AMSTERDAM, June 1 – A Dutch company has developed the world’s first self-charging solar-powered electric bicycle, which charges while you ride to help reduce the carbon footprint.

Featuring three solar panels integrated with high efficiency photovoltaic cells – up to 545 Wp (watt-peak) of power – the SunRider offers maximum energy efficiency. As a result, its on-board battery is partially charged with clean energy, reducing the use of electricity produced from fossil fuels. It promises to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to other electric cargo bikes on the market and 95% compared to a diesel delivery van. This is mainly due to the fact that solar panels are becoming more affordable, as well as increasingly suitable for use on moving objects.

Developed by Dutch company Need The Globe, this cargo bike is powered by a 250W hub motor in the front wheel, driven by a removable 1.6kWh battery promising up to 100km of range.

The bike can carry up to 150 kg of freight, and is primarily aimed at logistics professionals as a so-called last mile delivery solution. As such, Need The Globe (NTG) aims to offer a sustainable transport solution, while being easy to manage and recharge.

Pricing and availability have yet to be announced. ETX Studio