Is this the future?

[overlander]

Bike Wheel Invention By MIT That Powers Cyclists Up Hills Wins Heat Of James Dyson Innovation Award | Technology | Sky News

 

[overlander]

James Dyson Award | Jamesdysonaward.com

 

[the_killjoy]

Why not just put a big flywheel in store energy

 

[Mussels]

Something from MIT was more than a pipe dream.

I'm quite sceptical about the benefits of it as putting extra weight in the wheel doesn't make the nicest riding, the idea of a smartphone controller is good as it saves money but it won't be good if it only works with iPhones and it's probably not so great when it rains.

 

[Ultra Motor]

It wont work.

You basically have a very heavy unit in the back wheel, with a battery which won't be able to provide a great range. Then if you want to pedal without assistance it will be tough.

Additionally if you have a problem you are going to have to open the rear wheel.

I like the concept, but that is all it is, a concept.

 

[timidtom]

Half my dream come true? The tandem needs a power wheel and preferably wireless control but I'd like a lot more information about the specification of this wonder wheel! Whatever happened to KISS? Or 'add more simplicity'?

 

[flecc]

We've seen this posted about some while ago and it was widely condemned as unlikely to be satisfactory then, including by myself. We do seem to be in a silly season at present, what with this and the "powered pedals" nonsense that unbelievably won a cash development award.
.

 

[Barry Heaven]

The Guardian aren't impressed either:

The bike wheel that's too clever for its own good | Adam Vaughan | Environment | guardian.co.uk

 

[lemmy]

something like this can only ever channel excess energy put into the bike by the rider back out again - with losses in the storage process of course.

Bicycles are pretty efficient which is why we can travel so far with relatively small effort on them. Their raison d'etre, of course. And thus there isn't much excess energy to store.

The past of bicycles has followed a logical path of development to what would seem to be the peak in the last few years with better gears and lighter materials available.

Powered bikes will follow the same logical path of development - gimmickry like this is just a blind alley and appeals only to non cyclists who don't have enough experience to see it for the daftness that it is.