Watch: Indian teen in Dubai builds solar-powered scooter to help workers beat the heat

Dubai: In a shining example of youth-led innovation, an 18-year-old Indian student in Dubai has designed and built a fully functional solar-powered electric scooter – a sustainable solution born from a problem he observed in his own community.
Param Bhimani, a Year 12 STEM student at Jumeirah College, created the scooter after witnessing the daily struggles of workers commuting under the harsh Dubai sun.

“My solar-powered electric scooter isn’t just an engineering feat – it’s a solution to a real-world problem,” said Param.
“One day, I noticed workers cycling long distances under the scorching sun. Electric scooters could ease their commute, but regular charging was a barrier. That’s when the idea struck: what if the same sun causing the problem could also power the solution?”

Designed from scratch, the scooter takes around nine hours of sunlight to fully charge, after which it can run up to 20 km at a top speed of 40 km/h – all without any need for external power.

Watch the video below featuring Param Bhimani and his solar-powered scooter.

Param designed the scooter using Onshape CAD software, conducted simulations to test its structural integrity, and personally welded the chassis at a local shop.

From selecting the appropriate motor and battery based on torque and load needs, to developing a custom Battery Management System (BMS), he handled every step of the process.
“I assembled everything – the tyres, brakes, accelerator – and completed all the wiring.” Under the guidance of a UC Berkeley professor, he also wrote a 20-page research paper to develop the algorithm that would manage battery usage, safety, and longevity.

His innovation aligns closely with the UAE’s clean energy vision and national focus on sustainable development.

“This scooter is more than a vehicle – it’s a statement. A message that even students with limited resources can create meaningful solutions when driven by curiosity,” said Param, who credits the Year of Sustainability and the Year of Community as key inspirations behind his work.

He is currently refining the scooter’s efficiency, exploring patent options, and seeking collaborations with organisations that support underserved communities.

Param’s passion for engineering and sustainability began at age 12 with DIY kits, and led to multiple high-impact projects, including a solar-powered car, and an autonomous drone with real-time flight control and vision-based object detection.

“Engineering is more than just fun – it’s a tool to solve real-world problems. That’s the future I want to build – one where technology serves people, clean energy drives sustainability, and students like me are part of the solution,” Param added.