In Senegal, we are creating spinning studios at secondary schools in rural and semi-urban areas, turning them into mini grid centers. We are equipping schools with 30 to 50 power bikes and solar-paneled roof tops (depending on the school size and their energy needs). During P.E., students circle indoor, generating 10,000W (10kw) daily on average.
We also designed rechargeable power banks and rechargeable bulbs that can provide light energy saving light for 7hours. Students in the rural communities are given power bank each to use at night to study. They would charge up their power banks at school and then go home to connect it to their energy saving bulbs, ensuring they can study at any time.
The spinning labs in the school also serves as an educational platform for students to learn and explore topics related to electricity, conservation of energy, green energy, mechanics, welding, fitness, human biology, etc. The spinning lab’s Read and Ride program has increased reading, physical activity, and interest in STEM.
Beyond the schools, the Bonga Bike benefits businesses and private individuals. Senegalese buy the power bikes to serve as a complimentary or backup electricity source. They also buy the Power Kit, which can be added to any bicycle, movable or stationary, and used to create and store electricity as the rider moves throughout the day transporting goods and persons. The stored energy can then be used to light up their homes at night or it can be sold to others to light up their homes at night.
Overall, Bonga Bike is creating energy, championing health, mental health and fitness, providing an educational platform for students to get into STEM, creating jobs in the community, and preserving the environment. As an alternative source of clean energy, the Bonga Bike reduces carbon footprint, preserving the environment.