New Gadget Adds Electric Motor to Any Bicycle



Researchers at MIT developed the Copenhagen Wheel -- an electric motor that they say can attach to almost any bicycle. The team says:

There is no external wiring or bulky battery packs, making it retrofittable into any bike. 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.


Users can also dock a smartphone to the Copenhagen Wheel to control how much assistance the electric motor provides.

Link via DVICE | Photo: MIT

Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

" and a sensor kit that monitors CO, NOx, noise (db), relative humidity "
Isn't this an electric motor? Why would you need a CO,NOx and humidity sensor? And how is an electric setup not going to have wires?
And yes hub motors have been available for some time.
Bad article.
~~ Nehmo
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
@Ohm, isn't it true that unexperienced bikers would fall using this wheel rather than experienced bikers like myself running 25 km. per day to and back from work?

I'm interested because i find E-bikes too bulky and heavy, if it is true what those MIT geeks claim i as a dutchman am too say the least fascinated.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
my uncle has been making bike assist motors for *years* - http://www.thunderstruck-ev.com
This, being from MIT, is very nice however. I'd love to see if they open their motor controller source and schematics...
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
They are in the market - just not ones that read emmision levels. Also the controllers and batteries are usually external.

With just a quick search on bike hub motors:
http://www.evsolutions.net/9Continent.html
http://www.goldenmotor.com/
http://www.falconev.com/E-Bikes.html
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
I'll be sure to strap on my Jet Pack and fly over to the store and pick one up.

More "we're dreaming" engineering by MIT.

Let me know when (and by when I mean if) it hits the market.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"New Gadget Adds Electric Motor to Any Bicycle"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More