E-bike with solar panel canopy

[ScottFromScott]

I recently purchased a sixthreezero EZ Transit e-trike for exercise and to do some local shopping. I have wanted to take increasingly longer trips on it as it is so much fun so designed a solar panel mount that acts as a rain shed and sun shade without too much additional weight. The materials to do this were around $500 in addition to the $1599 price for the e-trike and shipping. The solar panel and controller were purchased through Amazon and the Corrugated, perforated L frame and hardware were purchased at a local ACE hardware store. So far I have travelled up to 60 miles in one day on one charge with the solar panel on a partly-cloudy day with some peddling required.

Items:
4 - SteelWorks 0.048 in. X 1.25 in. W X 72 in. L Zinc Plated Steel Slotted Angle - $20 x 4 = $80
1 - PowMr Boost Solar Charge Controller 24V36V/48V/60V/72V 10A MPPT Charge Controller Solar Panel Regulator for Sealed Gel FLD Lead-Acid and Li Battery for Golf Carts Electric Vehicles and Solar System - $36
1 - ALLPOWERS SF200 Flexible Solar Panel 200W 32V IP68 Monocrystalline Solar Modules Bendable Semi-Flexible Mono Solar Panel 200 Watt for RV Roof Boat Cabin Van Uneven Surfaces (cables from solar panel to charge controller are included) - $200
1 - sixthreezero EZ Transit trike with 750 watt motor and 48V 10.5 AH battery - $1600
1 - 2Pack 16AWG DC Plug Connector DC Power Pigtails Cable,2.1mm x 5.5mm DC Male Plug to Bare Wire Open End,12 Volt DC Barrel Supply Adapter Repair Cord for CCTV Security Camera,12v LED Strip Light 3FT (cable from charge controller to battery jack) - $9
Miscellaneous bolts, nuts, washers, lock washers, lock nuts, and wing nuts (5/16")
4 - 30" x 3-1/2" x 3/4" wood cross pieces for attaching solar panel to horizontal slotted angle (scrap wood)
2 - Nite Ize 2-1/2-in x 10-ft Tie Down 300-lb Break Strength cord to reduce panel swinging - $9 each at Lowes
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Total: approximately $2000

Each e-bike frame is different, but the idea is to find a way to mount two upright struts of slotted angle to the frame, then attach two angle braces to support the horizontal slotted angle supports for the solar panel. 3/4" wood screws may be used attach the solar panel to the wood cross pieces. I used fender washers there also.
The Tie Downs are mounted on the rear corners of the solar panels and cross over each other to attach on the rear frame of the trike to reduce swinging of the panel. This system has been tested on the roughest roads and trails and has proved sturdy and reliable without being overly heavy or too overbuilt. Visibility forward is unimpeded. Charge controller is strapped to a post on the bike seat but could be mounted anywhere. I did not have to program the charge controller for the battery or solar panel as it is auto-sensing.

 

[crossy]

I had images of a bicycle with a 2x1m sail on top. Phew, it's a trike

Actually, that would work pretty well here in sunny Thailand.

What sort of range extension do you get with the solar vs without, or does that panel actually manage to keep up with the motor current?

There are a number of 2-seat electric trikes (from China) available here, could be an interesting project.

 

[45North]

Thank you for that. Very interesting!
We ebike too but up here it's seasonal and hydro is cheap so we just plug in for the summer and do something different in the winter.
If I could make 1 suggestion; replace the orange/red tie downs with something less jarring - like thin metal wire. Commonly available and you can add turnbuckles for tightening, if needed.

 

[45North]

Good idea!
Would also make a good shade roof on an electric boat/raft/dock.