World's first solar e-bike promises to eliminate range anxiety, but experts warn of risks
The new Phosgo Go5 series solar e-bike is marketed as the world's first, but experts point to several issues, including inefficiently placed solar panels and a questionable AI assistant.
Phosgo, a joint venture between Chinese companies Jiaxing Dazhe Solar Energy and Shenzhen Honglianda Technology, has launched the Go5 and Go5 Ultra models, promising to eliminate range anxiety with solar panels. However, experts are skeptical.
Both models feature 200W solar panels integrated into the wheels, but their orientation is inefficient – to get a maximum charge, the bike would need to be laid on its side. In practice, while riding or parked on the kickstand, the panels will generate only a few watts.
Phosgo claims the solar panels can add up to 17 miles (about 27 kilometers) between charges, but this is likely achieved under ideal conditions. In urban environments, the figure will be significantly lower.
The bike also comes with a built-in AI voice assistant, which experts consider unnecessary and unreliable.
The base Phosgo Go5 is priced at $1,999, while the Go5 Ultra starts at $2,799. Sales begin on July 27th via Kickstarter. Experts advise against rushing to purchase, as new companies face challenges with global logistics and support.
"Don't back this campaign unless you've got money to burn," says one reviewer, recommending consumers consider a universal solar generator as an alternative.
