ABSTRACT Like many other countries, Pakistan struggles with its significant reliance on fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and economic growth. This dilemma has led to a growing need for affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation options. This research explores the novel concept of solar PV‐powered electric bicycles, which can revolutionize Pakistan's transportation system. This study presents a comprehensive techno‐economic‐environmental assessment of a solar‐powered electric bicycle developed using locally available components, with a focus on university campus applications. Solar‐powered electric bicycles, or “e‐bikes, ” offer a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly mode of transportation on university campuses, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. This research project investigates the construction, modification, and performance evaluation of geared DC motors and brushless DC motors used in solar‐powered electric bicycles with a gearbox system. Three motor configurations were experimentally evaluated: a 12 V self‐starter gear motor (500 W), a 24 V rewound gear motor (500 W), and a 36 V BLDC hub motor (350 W). Performance metrics, including speed, efficiency, torque, and battery consumption, were measured under controlled conditions with loads of 0, 50, and 80 kg. Each test case was repeated 10 times, and results were statistically validated (p < 0. 05). Based on research and experiments, this study explains which motor is more suitable based on performance evaluation and economic analysis for an electric bicycle. The 36 V BLDC motor demonstrated superior performance with 80% efficiency at rated load, 2000 rpm no‐load speed, and maintained 1600 rpm under 80 kg load. The study demonstrates how a conventional cycle can be converted to a solar‐powered electric bicycle and provide an economical and reliable convert‐kit solution. The solar panels with an MPPT controller are used to charge the battery, hence relying on renewable energy. The PV system comprises four 90 W panels (total 360 W) with MPPT efficiency of 90%, charging a 36 V 40 Ah lithium‐ion battery in 4. 4 h under peak sun. The experiment shows that the e‐bicycle can carry a maximum of 80 kg load without compromising average speed and overall efficiency. Moreover, consumer intent and the factors refraining to the adoption of electric bicycles are discussed. A survey of 200 potential users revealed 65% positive perception, with primary barriers being safety concerns (40%), cost (35%), and lack of awareness (25%). It can reduce air pollution, Pakistan's reliance on expensive fossil fuels, and encourage the development of more ecologically friendly and sustainable modes of transportation. National‐scale adoption scenarios indicate potential fuel import savings of 0. 95–3. 07 billion annually and CO₂ reduction of 0. 47–2. 35 billion kg/year.
Khan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.