear wheel and feeds the batteries located on the steering column which in turn powers a small electrical engine attached to the rear wheel.
The solar-bike has different modes ranging from no electrical assistance to almost complete electrical assistance and has a minimum autonomy of 40 kilometres per day, even when there is little light.
The solar bike remains a considerable investment but it will save its users a considerable amount of money if they choose this mode of transportation over a car.
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Subject: Belgian news