TAIPEI, Taiwan (BRAIN)—A Taiwan designer combined three “green transportation” trends—solar power, electric power and folding bikes—to claim the winning entry in this year’s bicycle design competition.
Larry Chen rode away with NT$500,000 ($16,300) for his concept, called “Sunny Day,” during the first day of Taipei Cycle on Thursday. The solar panel sits on the front of the bike and is streamlined to lower wind resistance. When the bicycle is parked, the solar panel tilts upwards toward the sky to capture more solar energy.
The design competition, now in its 12th year, attracted 922 entries from 55 countries. Winners shared awards totaling more than NT$1.16 million ($37,000).
Second-place winner was Par Blanking of Sweden, who merged curved pieces of wood to make an elegant city bike. Taking third place was an Australian concept for a bicycle that folds into a backpack.
PHOTO by Doug McClellan: Sunny Day, a solar-powered e-bike, won top honors at this year’s International Bicycle Design Competition at Taipei Cycle.
—Doug McClellan
