Solar cars are functional due to the photovoltaic cells that can convert the sun's energy directly into electrical energy. Today, solar cars are not practical day-to-day transportation devices, but they could be in the near future.

Since the pollution is a priority on every government's list, any idea that could lead to a new solar powered vehicle is well received. Regarding this matter, when it comes to developing a solar powered motorcycle, the Spanish sunRed had to get even more creative. As seen in the pictures, the beautiful vehicle is a prototype of a solar scooter.

The scooters are quite popular in many parts of the world, due to their low cost and easy driving position, not to mention the fact that they don't even require a driving license. The motor scooters are also popular as they are extremely light and they provide even larger storage room than a motorcycle.

However, SunRed is known as being a company that specializes in building prototypes but also racing cars. It is also a newcomer to the popular GT racing category where heavy names like Ferrari, Porsche and James Bond's favorite brand, Aston Martin battle with Viper or Mosler.

So, it shouldn't surprise anyone that the Spanish company is preparing to launch a solar scooter that is going to have a photovoltaic surface of around 3.1 square meters when the panels are going to be fully deployed. When they're going to be retracted, they'll continue to soak up the sun's energy to charge the cool looking bike, even if at a reduced rate.

To make it even cooler, the manufactures added an LCD touch screen in its dash, which is going to display information on energy consumption, range and load as well as speed, odometer and trip meter readouts. The scooter's motor was mounted in the front wheel hub, which is going to eliminate the need for a transmission and the associated power losses to squeeze out the best range from the available power.

All in all, the 13 mile range should make the sunRed prototype a decent and funky commuter in the overcrowded urban areas. There is no information regarding the recharging time, or any alternative recharging method, in case your bike runs out of juice.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if big fish like Aprilia, Piaggio or Yamaha are going to adopt the idea since the green transport is always going to be a priority in the future.