Re-Inventing the wheel

[Augustus]

At first I thought, anything pro cycling is a good thing. Then I thought, this is such a useless gimick.

But it's digitising something perfectly happily analogue, so it must be a great thing then yeah?

http://senseable.mit.edu/copenhagenwheel/

 

[MikeD]

A self-contained power-assist thing could be quite cool. The pollution and traffic sensors and phone interface is useless gimmickry, though.

 

[suburbanreuben]

Controlled through your smartphone. :roll:

 

[highlandsflyer]

Lol.

That had me checking the date.

Even in August, it seems like an early April Fool.

 

[cyfa2809]

seems like a good idea, although not so much at the frontline of tech it does serve a purpose i guess

 

[Augustus]

A self-contained power-assist thing could be quite cool. The pollution and traffic sensors and phone interface is useless gimmickry, though.

I agree.

 

[tintin40]

pointless. if you cant pedal then buy a thing with an engine

 

[mikee]

solving a problem that dosent exist ?

stop the world i want to get off

 

[Neil]

pointless. if you cant pedal then buy a thing with an engine

Have to say, I think it's aimed at the wrong market.

People so committed to cycling, that would likely spend so much, and use a smartphone, are likely to be interested in being fit enough to not need any power-assistance.

Maybe there is a small, but rich segment of Prius / Pious potential owners who'd go for it on it's green background and almost vapourware-like status.

That said, I see plenty of people using powered bikes, or power-assisted bikes, I'm just not convinced they'd go to this kind of expense and fashion for something that appears to be more out of convenience and not having to buy something more "officially" motorised, if you know what I mean.