The basic design and concept of the bicycle has remained the same since it was invented in 19th century.
However, this might change soon with the “Copenhagen Wheel”, capable of transforming any bicycle into a smart, electric hybrid…quickly and easily.
The Copenhagen Wheel can be attached to any regular bicycle and the wheel contains a motor, batteries, multiple sensors, wireless connectivity and an embedded control system.
The wheel multiplies your pedal power up to ten times.
It learns how you pedal and then it helps you cycle anywhere. A tiny computer tells the powerful 350 watt motor when to kick in. It senses how fast you want to go from the effort applied to your pedals and gives a boost to bike faster and easier.
As you bike, the wheel captures energy when braking or going downhill that it stores in the integrated lithium battery pack. The battery is enough for a 20-mph speed and 30-mile range.
Using a Smartphone app, you can select a power assist mode.
The app also allows you to lock or unlock your wheel, track personal usage statistics including time, distance, calories burned, elevation climbed and more. It even measures the riders’ heart rate. All of the data can be compared and shared with the friends.
Developed through a partnership between MIT’s Senseable City Lab and the City of Copenhagen, the Copenhagen Wheel has been considered by Time Magazine as one of the “Best Inventions of the Year 2014”.
