This was a DIY project by Don Dunklee, who had spent about $3,300 and 80 hours to turn his scooter into a solar-powered scooter. I’d call this is a one-time investment for long term, which can help him save a lot of his pocket for batteries replacement. Don’s solar powered scooter is now equiped with foldable solar panels located at sides of the back seat. Don drives the scooter ten miles round trip to and from his job. When he arrives at the parking lot near where he works, he’ll then unfold the 30-watt solar panels to let it soak up sunlights. Perhaps, someone would copy the idea later and commercialize it. Update: After a second thought, spending $3,300 just for the sake of saving some batteries in the future, could be a little too much. I think, he’s simply someone who loves eco-friendly stuff and wanna promote clean energy technology.
via [uBErGizMo]
TechChee.com, gadgets, gizmo and hot tech stuff
We bring you interesting topics of hot gadgets and high tech stuff
5 Responses to “Solar-powered scooter, cool DIY idea, a one-time investment”
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Grab the FREE TechChee for iPhone from Apple App Store now to read TechChee news on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch.
June 3rd, 2007 at 9:29 pm
Hi…..the 3,300 includes 2,200 for the bike and 1,100 for the panels, equipment, and parts to attach the panels to the bike. Scooter still going strong. Thanks for the interest
don dunklee
June 4th, 2007 at 3:02 am
Hi don,
Thanks so much for stopping and thanks for the valuable info. Great scooter you have there
June 23rd, 2007 at 7:41 am
Don, i think it is a very nice example what can be done. I would like to get into contact with you because we are organizing an environmental week in St. Maarten and perhaps it would be great idea to invite you if we can find a sponsor.
June 25th, 2007 at 8:00 am
[...] SunRed’s concept idea for a solar-powered motorbike could be inspired by Don’s DIY solar-powered scooter. Of course, SunRed’s bike carries a more stylish and high-tech look, which its body is a snail-like clamshell that gives it a 25 square feet of solar panel coverage. When parked for charging itself up, it can then store up charge sufficient for a 12 mile range at a top speed of 30 miles per hour. Its electric motor is inside the rear axle, which saves on transmission friction so it would need less energy to drive it. SunRed is hoping start making the prototype soon, while at the same time looking for VC to get it rolling. [...]
March 19th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Dude, I just ad this to my Facebook, what a great bike. I will love to have one of those…