FAQ - Solar Bicycles 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Solar Bicycles

Q50: Which is better for the environment -  Solar Assist Bicycles or regular Bicycles? 

A: Metabolic energy gets generated from fossil fuels and hence contributes to global warming. Solar energy generated by a Photo-voltaic panel is tapped from the energy that earth receives from the sun. Since, it is a renewable source, it does not directly contribute to global warming.
Moreover, the human body is an inefficient machine with only 24% of the energy delivered to perform the work - pedal and propel the bicycle. Hence, even more metabolic energy gets wasted,resulting in even more carbon footprint, contributing to even more global warming.
Hence a solar assist bicycle is much better than a regular bicycle, even from the environmental point of view.        

Q51: How much benefit would Solar Assist Bicycles offer over normal Bicycles? 

A: To achieve a steady speed of 21 km/hour,  the rider would need to expend 243 kcal  or = (243/0.86042) Wh = 282.50 Wh of metabolic energy. 

Q52: How to get a better mileage on a Solar Bicycle? 

A: It depends on the riding style:

The solar bicycle will cover significantly more (almost twice) the trip distance if the above tips are followed.

Q53: What are the similarities and differences between a Solar Assist Bicycle and a Geared bicycle? 

A: Similarities: 

Differences: 

Q54: What are the benefits of Gears in a Geared Solar Assist Bicycle? 

A: Having understood (read the answer to the previous question above) the differences between an ordinary geared bicycle and a solar assist bicycle, we will be able to appreciate the benefits of having both types of effort reduction features in a single bicycle. 

If the rider wishes to ride at a higher speed - say the top speed of 25 km/hour (that is permitted for bicycle trails or bicycle lanes), without increasing his pedaling effort - he can shift to a higher solar assist level - say from solar assist Level 2 to Level 3. In this new state, though the pedaling effort has remained constant, the speed of the front pedal-crank arms-chain wheel set along with the speed of the bicycle increases. The increase in speed of rotation of the pedals may make the rider less comfortable. By shifting to a higher gear, the speed of rotation of the pedals can be lowered to make the rider more comfortable and pleasurable, without affecting the bicycle speed or the rider's effort (metabolic energy). 

Thus with a geared solar assist bicycle the rider is able to comfortably and effortlessly achieve the top speed of 25 km/hour to reach his destination in the shortest possible time. It is the best powered vehicle for those who value their own time and yet wish to have a daily routine schedule to burn calories in a controlled manner causing minimal environmental damage.    

Click here to visit our geared solar bicycle page

Q55: What are the different operational modes of a Solar Assist Bicycle?

A: A solar assist bicycle can be operated in:
1. Throttle Mode  -  a combination of battery  with limited solar energy.
2. Cruise Mode - a special mode under throttle - to maintain constant speed and use the battery cum solar energy in a more efficient manner than with a manually controlled rotating throttle handle. 

3. Solar Assist Mode - Choose  a combination of your own metabolic energy with solar energy  to pedal  comfortably.
  Different solar assist levels and gear levels and their combinations are available to suit the rider's comfort and effort levels. 

4. Manual Mode - Pedal like a regular bicycle. But with safety features - such as headlights, tail-lights, brake lights, horn. 

Park on Center Stand

Change the orientation of the bicycle to have the solar panel facing the sun and then park it on the center stand for a stable balanced weight distribution  in the parked state.  

Q56: How to get better mileage on a Solar Bicycle? 

A: It depends on the riding style:

The solar bicycle will cover significantly more (almost twice) the trip distance if the above tips are followed.


Q57: FAQs and Road Safety Tips for Teens to Prevent Accidents

Q58: Which are the more efficient Human Propelled or Motor Assisted modes of transport? Compare them in terms of metabolic energy? 

A: As per studies, electric unicycles (EUC), velomobiles (enclosed recumbent bicycles) and electric bicycles, in decreasing order are the most efficient modes of human transport. 

 To cover a distance of 1 km, cycling (bicycling) would consume the least metabolic energy compared to other modes of transport like walking, running, or driving a car, as it is considered one of the most efficient forms of human-powered transportation. To cover 1 km -  

If the rider wishes to extract more benefit - the throttle mode is always available where the rider does not pedal and the entire energy 3.23 Wh is offered from the battery and solar panel. However, the battery would get discharged in the throttle mode.  

Q59. Why is the solar assist bicycle considered to be the best personal transport vehicle for climate change?