On a bike, space for panels is scarce. A solar bike trailer solves that: it gives you a flat, sunny surface for 100–200 W or more, keeps the weight off the bike and can carry luggage underneath. For many long-distance riders it is the heart of their solar setup.
Single-wheel or two-wheel?
- Single-wheel trailers track behind the bike, lean into corners and stay narrow – great on trails and narrow paths.
- Two-wheel trailers stand on their own, carry more and make a stable platform for larger panels – but they are wider and feel every bump on one side.
What to think about
- Weight: panel, frame and battery add up quickly – every kilogram has to be pulled uphill.
- Wind: a large flat panel catches crosswinds and creates drag.
- Panel type: rigid glass is cheap and durable, flexible is light – see rigid, flexible or foldable.
- Battery: a trailer is the natural place for a second battery, often LiFePO4.
- Rules: lights, width and weight limits apply – see pedelec rules.
How much does it bring?
200 W on a trailer can add several dozen kilometres of assisted riding on a summer day – see how many watts you need and range calculation. On long tours the trailer often decides whether you depend on sockets or not.
Look at real trailers in our solar trailer builds, at SolarTrails and at the riders of the Sun Trip.
