O2 showcases pedal-powered cellphone charger

Motorola so had this down pat last year, but we suppose O2 is just showcasing its pedal-powered charging system now that such devices are all the rage. Just days after we had a look at two unorthodox chargers from Orange, along comes rival O2 with a bicycle-related alternative. Reportedly, the eco-friendly device will be demonstrated at the O2 Wireless Festival in London's Hyde Park, but unfortunately, each of the demo bikes will be stationary. Still no word on whether O2 has a mind to take this thing commercial, but for cyclists the world over, here's to hoping it does.

[Thanks, Adam]

[fischju Posted Jun 27th 2008 8:56PM]

You can make one yourself for not too much cash
http://www.scienceshareware.com/bike-generator-using-a-car-alternator.htm
Something like this can generate enough to power useful things, like PC or TV. Hooked to a battery system, you can seriously offset your electric bill (and gym membership, but I doubt many of the people reading this go to one)

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 11:14PM]

Thanks, I just blew an hour going through that site :). I love this stuff, I have all the parts ready to build one, now I just need to get around to it.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 9:01AM]

I agree with you. In Chile we made something like that for an University proyect and the idea is "All person can make this stuff", it's very simple.
see ya

[Craig B Posted Jun 27th 2008 9:06PM]

First comes using stationary bikes for generating own-use electricty, next comes Soilent Green. I can see where this is going....

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 12:36AM]

and third comes the over-acting

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 9:07PM]

It's a good one. One more reason to do exercise...

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 9:56PM]

I could see a way that this will help America (in a few ways in addition to producing electricy)

1)Biking, by design is more efficent than driving a car
2)If more people ride bikes the more fit they become (fat people will lose weight, etc)
3)By having more people fit, health costs go down

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 10:25PM]

Yup, lets get all the couch-potatoes off their couches, pedaling to power their refrigerator! It would really appeal, don't you think?

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 10:27PM]

And that was being sarcastic.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 10:16PM]

thats cool

[hugoliva Posted Jun 27th 2008 10:16PM]

I know this is totally unrelated but, iI have to say this, have you noticed how calm and nice has Engadget been today?
I've just read a ton of articles Billy G related and all of the sudden it has hit me. THE TROLL IS MISSING. CLAK IS DEAD, let us all rejoice and enjoy it while it lasts.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 1:08AM]

just the part about Reagan was bad.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 10:23PM]

Yeah. Just wait for the person you called to ask why you're huffing and puffing. And your neighbor peering over the fence, asking the same thing.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 3:48AM]

Well considering how little energy a phone needs to run you could certainly power it off a bike without even trying

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 10:47PM]

@john

sounds like this guy really knows hes talking about, he must be smart, handsome, and very likable

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 27th 2008 11:32PM]

I bet Japanese people will be happy with this gadget.

[ZeroCorpse Posted Jun 28th 2008 12:54AM]

Anyone who talks on a mobile phone while riding a bike deserves the inevitable face-plant and road rash they get.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 5:48AM]

They obviously don't realize that most of my generation, Generation Y, will most likely be too preoccupied with text messaging to pay enough attention in order to avoid crashing, while riding said bicycle.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 11:45AM]

there goes Generation Z.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 6:13AM]

I am already able to charge a phone, ipod, batteries or gps when cycling. I do it with a SON dynamo and some self made electronics. I've found the self built plans on german websites.

[Ethan Posted Jun 28th 2008 6:56AM]

Yay for corporate posturing.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 1:46PM]

Spotted an N95.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 1:47PM]

Spotted an N95.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 29th 2008 12:57AM]

They had those at Coachella like 2 years ago

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 28th 2008 11:15PM]

Really not all that awesome, tech like this has been around for ages, use the hamsters godamnit! Im too lazy!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 29th 2008 12:57AM]

Coachella Music Festival had something similar for the last two years. Granted it sucks riding bike in the desert to charge your phone but it beats waiting around at the walmart

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 30th 2008 10:29AM]

Too lazy.