Superpedestrian, the startup behind the modern Copenhagen Wheel, has introduced that the product has moved past the prototype section and is to be had to purchase for the primary time. Originally unveiled lower back in 2013, the tool essentially has the capacity to show any conventional motorcycle into an e-motorcycle, complete with pedal assist and a host of other features.
Designed as part of a joint challenge among the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s SENSEable City Lab and the famously motorbike-friendly town of Copenhagen, Denmark, the wheel features an onboard electric-powered drive device powered by using a 48-volt battery. Like most different e-bikes, this gives cyclists the capacity to speedy and easily attain speeds of up 20 mph with quite a number as tons as 30 miles earlier than requiring a recharge.
Once set up on a bike frame, the Copenhagen Wheel is capable of detecting even the slightest movement from the rider and enhances their pedaling electricity by using as a great deal as 10 times. That allows cyclists to journey faster, climb steeper grades, and cowl longer distances with ease. And to beautify safety, Superpedestrian has given the commercial version the ability to self-diagnose any problems, alerting the rider if the wheel is malfunctioning in a few ways.
In addition to converting a normal bike right into a pedal-assisted e-motorbike, the Copenhagen Wheel has a few other hints up its sleeve. It comes ready with Bluetooth connectivity that allows it to be paired with a telephone to get entry to some interesting new features, such as giving riders the capacity to lock the wheel to save you theft. Later, when the motorbike’s proprietor returns, proximity sensors automatically discover the rider’s presence and unencumber the wheel previous to the beginning of a new ride. A specially designed app for iOS and Android offers the capacity to proportion the wheel with others, granting them permission to trip the motorbike.
That equal app grants users access to the motorbike’s drive machine, allowing them to set the extent of boost they receive while out on an experience. Options include an “eco” mode for keeping battery life, a “turbo” mode for going faster, and an “exercise” mode that increases resistance to provide a higher workout. The software program will additionally music a cyclist’s rides, plotting their direction on a map, and retaining track of metrics such as common speed, distance, duration, and more.
While the Copenhagen Wheel additionally comes with a couple of caveats. First, it’s heavy, tipping the scales at a whopping 16.eight pounds. That will essentially double a load of many road bikes, although it is still extensively lighter than maximum different e-motorcycles at the market.
The other caveat is the price. The Copenhagen Wheel on my own costs $1,499, even though Superpedestrian is additionally presenting an option that includes a motorbike for $1,999. To help melt the blow some, the organization is providing finance options that begin at $95 in keeping with month for people who would rather pay it off over time.