Technology Jun 25, 2026 · 1 min read

Is this solar e-bike a good idea or sophisticated e-waste?

I like the idea of a solar-powered electric bike, but I don't think anyone should buy the new Phosgo Go5 - not yet, anyway. This "world's first AI solar e-bike" promises to "eliminate range anxiety," and is sold by a new brand out of China hoping to make a big splash by selling direct-to-consumer th...

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The Verge
by Thomas Ricker
Is this solar e-bike a good idea or sophisticated e-waste?
The bike shown in a dramatic profile, facing left, and mounted on top of a solar panel stand.
Tempting, isn’t it? | Image: Phosgo

I like the idea of a solar-powered electric bike, but I don't think anyone should buy the new Phosgo Go5 - not yet, anyway. This "world's first AI solar e-bike" promises to "eliminate range anxiety," and is sold by a new brand out of China hoping to make a big splash by selling direct-to-consumer through a global crowdfunding campaign. So many red flags here.

According to a media kit the company sent me from a generic gmail.com address, Phosgo is a joint venture between Jiaxing Dazhe Solar Energy and Shenzhen Honglianda Technology. Dazhe provides the flexible solar technology pioneered by someone identified only as "Dr. Li," while Hongliand …

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This article was originally published by The Verge and written by Thomas Ricker.

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