# Scrap Metal Eco Bikes The Tony Coiro Electric Motorcycle is Powered by Renewable Solar Energy By Amanda Chang | Published 2010-10-01 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tony-coiro References: [ecofriend.org](http://www.ecofriend.org/entry/purdue-student-transforms-50-motorcycle-to-run-on-solar-energy/) & [purdue.edu](http://www.purdue.edu/) Taking old materials and making them into something brand new and completely [eco-efficient](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wn7) it is exactly what Purdue University student Tony Coiro did with his [1978 Suzki motorcycle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/64-street-spec-caf-racer). Costing only a mere $50 at the time of purchase, over $2,500 was spent on the redesign and retrofitting of the bike. This one-of-a-kind motorbike after its transformation can now go 24 miles per charge and a top speed of 45 mph -- all powered by [solar energy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beambike). With this Tony Coiro breakthrough technology, the Purde EV Club is set to patent and commercialize its unique designs. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 55% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Repurposed Materials:** Embracing repurposed materials in product design to create eco-efficient and innovative solutions. - **Solar-powered Transportation:** Harnessing solar energy to power vehicles, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainable transportation options. - **Green Retrofitting:** Retrofitting existing vehicles and structures with eco-friendly technologies to enhance performance and reduce environmental impact. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Automotive:** Opportunity for automakers to develop electric vehicles that utilize repurposed materials and solar energy for power. - **Renewable Energy:** Opportunity for renewable energy companies to create solar-powered solutions for transportation and infrastructure. - **Sustainability Consulting:** Opportunity for sustainability consultants to offer expertise in retrofitting existing vehicles and structures with green technologies. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Solar-Powered Sleek Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-solaris.md) - [Angular Electric Motorbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecodryft.md) - [Transforming Electric Motorcycle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triso-electric-motorcycle.md) - [Cutting-Edge Electric Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/te1.md) - [60s-Inspired Electric Superbikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robert-turner.md) - [Connected Eco Cafe Racers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebeta-electric-cafe-cruiser.md) - [Solar-Powered Cargo Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-cargo-bike.md) - [Research-Centric Hydrogen Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrogen-motorcycle.md) - [Futuristic Solar-Powered E-Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stellar-landcraft.md)