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
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.
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)
Images © Bob Sheraton
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Alex
This article is trash. Why is it even here?
I actually thought it was interesting. Tiny trike for Tiny house owner. 🙂
I thought most of you would also find interesting.. 😀
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. 🙂
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.
Love it.
Now that would be just the thing to go about in this crazy hot weather we’re having in the Pacific NW.
I also enjoyed reading about this trike. If somebody doesn’t like it, delete it!
I can see myself riding one of these!
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.
This kind of reminds me of the Rhoades cars. You can learn more about them at their website here: http://www.rhoadescar.com/