FAQ - Solar Bicycles
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Solar Bicycles
FAQs covered in Our Other Pages:
FAQs covered in this Page below:
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.
Considering the human efficiency of 24%, this translates to (243/3.585) = 67.8Wh of energy at the pedals or wheels
In the case of a solar assist bicycle, the 67.8Wh of energy at the wheels is offered by the BLDC hub motor.
From a 40W solar panel, with good sunshine, it is possible to tap about 36W of solar power.
Hence the balance (67.8 - 36) = 31.8 Wh = 31.8 x 3.585 = 114 kilocalories needs to be offered by the rider.
Thus, the 40 W solar panel helps in reducing the rider's metabolic energy from 243 kcal to 114 kcal or a 53% savings in metabolic energy.
Thus, the 40W solar panel substitutes 150 Wh or 129 kilocalories of metabolic energy.
The above calculations are for solar assist mode where both the rider and the solar panel share the energy requirement. No battery energy is consumed in this mode, hence, there is no distance limit as long as the rider continues to pedal.
The solar assist mode makes it easy for the rider to pedal. Instead of pressing hard on the pedals, the solar energy makes riding effortless and enjoyable.
If the rider wishes to extract more benefit - the throttle mode is always available where the rider does not pedal and the entire energy is offered from the battery and the solar panel. However, the battery would get discharged in this mode.
Q52: How to get a better mileage on a Solar Bicycle?
A: It depends on the riding style:
Do not Accelerate on Power Modes: The rider should not use either throttle or pedal assist (keep the switch off) while accelerating - a situation typically observed when one mounts the bicycle for the first time,
Cruise Control: In the throttle mode, the rider should ride in the 'cruise mode' at a steady speed.
Choose Lower Solar Assist Setting: If the rider is in the solar assist mode, then choose a lower setting, say 2/5 for a 5 speed solar/ pedal assist model
Choose Lower Speeds: Try to ride at a lower speed, so as to prevent unnecessary braking.
Keep Solar Panel Clean: Keep the solar panel clean by wiping the top glass with a wet cloth.
Inflate Tires till Hard: Keep the tires of the bicycle properly inflated - inflate till hard when pressed between the fingers. Inflate till 40 psi.
Panel to face the Sun: Park the bicycle on the Center Stand in such a manner and direction that the solar panel is facing the Sun and with direct rays falling on it, so that the solar panel is able to harness maximum energy from the Sun. You would know if the direction of the parked bicycle is set correctly by observing the shadow. The area of the shadow should be minimum and it should fall below and symmetrically on either side of the bicycle
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:
Both a Solar Assist Bicycle or a Geared Bicycle offer mechanical advantage while pedaling. As a result, the effort that the rider has to put in, while pedaling,reduces. This makes pedaling appear effortless, or light, or more enjoyable to the rider.
Geared Bicycle: The lower the Gear level, the more the mechanical advantage. At Gear Level 1, the mechanical advantage is maximum, while at Gear Level 7 (topmost level) the mechanical advantage is minimum (least). Shift to a lower gear to get more mechanical advantage or to a higher gear to reduce the mechanical advantage.
Solar Assist Bicycle: The higher the solar assist level, the more the mechanical advantage. At Solar Assist Level 0, there is zero assistance/advantage, while at the Solar Assist Level 5 (topmost level) there is maximum solar assistance/ advantage. Shift to a higher level to get more solar assistance or to a lower level to reduce the solar assistance.
Differences:
Geared Bicycle (without Solar): Assuming gears to be on the rear sprocket, cassette or freewheel, in Gear Level 1, the chain would be riding over the largest diameter rear sprocket wheel. Hence, in Gear Level 1, for each rotation of the front pedal+crankarm+chainwheel, the rear sprocket along with the rear wheel rotates less, resulting in less distance being traveled in comparison to any of the higher gears, say Gear Level 7. When you shift to a lower gear level, for the same speed of the pedal-crank arms-chain wheel, the speed of the bicycle drops. Hence, the mechanical advantage offered to the rider (to pedal with less effort) is at the cost of the speed of the bicycle or travel time; it takes more time to reach the destination.
