Arizona's affiliation with SBR dates back to the first race in 1996. Two schools from Arizona entered the event, with the team from Colorado City High School placing second. Colorado City went on to compete in a similar solar bike event in Japan later that same summer, and again placed in the top three. To date, Colorado City High School is the only Arizona high school to place in the annual national event.

What is a SOLAR BIKE?

These are bicycles to which an electric motor, battery, and a solar panel have been added to assist the human power provided by the rider. In practical applications, a solar bike gives the rider the option of "coasting" on stored solar power to nearby destinations or cutting commute time by combining the electric assist with normal riding effort. Once at their destination, solar bikes recharge themselves for the ride home.

In competition, solar bikes derive about half of their energy from the rider and half from the electric system. Top bikes in 1998 averaged more than 40 km/hr in the modified and over 38 km/hr in the stock categories. Sprint speeds for these special bikes can exceed 65 km/hr!

What is SOLAR BIKERAYCE USA ?

The Solar BikeRayce USA is a unique competition that challenges students and others interested in electric vehicles and solar energy to use technology and muscle power to peak performance.

The 1999 event is being held in Topeka, Kansas, May 21-23,1999, the event features a sprint (400 meter) and a marathon (100 km) race. Top teams from Solar BikeRayce USA will be sponsored to enter the World Solar Bike Race in Japan next July and the World Solar Bicycle Challenge in Australia in November .

Who can enter SOLAR BIKERAYCE USA ?

Solar BikeRayce USA features high school, adult, and senior categories for both men and women. Everyone 15 and older can compete. The solar bikes race in four classes- stock, modified, open and solar vehicle.

Classes

A Class - the "Stock Solar Cycle" uses up to 480Wh of sealed lead-acid batteries on a production cycle frame using at least two wheels and no fairings. The vehicle must carry at least 0.15 m2. Teams may also use a stationary panel during mid-rayce recharge for up to 1.2m2 of combined solar
array. This class allows participation by teams on a limited budget or using "off-the-shelf" components.

B Class - the" Modified Solar Cycle" uses up to 480Wh of sealed lead acid, 480Wh of Silver-Zinc, Nickel-Zinc, Nickel-Cadmium or Nickel-Iron batteries. This category has no restrictions on the fairings or frame as long as the entry has at least two wheels and fits within the regulation size (2.4m L x 1.0m W x 1.6m H) . The vehicle must carry at least 0.15 m2 of solar cells. Teams may use up to 1.2m2 of solar cells on the vehicle and in the charging pit area. This category allows greater freedom in the application of technologies and ideas while incorporating both human and solar power.

S Class - the "Solar Vehicle" uses up to 30 kg of sealed lead acid batteries or two batteries from one of the Deep Cycle groups. These vehicles have no restrictions on the fairings or frame as long as the entry has at least two wheels and fits within the regulation size (3.7m L x 1.23m W x 1.6m H) . The vehicle may use up to 1.2m2 of solar cells. This category provides a competitive forum for those who want to push the limits of efficient solar and electric transportation.

X Class - the "Open Vehicle" is for ideas that don't fit the other classes. Battery, Solar and Vehicle Dimensions may not exceed regulations.