Smart wheel turns any bike into a hybrid
Created by a small team from MIT, the Copenhagen Wheel is a smart, responsive solution that transforms existing bicycles into hybrid electric bikes with regeneration and real-time sensing capabilities.
The self-contained unit, which snaps easily onto the back of any ordinary bicycle, contains a motor, batteries and an internal gear system – helping cyclists overcome hilly terrains and long distances.
It also includes environmental and location sensors that provide data for cycling-related mobile applications. Cyclists can then use this data to plan healthier bike routes, achieve their exercise goals or connect with other riders - all via a specially developed smartphone app.
The wheel is ridden like a normal bicycle – users pedal and the motor phases in and out automatically. However, what sets it apart from other solutions is the fact that it learns about the rider and intuitively recognises how hard he or she is pedalling to determine how much support they may need.
What's more, the wheel features a rechargeable lithium ion battery that can be easily swapped in and out, and an intelligent locking system that locks the bike when the rider walks away and unlocks it upon return.
The team behind the Copenhagen Wheel is now trying to turn it into a commercial reality, and plans to start selling it next year for around $600 (approx £367).
Take a look at the video below to see the technology in action.
