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Do we need this? Solar recharging stations for electric bikes

By Larry Dignan | November 17, 2010, 8:46 AM PST

Kyocera has launched a solar recharging station for electric-assisted bicycles and the system will debut in Japan this month.

These stations use Kyocera-supplied solar panels to recharge electric bicycles with a DC-AC converter for night charging. A standard outlet is available in an emergency.

How big of a market is this?

Kyocera says that the use of electric bicycles has grown as people look for alternative transportation. Electric bicycles are found at rental shops in tourist areas. Electric bikes, designed for errands around town, vary in price and assist in pedaling so hills are easier.

Or you could just pedal and get a little exercise. Probably greener too since you wouldn’t have to tap the grid at all.

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About Larry Dignan

Larry Dignan is editor-in-chief of SmartPlanet.

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E-bikes are cool.

As a keen cyclist I'd love to try an electric bike. I'm told they're great fun and that you do get some exercise, while making faster, effortless progress. Communal e-bikes have the whiff of a really smart solution: efficient, enjoyable, convenient. Paris has them and they seem to be very popular there.
I just hope people will use them. And not steal them.

Posted by steve_jonesuk@...

19th Nov 2010

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RE: Do we need this? Solar recharging stations for electric bikes

I wonder whether the people considering implementing or using such stations have any idea how few watts a small solar panel puts out vs. the typical capacity of an e-bike battery. All day in a sunny clime might get you a few minutes of ride time. If you can manage two wheels at all, you can handle that with your legs. Park the bike somewhere secure, instead.

Posted by _JohnH

17th Nov 2010

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RE: Do we need this? Solar recharging stations for electric bikes

I think it's a great idea. Not primarily, but secondarily the benefits
are exponential.

Firstly, someone might not ride a bike at all if their route includes
hills. An electric bike that can be charged during the hours while
the person is at work would become a viable alternative for the
ride home after a long day's work. So, an electric bike WOULD
help someone get more exercise than had they had no bike at all
and were driving or taking up a seat on public transit.

Second, FAMILIARITY is the key here. The value of the amount
of electricity that might be derived from solar energy is not the
issue here. It's that society needs to get more comfortable
developing, trying and using alternate energy, and government
and the private sector needs to take initiative to lead and try new
infrastructure implementations. It's not about whether the amount
of electricity is worth it "right now", it's about building some inertia
i the development and, perhaps more importantly, acceptance at
the social level, for alternative energy.

Non-techie Talk

Posted by Non-techie Talk

17th Nov 2010

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RE: Do we need this? Solar recharging stations for electric bikes

Great idea as long as those using the charging station are paying for the energy delivered. Much like vehicle (auto) charging stations the user either provides a credit card or other identification (RF or Mag) so they can be billed for the service.

This concept should be extended to other public venues where dedicated solar receptacles are available with either DC or AC feeds, depending upon location/application, with similar card reading or ID systems to charge for the energy.

As for electric bikes - sad state of affairs when the most efficient vehicle on the planet is ruined with the application of lazy-man technology. Nect thing you know these e-bikes will festooned with wi-fi receivers, iPad docks, and handlebar streamers!

Posted by jpouchet

18th Nov 2010

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E-bikes are cool.

Posted by steve_jonesuk@...

19th Nov 2010

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