In this video, I install the electrical motor and controller on the Cyberdrop, unbox solar panels from Sunpower (Maxeon), do some test rides, crash my drone, troubleshoot a malfunctioning controller, do some more test rides, head to the beach and chat about the project with locals.
Exciting times! Now I'm turning my full attention to the big battery build. I've planned to use my Bullitt cargo bike as the main tow vehicle. I can store the battery in the aluminum box that came with the Bullitt (bought it used). However, I am worried about the vibration and lack of suspension on the Bullitt, especially at higher speeds.
So I am exploring options for adding a front suspension fork to the Bullitt, but it's hard to find a 20" air shock that can be tuned for the extra weight and be made to work with the Bullitt. I'll probably just have to buy a fork and try it out. This also would require me to weld a steering arm attachment onto the fork, so not a job to be taken lightly!
Another option would be to split the battery into two smaller batteries - one to fill the triangle of my dual suspension mountain bike, and one that would go in the Cyberdrop. I don't really like the idea of sleeping on top of a lithium battery while charging... modifying the Bullitt is probably the way to go.
I also wanted to cover the entire roof (front and back angles) with Maxeon solar cells and solder them together myself for a custom DIY panel and greater solar wattage compared to commercially available options. My roof width is 40", and after deducting another 2" from the trim, I can only fit 1x 100 watt solar panel lengthwise versus two or three widthwise.
I was inspired by the Apterra solar car design. But I am having trouble finding any information on how to protect the cells, what materials to use, etc... If you have any ideas, let me know!
For now, I'll keep testing. I've got to wire up the porch lights, start finishing the interior with hull liner fabric, and finalize the electrical panel.
Carry on!