Cost-Benefit Comparison: Solar versus Electric Bike Motor Battery Recharging

Mike leroy

Active Member
When is a solar backpack a better option than electric bicycle regeneration from the motor? Clearly, only non-geared hub motors allow this option. If you own a mid-drive, then solar is your only option.
SolarBackpack.jpg
The HPC folding solar panel can recharge your battery during lunch.
Also, battery damage can occur by recharging a fully charged battery. Historically, hub motor regeneration has recovered only a small percentage of power. Many bicycle manufacturers have dropped regeneration features.

To take advantage of a solar backpack, your bike needs to provide an external charging outlet. Most bikes have a charging port. Obviously, the amount of sunshine and direction of travel affect solar recharging capability.

I will provide more detail as time permits.
 
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