Is This Solar-Powered E-Bike a Smart Innovation or Just High-Tech Trash?

I’m intrigued by the concept of a solar-powered electric bike, but I can’t recommend the Phosgo Go5 just yet. Dubbed the “world’s first AI solar e-bike,” this model aims to “eliminate range anxiety” and is being marketed by a new brand from China through a global crowdfunding initiative. However, there are several concerns to consider.

Phosgo is a collaboration between Jiaxing Dazhe Solar Energy and Shenzhen Honglianda Technology. Dazhe is responsible for the flexible solar technology developed by someone referred to as “Dr. Li,” while Honglianda brings in established supply chain and e-commerce know-how.

The Go5 comes in two aluminum-frame models, both featuring Bafang mid-drive motors, although some images show a motor from Ananda. The base model is priced at $1,999 during the “super early bird” phase, while the Go5 Ultra starts at $2,799. The company claims prices will double later, a common tactic to create urgency in crowdfunding campaigns. The launch is set for Saturday, July 27th.

Each bike is equipped with four 50W circular solar panels integrated into the wheels, utilizing BC (back contact) cells. This design is advantageous as it hides the electrical contacts, giving the panels a sleek appearance without visible grid lines. BC panels are also better at handling partial shading from various sources like cars, buildings, and even the rider. The solar components add about 8 pounds to these roughly 50-pound bikes.

However, there’s a significant drawback: all 200W of those solar panels are oriented incorrectly. To maximize charging, you’d have to lay the bike flat, and even then, only half of the panels would be exposed to direct sunlight. In practical terms, you can expect to generate only a few watts while riding or when the bike is on its kickstand.

Phosgo’s range claims are inconsistent. A table in the media kit suggests that the solar panels could add 17 miles between charges from a wall outlet, but it doesn’t clarify how this figure was determined. It likely represents the best-case scenario under ideal conditions. In reality, you can expect much less, especially in urban settings where bikes are parked closely together. Charging concerns will still be a factor.

Lastly, the so-called “advanced speech-to-speech AI” is underwhelming. An integrated AI assistant for an e-bike seems unnecessary, and its ability to recommend a good burger joint is highly questionable.

I genuinely hope the Phosgo Go5 series lives up to its promises. Everyone loves a good underdog story. But unless you’re willing to take a risk, it might be wise to hold off on backing this crowdfunding campaign. Global fulfillment can be tricky, especially when it involves large batteries and sensitive electronics that require ongoing maintenance. If you’re looking for a reliable solution, consider investing in a general-purpose solar generator and portable solar panel instead. They can power your e-bike, drone, tools, laptop, and even keep your fridge and gaming console running during a blackout.