In our never-ending quest to prove that wheels are the answer for everything, we bring you the Copenhagen Wheel—a groundbreaking invention that turns your everyday bike into a smart electric hybrid. Simply replace your back wheel, download the app and leave your biking companions in the dust.
The wheel’s motor automatically kicks in as you pedal—no buttons required—and is capable of delivering 350 watts of extra power up to 20 miles per hour, at a range of up to 30 miles. The folks at MIT developed the technology, together with the city of Copenhagen, which we all know is a hotbed for cutting-edge cycling (seriously, does anybody drive there?). All the juicy science is housed behind the wheel’s red casing, including the motor, removable batteries, wireless connectivity, multiple sensors and an embedded control system.
The Copenhagen collects real-time data about how you pedal to customize your ride. You control everything through your smartphone app, which you can use to track your ride, change gears, toggle through five riding modes and lock and unlock your bike. Sensors in the wheel even collect information about air and noise pollution, congestion and road conditions.
A powerful wheel that can go the distance? Sounds a lot like some other wheels we know and love...