Produced by California’s NTS Works, the SunCycle cargo bike boasts a 60 watt solar panel that in optimum conditions produces more power than is used by the bike’s electric motor when in low pedal-assist mode.
The SunCycle features a 250w or 350w electric hub motor with built in gear reduction, powered by a Lithium-ion 36 volt 14.3ah 517wh battery.
The level of motor assistance is adjusted via a display panel – a push of a button provides added boost when climbing hills.
The battery pack uses Samsung 18650 cells (the same form factor as what’s used in a Tesla EV) held in place with pressure between copper contacts; meaning the pack can be refurbished. Under NTS’s Lifetime Rebuild Warranty, the company will completely refurbish an old battery pack for half the cost of a new one.
Weighing just 31 kilograms overall; the lockable front storage compartment can carry up to 90kg of cargo; although 45kg is the recommended maximum weight in order to extend the life of the brakes, wheels and tyres.
It seems there’s been a trend of battery packs being stolen from electric bikes in the USA, which are removed rather brutishly by kicking the pack out. In addition to the SunCycle battery pack being locked, the team have changed the battery mounting to have 6mm thick metal bars around it so it cannot be kicked out.
Range varies from around 22 kilometres to 60 kilometres with moderate loads and moderate hill climbs according to NTS Works, with an average of around 38 kilometres.
The first production run of 100 SunCycles will ship in April. The cost? USD $4,100 (around AUD $4,600) … plus shipping (and whatever else Australian customs and such whacks on).
Founder and CEO of NTS Works, Neal T Saikim, also founded Zero Motorcycles; a manufacturer of electric motorcycles. Mr. Saiki also holds a world aviation record for the first human powered helicopter.
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