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Grace One City e-motorbike review
There comes a time in nearly every person's life when they need to get up, get out the door and get to work. Some drive, some walk, some take one form of public transportation or another -- but a noble few do something different. Those people ride their bikes, holding on to the passion gained in a childhood of racing around the neighborhood on Huffys and Schwinns, skinning knees or elbows when the latest attempt at a sweet jump turned a little sour. Sure, those people may say they're saving money or the environment by riding a bike into work, but we all know they do it for fun. As is the case with most wheeled pursuits, the fun factor increases with the speed, and with that idea we welcome to you to the Grace One. It's a German electric bike that offers more high-tech trappings than your average economy car -- a good thing, because it costs nearly as much as one. What does this $6,000 bike offer? Speed. Sweet, effortless speed (up to 25MPH without you burning a single calorie), and we recently had the chance to put one through its paces. Read on to see how we fared. %Gallery-136083%
Pioneer PotterNavi: a 3G bike GPS that encourages you to meander
A GPS that encourages meandering won't be the dish of the day (month, or year) for hypermilers, but might do well in the slightly more genteel world of cycling. Pioneer's PotterNavi sits on the handlebars of your velocipede and can let you decide between straight or scenic routes. The 100 gram device packs a 2.4-inch 240 x 320 LCD screen and fortunate Japanese buyers get two years of 3G data for free, courtesy of benevolent overlords NTT DoCoMo. Button-free navigation is possible with the included accelerometer, tilting the device will let you scroll without having to stop riding. It'll also tell you where the nearest tourist attractions, shops and toilets are -- just be careful, as your journey data (including any extended stops) gets uploaded to the Cycle Lab site. The SGX-CN700-W (white) and SGC-CN700-K (black) models launch in Japan in February for $530 before peregrinating westward next summer -- like the cyclists it will inspire, the container ship is taking the scenic route.
DIY e-bike hack gets washing machine motorization, stuck on permanent spin cycle (video)
Do all dead washing machines go to meet that lonely Maytag repairman in the sky? Nope, some of'em get their guts repurposed for use in hipster transportation, otherwise known as bicycles. At least that's what one fed up, frugal Munich denizen did to avoid that German's city costly PT fees. It's not what you'd call an elegant hack, as our DIYer's had to haphazardly rig up his washer's 300W motor to the bike's frame and stuff two clunky 12Ah batteries into a sidebag off the back tire. Still, it appears to get the job done, spinning at a max of 3000rpms with an ejector button on / off switch affixed to the right hand brake. We're not sure how well or reliably this modjob fares on busy roadways, so for the time being we'll just stick to Vespas. Check out the video after the break for an unmoving portrait of this eFahrrad.
Feats Per Minute record playing bike helps you kickstand out the jams (video)
If you're like us, you spend most of your waking hours attempting to figure out a way to enjoy your vinyl collection on the go. Feats Per Minute offers a simple and handy solution, incorporating a turntable onto the rear wheel of a bicycle -- you spin the record player as you ride, and the sound plays out of an old timey horn on the back. There were a few obstacles to overcome: like getting the record to play vertically and making sure the needle skips as little as possible while riding the thing. As evidenced in the video below, the team managed to overcome these problems. However, you have to maintain a constant pace if you want the record to play right, of course -- and as for the record itself, we recommend staying away from, say, that mint condition copy of The Velvet Underground's first LP. It may not travel well.
Wireless bike brake system has the highest GPA ever
Color us a yellow shade of mendacious, but if we designed something that works 99.999999999997 percent of the time, we'd probably round off and give ourselves a big ol' 100 percent A+. We'd probably throw in a smiley faced sticker, too. Computer scientist Holger Hermanns, however, is a much more honest man, which is why he's willing to admit that his new wireless bike brake system is susceptible to outright failure on about three out of every trillion occasions. Hermanns' concept bike, pictured above, may look pretty standard at first glance, but take a closer look at the right handlebar. There, you'll find a rubber grip with a pressure sensor nestled inside. Whenever a rider squeezes this grip, that blue plastic box sitting next to it will send out a signal to a receiver, attached to the bike's fork. From there, the message will be sent on to an actuator that converts the signal into mechanical energy, and activates the brake. Best of all, this entire process happens will take just 250 milliseconds of your life. No wires, no brakes, no mind control. Hermanns and his colleagues at Saarland University are now working on improving their system's traction and are still looking for engineers to turn their concept into a commercial reality, but you can wheel past the break for more information, in the full PR.