Solar Assist Bicycle: Unlike an ordinary geared bicycle (without solar assist), in the case of a solar assist bicycle the rider gets to choose to inject more or less solar energy along with his own metabolic energy to propel the bicycle forward. By shifting to a higher solar assist level, the rider is able to conveniently lower down his own metabolic energy or lower down the effort or burn less calories from his own body. Thus the increased mechanical advantage or increased solar assistance provides the rider the ability to ride with less effort (effortless) while observing no speed reduction. With solar assist, the rider has an option to put in less effort and yet reach the destination on time.
Alternatively, if the rider is willing to put in the same effort, then by increasing the solar assistance, one can ride at a higher speed at a higher solar assist level, and reach the destination in a shorter time.
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:
Do not Accelerate on Power Modes: The rider should not use either throttle or pedal assist (keep the switch off) while accelerating - a situation typically observed when one mounts the bicycle for the first time,
Cruise Control: In the throttle mode, the rider should ride in the 'cruise mode' at a steady speed.
Choose Lower Solar Assist Setting: If the rider is in the solar assist mode, then choose a lower setting, say 2/5 for a 5 speed solar/ pedal assist model
Choose Lower Speeds: Try to ride at a lower speed, so as to prevent unnecessary braking.
Keep Solar Panel Clean: Keep the solar panel clean by wiping the top glass with a wet cloth.
Inflate Tires till Hard: Keep the tires of the bicycle properly inflated - inflate till hard when pressed between the fingers. Inflate till 40 psi.
Panel to face the Sun: Park the bicycle on the Center Stand in such a manner and direction that the solar panel is facing the Sun and with direct rays falling on it, so that the solar panel is able to harness maximum energy from the Sun. You would know if the direction of the parked bicycle is set correctly by observing the shadow. The area of the shadow should be minimum and it should fall below and symmetrically on either side of the bicycle
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 -
Walking / Running: A good heuristic for calories burned while walking / running is 1 kilocalorie per kilogram per kilometer. A person who weighs 63 kg would burn about 63 kilocalories per kilometer walked/ run.
Bicycle: A standard lightweight, moderate-speed bicycle is one of the most energy-efficient forms of transport. Compared with walking, a 63 kg cyclist riding at 18 km/h requires about 20% of the food energy per unit distance. A rider weighing 63 kgs would expend about 11.57 kcal or = (11.57/0.86042) = 13.45 Wh of metabolic energy per kilometer. Considering the human efficiency of 24%, this translates to (11.57/3.585) = 3.23 Wh of energy at the pedals or wheels.
Solar Assist Bicycle: the 3.23 Wh of energy at the wheels is offered by the BLDC hub motor. From a 40W solar panel, with good sunshine, it is possible to tap about 1.71Wh of solar power over approx. 3 minutes (time required to cover 1 km). Hence the balance (3.23 - 1.71) = 1.52 Wh = 1.52 x 3.585 = 5.43 kilocalories needs to be offered by the rider. Thus, the 40 W solar panel helps in reducing the rider's metabolic energy from 11.57 kcal to 5.43 kcal or a 53% savings in metabolic energy. Thus, the 40W solar panel substitutes 7.14 Wh or 6.14 kilocalories of metabolic energy.
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?
A solar assist bicycle is the most efficient man-made personal transport vehicle consuming only 3.2 Wh of energy per kilometer. It can offer unlimited distance coverage, by tapping about 1.7Wh / kilometer of energy from the solar panel on a continuous basis. The solar assistance can help reduce the rider's metabolic energy by 53% from 11.6 kcal to 5.5 kcal/km. Since the 1.7Wh/km of solar substitutes 7.1 Wh/km or 6.1 kcal of metabolic energy, it also offers a corresponding saving of CO2eq, in comparison with every kilometer of travel over a regular un-motorised bicycle!