This all-in-one Smart Wheel locks, tracks, and powers your bike (it can even recharge your phone too)
FlyKly's Smart Wheel can fit on to any bike and charges in three to four hours
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Your support makes all the difference.For the environmentally conscious among us who choose to cycle to work and are tired of turning up a sweaty, panting mess, a firm in the US has developed something that might be of interest.
FlyKly, a firm based in New York, America, has developed the Smart Wheel, a pedal assist which aims to help cyclists ride their bikes “effortlessly”.
According to FlyKly, the wheel, which has a lightweight 250W motor and battery attached to it, will fit “practically any bicycle frame”, and comes in a variety of different sizes and colours. Using the accompanying FlyKly app, the motor can be set to a desired top speed for riding – speeds of up to 20mph are possible. Once the app gets to know your regular cycle routes, it will also be able to suggest quicker and safer routes.
The Smart Wheel can be charged within a few hours, and even recharges when you cycle downhill. While cycling, the bike generates just enough energy to power a small light mounted to the bike.
When it comes to protecting the wheel, the motor can be remotely locked via a companion app, and, in the unfortunate event of your fancy new bike wheel getting stolen, it can be tracked on a smartphone using GPS.
The Smart Wheel's app even monitors your regular routes, offering faster or more scenic paths for you to take, and a clip on light that is also included acts as both a dock and charger for your smartphone.
At the moment the Smart Wheel is currently only a prototype. To generate the funds needed to put the wheel into mass production, FlyKly has taken its campaign to the crowdfunding website Kickstarter.
The initial $100,000 goal was achieved some time ago and now, at the time of writing, the new $400,000 target has just been hit. With this new level of funding, the firm are able to develop a motor brake for the wheel. If the level of funding reaches $500,000, then the Smart Wheel will be made to glow in the dark.
As would be expected, those looking to buy a Smart Wheel will have to part with a fairly considerable amount of money – $590 (£370) is the current offer.
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