A "smart" wheel unit that can be attached to almost any bike, transforming it into an electric hybrid that powers up seamlessly when you need it most, is now available for pre-order. The Copenhagen Wheel is being positioned as the Nike Fuel band for cycling, with an integrated app keeping you and your friends up to date with your urban cycling progress.
Unlike other similar products coming to market -- including the FlyKly, which recently smashed its Kickstarter target by $600,000 -- Superpedestrian's unit (which slots on to your back wheel) is not about powering up continually to save your lazy legs. A series of sensors are embedded in the red casing, which track your speed, incline, pedal-pushing prowess and other factors, in order to calculate when you need the power most. As such, the battery-powered 5.5kg pack will save energy, while also recharging every time you brake, powering up to speeds of 32km/h with a range of 48km.