A Wednesday release by Purdue University, Indiana, has revealed that one of its students, Tony Danger Coiro, has transformed an old motorcycle into a solar-powered bike that can achieve a top speed of 70km (40m) per hour.

According to the release, physics major Coiro, purchased a 1978 Suzuki for US$50 and spent US$2500 to redesign and retrofit it into a street-legal bike.

Talking about his solar bike, Coiro said: "The riding experience is surreal. I get instant, silent, constant acceleration that outpaces urban traffic. It's like riding a magic carpet."

The solar-powered bike by the South Bend junior boasts a range of approximately 40km from one charge. The bike's solar cells power its lead acid batteries, which can also be charged by plugging into household current.

Having received a provisional patent for his solar bike, Coiro says he hopes to improve the design and create a 100-horsepower, 160km/h sun-driven motorcycle, which will draw even more of its energy from the sun.

In his attempt to expand environmentally-friendly transportation options to like-minded students, Coiro, along with two other solar-power vehicle enthusiasts, has formed the Purdue Electric Vehicles Club. According to Coiro, the club will encourage enthusiasm for, and knowledge and development of, electric vehicles by students and the community."