Hills are no problem with the futuristic Suncycle  

Everybody needs a little help from time to time. If your bike riding intentions outweigh your abilities help may soon be at hand.

Self-powering bicycles are not a new thing, but are often cost-prohibitive or harness power as you peddle (which makes it even harder, exactly the situation you are trying to avoid!). Enter the NTS SunCycle, a bike with a retro design aesthetic and a 60w solar panel for good measure.

Featuring a “pedelec” motor system, the rider still has to peddle but is assisted by an on-board motor. A gutsy battery system is charged by the built in solar panel, leaving behind the days of mounting external solar panels in the sun on the footpath.

Being peddle-assisted gives the bike greater range. Trips of up to 65kms are theoretically possible due to variable contributions from the motor. While the motor is rated to output up to 500w of power the SunCycle limits this to a modest 250w, more than enough to get you to work and back without over-taxing the system and increasing the failure rate.

Passengers ranging from 5’2 to 6’4 can comfortably ride the SunCycle due to the clever angled seat mount. As the seat it raised it also moves further away from the handlebars. Best of all the drive train and battery system are all attached to the bike mounting so there’s no chance of returning from brunch to find your battery has been stolen.

A generous front storage tub keeps the weight load balanced and can handle up to 45kgs (not recommended for children – you can mount a child seat on the back if needed). A test run of 100 prototypes will be manufactured by April this year, and your new wheels will set you back at least AUD$4,500 making it perfect for the health-conscious scooter enthusiast in your life.

Visit the NTS SunCycle website for more information.