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An Overview of Existing Experiences with Solar-Powered E-Bikes

Author

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  • Georgia Apostolou

    (Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Design, Production and Management, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands)

  • Angèle Reinders

    (Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Design, Production and Management, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands)

  • Karst Geurs

    (Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Design, Production and Management, University of Twente, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands)

Abstract

Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are considered a sustainable alternative to automobile transportation today. The electric bike includes all the benefits that conventional bicycles offer, plus faster, more comfortable and longer trips, as well as less effort for the user. In this paper, we specifically focus on a new type of e-bike, the so-called ‘solar-powered e-bike’. Therefore, this review paper explores existing literature findings for the use of solar energy in transportation, and more specifically in e-bikes. This paper aims to capture the status of and experiences with the use of e-bikes; more specifically, with solar-powered e-bikes. It presents research conducted so far on e-bikes and solar-powered e-bikes, as well as the main technical features of the solar e-bike. Finally, it analyzes a sample of e-bikes’ and solar-powered e-bikes’ users, based on Dutch National Travel Survey data and an experimental field study conducted in 2017. Data showed that the main target group of (solar) e-bikes are commuters in the age group between 40 and 60 years old, commuting distances longer than 6 km, with a gross income higher than €2500. Solar-powered e-bikes are concluded to have potential as a sustainable way of transportation in urban areas and cities, potentially replacing the conventional means of transport.

Suggested Citation

  • Georgia Apostolou & Angèle Reinders & Karst Geurs, 2018. "An Overview of Existing Experiences with Solar-Powered E-Bikes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-20, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:8:p:2129-:d:163960
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gautham Ram Chandra Mouli & Peter Van Duijsen & Francesca Grazian & Ajay Jamodkar & Pavol Bauer & Olindo Isabella, 2020. "Sustainable E-Bike Charging Station That Enables AC, DC and Wireless Charging from Solar Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-21, July.
    2. Wojciech Sałabun & Krzysztof Palczewski & Jarosław Wątróbski, 2019. "Multicriteria Approach to Sustainable Transport Evaluation under Incomplete Knowledge: Electric Bikes Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-19, June.
    3. Ferguson, Beth, 2022. "Designing with the Sun: Solar Curriculum Project," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt4f74n7h0, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    4. Ferguson, Beth, 2022. "Exploring Solar Charging Station Design for Electric Bicycles," Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series qt16r0g54f, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis.
    5. Monika Hamerska & Monika Ziółko & Patryk Stawiarski, 2022. "A Sustainable Transport System—The MMQUAL Model of Shared Micromobility Service Quality Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-18, March.
    6. Joao L. Afonso & Luiz A. Lisboa Cardoso & Delfim Pedrosa & Tiago J. C. Sousa & Luis Machado & Mohamed Tanta & Vitor Monteiro, 2020. "A Review on Power Electronics Technologies for Electric Mobility," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-61, December.
    7. Paweł Ziemba & Izabela Gago, 2022. "Compromise Multi-Criteria Selection of E-Scooters for the Vehicle Sharing System in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-26, July.
    8. Walter Leal Filho & Ismaila Rimi Abubakar & Richard Kotter & Thomas Skou Grindsted & Abdul-Lateef Balogun & Amanda Lange Salvia & Yusuf A. Aina & Franziska Wolf, 2021. "Framing Electric Mobility for Urban Sustainability in a Circular Economy Context: An Overview of the Literature," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-23, July.

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