About this project
Jean-Louis Merelle is a sportsman with a passion for electronics and the mountains. His recumbent trike has two motors (a 300 W crank motor and a 500 W direct-drive rear motor) and two 48 V batteries of about 1,000 Wh.
The highlight: three 130 W solar panels that orient themselves automatically towards the sun. Together with smart chargers they give him practically unlimited range in full sunshine. Redundant equipment, a good toolbox and spare parts let him solve problems on the road.
After a strong first participation on the Sun Trip Alpes 2023, he rode The Sun Trip 2024 to the Sahara. The trike has covered more than 6,000 km without major damage.
Technical data
| Rider | Jean-Louis Merelle (France) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | Recumbent trike |
| Motors | 300 W crank + 500 W direct-drive rear |
| Battery | 2 × 48 V, ~1,000 Wh |
| Solar | 3 × 130 W, automatic sun tracking |
| Weight | ~78 kg |
| Sun Trip | Alpes 2023, 2024, Auvergne, AURA 2026 |
Links
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeanlouis.merelle
- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@_occupations
Sources
Photos and details come from the rider’s profile on The Sun Trip website.
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