How to convert an electric scooter to a solar scooter
How to convert an electric scooter to a solar scooter
Image Gallery ( 14 images )August 18, 2005 Primary producer Donald Dunklee has been watching the power grid slowly but surely failing, while the world demand for fossil fuel is slowly overpowering the world supply, driving prices skyward. It made him determined to "get off the drip" and build street-legal, affordable, dependable, sun-charged transport for his daily 5 mile commute. His solar powered motorcycle has not been plugged into the factory charger since April 15, 2005 and it’s now travelled over 700 miles since then. We guess he made it - this is Donald's story, as told by Donald.
Living off the grid for more than 20 years has taught my family a lot about our future. Our power grid is failing and in need of major repairs. During weather events thousands of people losing power is now the norm, not the exception. Major grid failures can disable large portions of our country. Our transportation system, while largely fossil-fueled, is still dependent on the power grid to remain effective for fuel distribution. Oil is running out and $5.00 a gallon gasoline is in our future.
Our major auto manufacturers are like our grandfathers, set in their ways and not showing any progress in moving our country away from dependence on an oil-based system of transportation. Knowing this, and having experience with battery and solar charging led to the development of an affordable, solar charged electric scooter for the daily commute back and forth to work, some 5 miles from our farm.
The technological advances in motors, controllers, and related technology led largely by the solar industry, has made this possible. Solar power is a way of working with Mother Nature. Small amounts of sun energy, tapped over time, allow an acorn to become a mighty oak. Likewise, tapping on a bit of the suns energy, just enough for our needs, now allows for solar charged transportation to be viable alternative to burning fossil fuels
The basic bike is a stock EVT 4000E available from various dealers around the U.S. The rest of the system consists of a Xantrex (formerly Trace) C-40 charge controller, and 4 Atlantic Solar 30 watt, 16 X 25 inch panels mounted two to a side. The panels fold open while in charging mode and are closed while driving. Mounting hardware is basic off the shelf parts available from any hardware store.
The design criteria was simple. The bike needed to be able to be self contained, that is all charging from the sun, but still allow the factory charger to be used if needed. Any modifications needed to fit within the capacities listed and approved by D.O.T. and should be safe as well as functional.
The panels needed to be foldable so they are out of the way of lighting, seating, and protected from road hazards. The panels needed to be clear of shadowing obstructions from the bike when folded out into the charging position and at a good angle for the three seasons a bike can be ridden in Michigan. All parts needed to be “off the shelf” to keep this D.I.Y. user friendly. During the winter the plan is to plug the 120 watts into our home system for additional winter charging.
The EVT 4000E is a two seat scooter similar to the Vespa style, just a bit modernized.The system operates at 48 volts. The motor is inside the rear wheel, commonly called a wheel motor or hub motor.
With hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, stopping is quick and smooth. Connected to the main power line from the batteries is a motor controller called the “E-scooter Intelligent Controller”, which claims a 90% or greater efficiency. The lighting and horn are a 12 volt system running from a 48 volt to 12 volt DC to DC converter mounted under the front cover below the steering column. D.O.T. approval requires lighting remain on at all times in this MOPED class vehicle.
