Solar power for two-wheeler

A Purdue University, Indiana, student has transformed an old motorcycle into a solar-powered bike with a top speed of 70km/h.

The university says that physics major Tony Danger Coiro bought the 1978 Suzuki for US$50 ($67) and spent US$2500 retrofitting it into a street-legal bike.

Two solar panels mounted on either side of the bike charge its lead acid batteries, but they can also be plugged in to charge.

Coiro's solar bike has a range of about 40km from each charge.

The South Bend junior has received a provisional patent for his invention, and he says he hopes to improve his design to create a 160km/h, sun-driven racing machine.