The Copenhagen Wheel

[MaxPower]

YouTube - The Copenhagen Wheel - Teaser

[deacon]

I have heard of the self contained wheel but Im a skeptic

[biken stins]

Nice looking.

[BarelyAWake]

Originally Posted by MIT

Inside the hub, we have arranged a motor,
3-speed internal hub gear, batteries, a torque sensor, GPRS and a sensor kit that
monitors CO, NOx, noise (db), relative humidity and temperature. In the future,
you will be able to spec out your wheel according to your riding habits and needs.

Controlled through your smart phone, the Copenhagen Wheel becomes
a natural extension of your everyday life. You can use your phone to unlock and
lock your bike, change gears and select how much the motor assists you.
As you cycle, the wheel’s sensing unit is also capturing your effort level and
information about your surroundings, including road conditions, carbon monoxide,
NOx, noise, ambient temperature and relative humidity. Access this data
through your phone or the web and use it to plan healthier bike routes,
to achieve your exercise goals or to meet up with friends on the go.
You can also share your data with friends, or with your city...

http://senseable.mit.edu/copenhagenwheel/index.html

o_O

TBH I gotta say I see this as far more a enviro-fanatic, smartphone gimmick than an actual powered bicycle... given the problems of weight/reserve/output traditional ebikes have I just can't quite see that setup providing any more than the feeblest of assistance, perhaps just enough to offset it's own weight?

Actually... it's tracking abilities kinda creep me out...

|.o

[deacon]

Heck of an idea though, I agree I can't see it as a viable ebike.

[fleebell]

It's been bounced around on a few of the other forums too. So far not too many have been impressed from what I can tell. One of the big questions is how does the throttle work and do you HAVE to have a Iphone to be able to use it.

Lee
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