Here Comes the Copenhagen Wheel

Last December 15, 2009 the Copenhagen Wheel, “the wheel that turns your ordinary bike into a smart electric hybrid”, was unveiled during the COP 15 UN Climate Conference. This device is supposed to turn your everyday bike into a hybrid e-bike without much effort or without too many wires or bulky batteries. It stores unused kinetic energy from cycling and braking for later use. You can also use your smartphone for unlocking or locking the bike, changing gears and controlling the motor in the bike.

As you bike along your usual route, the Copenhagen wheel collects data on pollution levels, road conditions, as well as temperature and humidity. You access this data through your smartphone to plan out a better and healthier route to your daily destination. Aside from your own personal use, you can also share the data to your friends or even the authorities anonymously, giving your own contribution to the information database about the environment within your locality.

Aside from these features, it can also serve as your personal trainer by giving you feedback on your effort level and fitness. The wheel itself can be easily installed in any bike making this a welcome development for people who value both their health and the environment. See the video below:

Source: senseable.mit.edu