Solar bikes are becoming increasingly popular. At least on social media, we can see more and more of them. The Sun Trip – a solar bike race also helps to promote them. The obstacle to their wider use is that they are still not easy to buy. While there are several ready-made solutions, most owners end up building them at home with their own hands. This usually means solving several problems related to both the electrical part and the structure that holds the solar panels. For this last problem, the French manufacturer Veltop offers a solution. The company specializes in canopies for recumbents, cargo bikes and electric wheelchairs for the elderly. Veltop decided to develop a canopy called Power Ride, which can hold a semi-flexible solar panel up to 80 x 160 cm / 31.5 x 63 inches.

Many long-distance riders have tested Veltop’s canopies, some of whom have completed very long expeditions. It is based on a proven system of adjustable brackets that allow the entire canopy to be mounted on most trikes on the market today. At the top, the tubular aluminum structure is complemented by waterproof foam padding, which further strengthens the structure but also creates a kind of support for the solar panel itself, which is attached to the canopy with the supplied Velcro straps. It is important to note that the solar panel is not included with the Veltop. It is up to you to select and purchase one to match the rest of the solar system. 



Veltop offers two versions. One has a plastic screen in the front for protection from rain, and the other is open in the front and for sunny weather only. You can also get a kit that converts your existing Veltop into a Power Ride version. 


More information about the Veltop Power Ride can be found on the manufacturer’s website (BTW: Very nice new web page). From our point of view, this is an excellent step that will make it easier for many people to build a solar bike and increase its durability.