Startup Solar E-Cycle has started testing a solar-powered velomobile

Company founder Roger Cross was born and raised in Canada, but almost thirty years living in Africa, so all the problems of the local population it is well known that many people are not only deprived of access to electricity, but also to clean drinking water. Therefore, Africans are forced every day to fetch water, overcoming great distances. Therefore Solar E-Cycle project could be great for them to handle difficult situations.

The vehicle exterior is more like a bike than a car, but a solar panel located on the roof, which allows travel on a single charge up to 50 kilometers at a speed of about 50 kilometers per hour.

There are three- and four-wheel velomobile design, both models are equipped with a pedal and electric drive. Three-wheeled version is designed for a single rider, and four-wheel bike you can ride together and carry more cargo. Due to the fact that in many African villages is still no light, battery charging via solar panels looks perfect solution, but Solar E-Cycle can be charged and from the mains. In addition, the battery of the elektrovelika and useful for domestic purposes - it can help power the home appliances, sewing machine, a kettle, or a lamp.

The company plans to run test trials of its velomobile very soon. For these purposes, it was produced 70 units of transport. Roger Cross understands that Africans are low income, and therefore plans to take over the lease of each vehicle by 50 cents to a dollar per day.