At the Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change, the researchers at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) unveiled the Copenhagen Wheel. The wheel basically stores up energy as you ride it, to then release the energy back as a boost when you need it most. The wheel can also communicate with your iPhone offering a myriad of features.
The mechanics of the Copenhagen Wheel are all housed under the bright red plastic center. Inside, the main feature of the wheel is a device that stores the kinetic energy given off by the rider applying the breaks. This energy is taken in by an electric motor which then stores it into batteries. The batteries then release this energy to power the motor when the wheel senses you are struggling. This means that when you put more effort into riding, like riding uphill, for instance, the bike gives you an extra boost from the power you have stored from breaking. It is thought this will help people be able to travel further by bike and make the whole ride smoother.
Also within the red housing at the center of the wheel are sensors and a Bluetooth connection. You can use an iPhone app to access data being taken by these sensors, such as speed, distance traveled, the air pollution is in the area, or the traffic conditions ahead. The iPhone can be mounted on a holder on the handlebars of a bike to allow you to view this information easily.
Other than a holder for your iPhone, all you need to upgrade your bike is the Copenhagen Wheel itself which the designers hope to have on sale next year.
