Elementary School Teacher Builds Solar-Powered Tricycle

Is it just me, or is this trend towards solar-powered everything getting a little bit ridiculous? While this isn't quite in the solar bra category, pedal-power has served the bicycle world just fine for the past hundred years. You could argue about the improved utility of this for long-distance hauling (aside from the fact the solar panels are huge and unwieldy), but that $500 quote is essentially pointless, since most people aren't going to be able to get the panels donated to them and will need to drop another $500 on that side of the equation. You can buy a lot of delicious carbohydrate fuel for $500, and you can get in shape while you're at it...

I suppose it's fun and whimsical, but it seems like it's missing the point, somehow.

@Andrew:

Maybe what we need to do is scale this sucker up ;)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/beneteau/2465091340/in/photostream/

Here`s what you would sound like when internet was first made available.

Paper and postal delivery services have served us good enough for hundreds of years right.I supose using electrons to transmit information and dialogue instantly is quite convenient. But you will have to pay for this "interweb",you will also have to buy a computer to use this new service.Unless someone donates a computer to you,you`ll have to pay 500 dollars for a machine that lets you send the same messages as a 10 cent stamps. Imagine all the stamps and paper you could buy with that money. As a bonus, if you write a message manually you will be working out your wrists at the same time.

I suppose this newfangled "internet" is fun and whimsical, but it seems like it`s missing the point somehow.

Does his wife really need to use solar energy to get to work TWO miles away? I understand this bike as a demonstration and educational tool, but TWO miles....just use a your own energy....its good for you. Obesity is a huge problem...lets get kids interested in just riding their bikes again. Renewable Energy is important, but using energy wisely and teaching conservation etc. will facilitate the reduction in energy usage which is key to any promise of a renewable energy powered future. Conservation is ALWAYS the first step, I hope that is taught in conjunction with this. What this demonstration solar bike does prove is the power of people riding their bike as a replacement of an energy source is substantial.....look at what it takes to use the sun as propulsion.

Despite the naysayers, I think this is a great project. I don't thing the point of the project was to "build a solar powered bike and spend $500 so my wife can bike 2 miles to work". This is a science teacher teaching kids about solar power and how it can provide energy. Seeing it and being able to ride around on the bike is pretty cool. I think it's inspiring to kids to see what someone can build on their own and get some green education out of it too.

+1 PDQ

If you're too lazy or out of shape to pedal two miles without an electric assist you've got problems that no solar cell will ever solve.

For the naysayers:
It looks like the vehicle has a huge cargo area. It might be that carrying a couple of weeks groceries would be quite a chore without help.

Also, as a resident of the Miami FL area, I can tell you that if you tried to ride a bike here in the summer, anything more than a short trip in the skimpiest of clothes would make you look like you came in from the rain, so power assist is a good idea for hot humid climates. For myself, I would be tempted to have the solar power run a mini AC unit to keep me cool as I pedal, but that is just me.