The GreenWheel bicycle wheel features an electric motor and batteries in a small built-in housing. The GreenWheel can be retrofitted to any bike. It uses a bluetooth connection that communicates throttling instructions to the device when the rider twists the throttle handle.
Charging the wheel can be accomplished by plugging in or by pedaling. The motor has a range of roughly 25 miles when fully charged. Lithium ion batteries are used in the GreenWheel rather than the heavier and more environmentally destructive lead-based batteries used in some other pedal-to-electric bicycle conversions. The unit is also completely self-contained: no need to install a separate battery pack.
Ryan Chin and Michael Chia-Lian Lin developed the Greenwheel as part of MIT’s Smart Cities programs.
The video shows an alternate conversion system.
Bicycle Conversions
GreenWheel Swap-Out Creates Eco Electric-Assist Transportation
Trend Themes
1. Electric Bike Retrofits - The GreenWheel bicycle wheel is just one example of the growing trend of retrofitting traditional bicycles with electric assists.
2. Smart Bike Technology - The bluetooth-enabled communication system used by the GreenWheel represents a trend towards integrating technology into bicycles for a better user experience.
3. Sustainable Transportation Solutions - The use of environmentally friendly lithium ion batteries in the GreenWheel reflects the trend towards sustainable transportation options.
Industry Implications
1. Bicycle Manufacturing - Bicycle manufacturers have the opportunity to incorporate retrofitting technology like the GreenWheel into their product lines.
2. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing - Electric vehicle manufacturers may see the potential for collaboration with retrofit companies as the demand for electric bikes continues to grow.
3. Smart Technology Industry - The integration of smart technology into bicycles, as demonstrated by the GreenWheel, presents a potential market opportunity for companies in the smart technology industry.