A constant theme of the ideas trying to change the face of modern biking is the incorporation of the smart phone into your riding.
With cycling having exploded in popularity in many parts of the globe, innovators are racing to develop products that will cash in on the boom.
Many of the new ideas are aimed at assisting a cyclist's effort so commuting distances can become much longer and too much exertion is not needed to get to your destination.
Others are focussed on devising electric bikes powered on renewable energy or incorporating anti theft devices into bike parts.
Some developments are simply aimed at those who like to generate as much data as possible as they ride and are fond of technological bells and wheels.
Emma Bailey profiles five new products hoping to change the face of commuter biking.
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1. The Copenhagen Wheel
The Copenhagen Wheel is an all-in-one system that can easily replace the back wheel of a bike and turn it into a smart electric hybrid. It gauges the effort you are putting into your ride and gives you a little boost, adding to your own pedaling force. This ensures that instead of the bike doing all the work, the rider and the bike work together for a faster and energy preserving ride. It has the potential to vastly increase commuting distances and to truly replace the car for many journeys. Powered by a lithium battery pack, the wheel is able to store energy when you are braking or going downhill.
2. The Dutch Solar Cycle
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The Dutch Solar Cycle runs on solar power so, unlike other electric bikes, riders will not have to stop and look for an outlet to recharge. Solar panels built into both wheels charge the battery, powering with environmentally friendly renewable energy as you go. It sounds like a great alternative to the traditional electric bicycles if you want an even greener way of commuting. The bike is still being developed and is not yet available to consumers.
3. FlyKly Electric Assist Wheel
FlyKly’s KickStarter project raised over $700,000 by November 2013 and finally went on sale to the public at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. The FlyKly is lightweight and is compatible with most bikes the ride wants to turn into an electric bike. Like the Evelo Omni Wheel, this smart wheel learns your moves while you ride with its motion sensor, torque sensor, motor temperature sensor, and system monitoring sensor. It also comes with an app that monitors your speed and distance. You can even adjust your brake or assist level and lock your wheel when you’re done with your ride.
4. Evelo Omni Wheel
This smart wheel is another all-in-one system that you can install as your front wheel on virtually any bike. Unlike the Copenhagen Wheel, the Evelo Omni Wheel does not come with a smartphone app. Its wireless display can be attached onto your handlebars and receives information about your ride from your wheel. It also has two battery options: a standard battery that can provide 15 to 25 mile range in pedal-assist mode and the extended-range battery for longer and further rides. You can preorder the wheel now to ensure delivery in March 2015.
5. Connected Cycle Smart Pedals
Unveiled only a few weeks ago at the Consumer Electronics Show, these Connected Cycle Smart Pedals are the first of their kind. The Smart Pedals’ most notable feature is its built-in GPS unit and its ability to notify the bike owner when it has been moved. The rider is then able to locate it whenever and wherever they want; scuppering thieves. The pedals record your speed, route, incline, and calories burned on each ride. The Smart Pedals are still in development and are not for sale just yet. But with Connected Cycle launching crowd funding soon, mass production seems only a matter of time.
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