Solar-Powered Bicycle Hits The Market With Over 100 Km Of Range

Company Develops Solar-Powered Bicycle Capable of Carrying Up to 150 Kg of Goods, Avoiding Pollutant Gas Emissions.

Ikea, one of the largest furniture and home goods retailers in Europe, like many other companies, is always attentive to the demands of the modern consumer and actively faces all challenges to provide zero-emission deliveries. The Swedish giant is seeking ways to manage its cutting-edge logistics through economical and environmentally friendly means while maintaining high customer satisfaction.

Company Develops Solar-Powered Bicycle

In recent years, Ikea has acquired several electric trucks to make more sustainable deliveries in its fleet, and has also invested in charging infrastructure and the widespread use of energy from clean sources. However, Ikea has an ambitious goal: to become carbon neutral by the beginning of the next decade.

Indeed, to finish the decade with a positive carbon footprint, the company looked for smart and innovative ways and developed a cargo bicycle that uses solar energy to move. Called SunRider, the innovation premiered at the company’s store in Deft, the Netherlands.

The solar-powered bicycle has been used for several months to transport products of small and medium sizes to customers living near the store. The project, initially experimental, has been a great success, and now the company seeks to expand its use to all locations that demand it.

According to Helene Davidsson, Sustainability Manager at Ikea, the SunRider has the capacity to carry about 90% of the products sold in the company’s warehouses and emits 98% less CO₂ than a common diesel delivery vehicle.

Solar-Powered Bicycle Can Carry Up to 150 Kg

The Ikea vehicle is equipped with a 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be recharged through solar panels integrated into the cargo box that generate 545 Wp.

The box can hold a standard-size pallet and has a capacity to carry up to 150 kg. Additionally, the vehicle has a range of up to 100 km. According to Davidsson, the company aims to serve more people, including many of its future customers who live in cities with limited transport access.

This initiative provides a great opportunity to explore new ways to deliver its products to customers’ homes. The solar-powered cargo bicycle will be a fantastic addition to the last-mile delivery service, as it offers a silent, emission-free alternative that can also help avoid major traffic jams.

Electric Bicycle Market Keeps Growing

In addition to a solar-powered bicycle, the market has gained various models with unique characteristics, both in design and performance.

Some companies are focused on this category, such as the German manufacturer Haibike, which has gained fame in the trail bike sector. The company announced the arrival of its new model called Lyke, which uses Porsche technology.

The model promises to be ideal for those looking for a nimble mountain bike capable of tackling steep trails on two wheels, according to the company. Thus, the bicycle is equipped with an electric motor from Fazua Motor Technology, a company owned by the famous Porsche.

The powertrain is well-known for its lightweight and compact construction, weighing only 4.2 kg including the removable battery.