Apache Junction man invents solar powered motorcycle

[Richard D]

Run time: 01:31 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g9qcByet1s   Posted on YouTube: May 07, 2009 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: May 15, 2009 By DU Member: Richard D Views on DU: 444

 
I want one!

[county worker]

1. This will never catch on, it doesn't look like a Road King and it doesn't make enough noise.

No self respecting fat assed, grey bearded biker in a brain bucket will ride one!

[Dr.Phool]

2. Kool!

[lapfog_1]

3. Ok, just a few problems here...

The bike is simply an electric motorcycle, of which there are many examples.

It is not, by his own admission, solar powered (otherwise it would not have a range limitation of 50 miles). The limitation is because of stored energy (most likely a battery).

He has plastered a few flexible solar panels on the bike, and may have more that he unfurls when the bike is parked.

So the unanswered questions are:

How many KWhrs can his batteries store and how many KWhrs does the bike use to move?

How many solar panels does he have to charge the batteries and how long does it take to get a full charge? To get enough to take a significant trip (10 miles or more, i.e. commute to work)?

Does he only use the (currently) inefficient flexible solar panels to charge the battery or does he have a larger fixed solar panel(s) at home to charge it? (or does he simply plug it into his home electric service to charge?)

But the bike in the news bit is NOT solar powered (i.e. only using the sunlight falling on it at the time for power).