In 2010 Dahon will introduce the BioLogic FreeCharge, an electricity storage battery that connects to a bike dyno hub. The BioLogic FreeCharge comes off the bike and can be carried around- it becomes stored electricity power that you can charge any device that uses a USB, from an iPod to a GPS unit.
The logic of the BioLogic is that it uses the inconsistent energy created by riding a bike to charge a small battery, then uses the battery to charge the iPod or other device. That means the FreeCharge comes as a steady stream of electricity.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ohd48POiym4
Dahon plans to include the device on their new Ios XL and the Speed TR models. FreeCharge comes complete with a silicon casing for easy attachment to the bike. All sources say the BioLogic FreeCharge will be available next March for around $100.
Imagine a fleet of these at a bike ride fundraisers for green causes that then power the after-party? Or touring with one of these and not having to rely on café outlets or campground units- freedom. And as someone who puts a few miles a day on my own bike, I love concept of hanging onto some of that energy- and getting it from my own legs rather than from a coal-fired power plant out of the wall? Love it.
I look forward to further innovation with this kind of technology- knowing Dahon, I’m sure it’s not too far down the road.
[Thanks to Bike Hugger, Gizmodo and Wired]
Awesome idea! I sent a link for this post to my bike geek bf who loves his bike. This would be perfect for him! I enjoyed reading your ideas for how this could be used. I don’t bike very much myself, but maybe I could get myself to do it for a fundraiser if I would get to go to the after party that I help power.
Thanks for forwarding the link! It’s such a cool technology- the possibilities are endless.
Great info. I’ve forwarded the link onto Blair’s roommate who is an advid bike rider and he used to be a bike messenger too! How sensible is this devise, I’m sure he’ll share this info also with his biking group of friends. Keep up the good work Scott!
Still can’t buy this yet but I bought from another compnay at http://www.econvergence.net/cyclech.htm I love it.