62 Mile Solar Race

Mon June 02 2008
Posted Jun 2, 2008
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High school and college students from across the nation compete in a unique race at Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. It called the "Solar Bike Race," and involves transforming a simple bicycle into a solar-powered machine. One college team from Iowa powers their bike with a 600 watt battery that's charged with solar panels. The pilot could also use his feet to pedal the bike---but even if he doesn't, the bike can still reach speeds of 50 miles per hour. Team members say with a little more space on the bike, it could be used for going to work or school. "It is one of the most cost effective ways to get around," said Scott Nielsen, Bicycle Driver. "A full charge on this bike that we've designed right now will take you about 50 miles and uses 5 cents of electricity. And that is if you plug it into the wall." Teams raced on a 62 mile course despite this morning's heavy rainfall. More at http://www.solarbike.org/.