The Copenhagen Wheel, winner of the James Dyson award
This year’s James Dyson award (an award to inspire young people about design enginerring) has been won by a group of students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (the MIT) who have developed what they call the Copenhagen wheel, an invention that can be attached to any normal everyday bicycle to turn it into a hybrid electric bike. Powered by batteries the Copenhagen wheel contains a motor and internal gear system which help to support the actions and movement of a cyclist, great for helping overcome steeper hills and longer distances. In true 2010 smart phone fashion the wheel also contains a GPS sensor that sends data to supported cycling apps on smart phones such as the iphone, allowing for tracking of journeys and the planning of routes and fitness goals.
The Copenhagen wheel isn’t available in shops at the moment but as winner of the James Dyson award don’t be surprised if you come across it sooner than later.