14 DAY TRIAL // Engineers venture-backed, Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Superpedestrian, Inc. propose a new way of using your bicycle. Featuring the expertise of Assaf Biderman, an associate director with the SENSEable City Lab at MIT, the revolutionary Copenhagen Wheel may be just what many need to pick up cycling again.
The wheel is basically a lightweight electric vehicle that comes with a special app for your Android or iOS smartphone. It was developed at MIT with support from the city of Copenhagen, and its main purpose is to help cyclists pedal when the going gets rough.
All components, including the electric motor, removable batteries, and sensors are located within a single enclosure, which connects to your smartphone via a wireless connection and dedicated app. The electric motor learns how you pedal, and only assists you when you really need it.
The capabilities of the Copenhagen Wheel are reflected by the 14,000 preorders that Superpedestrian received to date. At this point, the wheel and electric pedal-assist system can be purchased for just $700 (510 euros). Watch the amazing video above for more details.