Spanish company unveils prototype solar-powered motorbike

**Bob** · 29th June 2007, 00:20

Spanish manufacturer SunRed – a company better known for exotic cars (including a solar-powered version) has turned their attention to the challenge of building a solar-powered motorcycle.

The problem with motorcycles is the lack of flat surfaces available to catch the sun. SunRed has answered this with a shell-like design that has been described as “looking like a snail”, which creates 25 square feet of space for solar panels. The motor is integrated into the wheel, so there is no transmission.

The drawback is that the prototype can only achieve a maximum speed of 30mph and has a between charge distance of twelve miles.

**Dargor** · 29th June 2007, 08:19

umm, motor bikes are already really small, efficient ways to transport yourself way better than lugging around a tone of unused metal like in cars. Now put 1 tone of battery's and solar panels on it. Its suddenly not very efficient.

Don't forget the other drawback of when its cloudy.

here's a link if anyone is interested.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007...dible_sola.php

**Tim 39** · 29th June 2007, 09:07

Wouldn't be much use in Dunedin!
I'm sure one day there'l be a better way than solar power to power a bike

**sAsLEX** · 29th June 2007, 09:09

Originally Posted by Tim 39

I'm sure one day there'l be a better way than solar power to power a bike

of heard of these newFangled things called Internal Combustion Engines....... they sound like they might be ok, or else steam ?

**Skyryder** · 2nd July 2007, 22:08

Just the the thing when you lose your licence. 30k's and 12 miles tops.

Bet the the beast roars.

Skyyrder

**T-Thunder13** · 11th July 2007, 20:30

looks like a slater on wheels.

**sAsLEX** · 12th July 2007, 01:48

I think a nicer solution would be a small generator, these can be run at optimal efficiency and lowest emissions etc when you need to top up the battery. Could use a Stirling engine which are more efficient than a ICE. And you could set it so it charges the battery automatically whilst your away.

I bet $1000000000000 that it would be greener than the use of Solar panels anyway since these are inherently flawed in there use of heavy metals...... something the greeny left sandal wearing freaks tend to forget to mention.