Is a solar powered electric bicycle a good idea or a technological waste?

I like the idea of ​​a solar-powered electric bike, but I don’t think everyone should buy the new Phosgo Go5 – not just yet. The “world’s first AI-powered bike” promises to “resolve a variety of concerns,” and is being marketed by a new brand from China that hopes to make the most of direct-to-consumer sales. through a global crowdfunding campaign. Lots of red flags here.

According to the press release the company sent me from generic gmail.com address, Phosgo is the joint venture between Jiaxing Dazhe Solar Power and Shenzhen Honglianda Technology. Dazhe offers innovative solar technology developed by a man known as “Dr. Li,” while Honglianda offers sustainable marketing and e-commerce expertise.

Phosgo is selling two 8-speed, aluminum-frame models in the US and Europe built around Bafang mid-drive motors, the company tells me, although the motor from Ananda looks good in some pictures. The basic Go5 has a “high-end bird” price tag of $1,999 while the beefier Go5 Ultra starts at $2,799. Prices are supposed to double in the future but this is the FOMO marketing strategy for these campaigns. It launches on Kickstarter on Saturday, July 27th.

All bikes have four 50W circular solar panels inside the wheels, made of BC (back contact) cells. BC solar cells make the most sense here because they move all the electricity inside the panels and give them a clear appearance without visible lines. BC panels also have to deal with less shade caused by cars, buildings, trees, bicycle frames, and higher than traditional panels. Solar panels take about 8 pounds for a 50-pound bike.

Here’s the problem: all 200W of solar panels are facing the wrong direction. For your bike to be at its best, you need to lay it on the ground, and even if only half of it is in the mid-day sun. Of course, you’ll only put out a few watts at regular intervals when you’re riding or parked on a kickstand.

Phosgo’s various purposes are all over the place. But in the press release I found a table showing solar cells adding 17 miles between charges from the wall. It doesn’t say how it measured this but I think it’s the best that can be found on a good, steady day. It’s safe to say that you’ll be smaller than anywhere outside the Sahara, especially when you’re parked side-by-side with other bikes on a city street. One thing is for sure: you will still have to worry about paying.

Finally, Phosgo’s “advanced speech-to-speech AI” is dumb. No e-bike needs an integrated AI assistant. The chances of successfully proving a good hamburger shop are slim, and you won’t be spoiled for choice.

Look, I hope I’m wrong. I believe the Phosgo Go5 series will do everything it says. Everyone loves an underdog. But please don’t back out of a crowdfunding campaign if you have money to burn. Global fulfillment is difficult enough if you’re not dealing with large batteries and electronic devices that need to be serviced throughout their lifetime. Better to wait for this one if you really want it.

If not, maybe think of a bigger goal solar generator and portable solar panel. They’ll power your electric bike, drone, electronics, laptop and phone, and keep your fridge and PS5 running smoothly.