Solar Assisted Air Conditioned Tricycle with Unlimited Range

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This solar assisted air conditioned tricycle with unlimited range is a guest post by Bob Sheraton

“Riding on Sunshine”

My solar assisted, air conditioned trike.
Basically the bike has unlimited range.
Unfortunately, I don’t!

The panels keep the 2-12v-36ah SLA DEEP CYCLE batteries fully charged, in series, for the 450 watt/24v hub motor, .the a/c is independently powered by 40 NiMh batteries wired series /parallel and a water mister manually pumped –that and my Columbia Zero shirt works better than expected–evaporative cooling. I have gone about 70 miles-110 km so far. It is not harder to pedal than unmodified, 21 speeds, and 3 wheels, help.

Solar, Air Conditioned Tricycle with Unlimited Range

Bob Sheratons Solar Powered Trike 002

Image © Bob Sheraton


It also has 100 psi tires for low roll resistance! I eliminated the motor controller in favor of a momentary switch and also added a key switch, and a series disconnect should I ever need to charge the batteries using a 12 v source. With the addition of one of my 110vac inverters I will even have plenty of power to keep the refrigerator and fan running during power outages.

Bob Sheratons Solar Powered Trike 001

The a/c blower is on a independent power point so I can recharge a phone if needed.

No holes were made in the original bike, salvaged from craigslist for $200. The box on the back can be removed in 2 minutes or less. Just loosen two ratchet straps, and the front solar assembly in about 5 minutes, Remove 4 hose clamps. The lights for night running are removed and stored in the back bos when not needed.

And it’s 100% street legal in all 50 states! (thanks to Lee Iacocca)

Bob Sheratons Solar Powered Trike 003

Images © Bob Sheraton

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If you enjoyed this solar powered trike you’ll absolutely LOVE our Free Daily Tiny House Newsletter with even more! Thank you!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

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Alex

Alex Pino is the founder of Tiny House Talk, a leading resource on tiny homes and simple living since 2009. He helps readers discover unique homes, connect with builders, and explore alternative living.

12 comments

    1. Thanks Alex, I think it is great to show some complementary items to go with the tiny house, can’t stay inside all the time. 🙂

  1. I can understand why there might be some issues with this article being on this site. It’s NOT a tiny house. But most of us here are into “alternative ideas” as well as values and minimising our carbon footprint. This is a cool idea, earth friendly in every way and completely out of the box. I love it and I enjoyed the article.

  2. Now that would be just the thing to go about in this crazy hot weather we’re having in the Pacific NW.

  3. I think it was appropriate, you have to go places other than a tiny house and this is (mostly) renewable. One quibble, a set of LiPo batteries of the same capacity is much lighter and also much less toxic when recycled.

    Oh, and NY still hasn’t adopted the Federal rules for e-assist and considers e-assist as an unlicensed motor vehicle. Multiple lawsuits have been filed about this with NY state losing every one, but that is still the law in NY.

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