Solar pedals this bicycle

Kurnool: A polytechnic drop-out hailing from Laddagiri has hit upon a novel idea to convert his ordinary bicycle into a solar-powered motorised bicycle fitting the two-wheeler with a motor and blinkers a la motorcycle style besides the solar panels. It has the facility to charge mobile phone and run an iPad and is fitted with speakers. The bicycle can be charged using solar panels or through plug-and-play method charging it using electricity.

The inventor, who studied up to ITI and discontinued polytechnic diploma course, is Muneer, son of Pinjari Rasool, a clerk in a private shop and Shahinabee, a housewife. His mother takes care of home and farm work. He discontinued polytechnic course because of financial problems. He lends support to his parents in household and farm work. During his spare time, he works as an electrician.

He encountered the problem of pedaling the bicycle while negotiating rough and uneven terrain and when the wind is blowing in the opposite direction. He fixed a box to the front rod and provided facility to charge the cell phone and fixed speakers in it. He also got a LED light fixed. He replaced the normal bicycle bell with a horn. The solar panels have capacity to charge a 12 volt battery.

In sunny weather, the bicycle can move at a speed of 30 to 40 kmph up to any length of time. However, when the sun was not at its best, the bicycle can go non-stop for a maximum of two hours without the need to pedal it. Muneer, who invested his pocket money of Rs 6000 in bringing out the motorised bicycle, dreams of completing his polytechnic course and invent many more products.

By Harikishan