THE COPENHAGEN WHEEL BY SUPERPEDESTRIAN

Start-up transforms standard bicycles into hybrid e-bikes with redesigned bicycle wheel

Boston, land of researchers and innovations. Where else could a start-up receive $2.1 million in financing to reinvent the bicycle wheel? Or more accurately transform an average bicycle into an hybrid e-bike? Superpedestrian elaborated this uncommonly appealing concept, collaborating with SENSEable City Laboratory (MIT). The idea, behind the project, was to encourage people to cycle rather than drive wide cars. The Copenhagen Wheel was born, and so was its adjacent concept, that is to introduce a motor, with an integrated battery and sensors, into a standard bicycle.

Connected to a smartphone and a special app., the wheel automatically transmits, to the bike, the efforts made by the cyclist. The bicycle can then give a push when necessary, meaning climbing up a hill or riding on flatland makes no difference for the user.

Special attention was paid to the “practical” aspect of the Copenhagen Wheel: the energy is captured while the rider pedals backwards, it will last for 15 miles in each direction and will adjust to all type of bicycles.

Bicycle lovers, Superpedestrian expects to take first orders in November!