Caption Contest: Mavis Beacon teaches biking
Pee-wee's beloved bicycle has nothing on this bad boy. The two-wheeler's got a full-sized keyboard, some big red knobs and a miniature screen on its handlebars, for those who have to do some serious content creation whilst weaving through traffic. Sure it's not the safest solution on the road, but inspiration can strike when you least expect it -- then again, so can oncoming cars. Michael: "Pen > sword, but car > keyboard. Hope the owner's got life insurance." Brian: "Fortunately the victims just walked away with whiplash and a bad case of carpal tunnel." Tim: "Dang! You got shocks, pegs... lucky! You ever send off any sweet TXTs?" Don: "Here's that bike messenger you asked for, boss." Terrence: "When Billy told his friends he got a new bike they asked, 'but can it play Crysis?' Little did they know..." Richard Lawler: "Now potential thieves have to decide between using bolt cutters or rainbow tables." Zach Honig: "Hey Giant. Yeah you holding the grocery bag. You're not so big anymore, now are you?" Billy: "What? No one said anything about biking while typing." Jon: "Q, you've really outdone yourself this time." Mat: "Data from the Goonies may have grown up, but his choice in bikes hasn't." Dan: "At least they weren't lying when they called it 'an unprecedented mobile device.'"
NTT DoCoMo Shared Bicycle Initiative hands-on (video)
Well, NTT DoCoMo is at it again, this time dabbling in the fine art of bicycle sharing. The Japanese mobile carrier's own flavor is currently undergoing beta testing in Yokohama, just outside Tokyo, and uses a familiar kiosk system to collect and dish out bikes. Residents (and tourists with Japanese cell phone numbers) can rent bikes 30 minutes at a time for 105 Yen (about $1.40) for the first half hour, then 210 Yen for each subsequent period. You also rent bikes by the month for 1,050 Yen (about $14). Overall, this implementation doesn't appear to be different than what's already been installed in some US and European cities, but it's apparently a first for the Tokyo area. The next iteration is far more exciting, however. Rather than visiting a kiosk to rent a bike, you'll be able to use a smartphone app to locate some available wheels, with position information broadcast by a built-in GPS. Once you find a bike you want to rent, the system will send an unlock code to your handset, which you'll enter into a handlebar-mounted PIN pad. The current prototype is an e-bike, though future models may not include pedal assist, since swapping out batteries could be a logistical nightmare for maintenance crews. The bike can be left anywhere (within a predetermined area, we presume), and is immobilized using a rear tire lock. Locking the back tire to prevent theft (if a lock is used at all) is a trick that definitely only works in Japan -- you can't leave a bike unattended for five minutes in New York City without it disappearing, even with a wheel lock. Conceptually, the system appears to be very similar to the Social Bicycles model that we wrote about earlier this summer as part of our Insert Coin series, though that US-based prototype includes a u-style lock, for securing the bike to a post or tree. We'd love to see either concept hit production soon, and if the Yokohama trial goes off without a hitch, then a standalone counterpart will definitely have a better chance of becoming a reality. So go rent some bikes! And jump past the break for a look at both systems at CEATEC Japan.%Gallery-135630%
New Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 holder comes with bike attached
For a tablet that prides itself in being thin and lightweight, the latest Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 accessory sure adds considerable heft to the device. The Korean manufacturer's UK branch has teamed up with 14 Bike Co to bring the world the Samsung Galaxy bicycle -- a mild-mannered bike with a custom paint job and a detachable holder for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 made from carbon fiber. So, why carry a tablet on a bicycle? For checking things like mileage planners and route trackers on the go, apparently. No word on pricing yet, but we're guessing that this'll be among the more expensive tablet accessories out there. Press information after the break.
StayLocked prototype renders your stolen bike unusable, won't buy you another
If you can't ride your stolen bike, neither should anyone else. That's the basic premise behind StayLocked Bicycle -- a prototype that effectively self-destructs whenever someone tries to snatch it. The magic lies in the bike's integrated locking mechanism, which is built in to a pair of tubes extending from the back wheel to the seat. Riders can attach the swiveling lock to any fixed post, but if someone successfully breaks it, the bike's chain stays will no longer support his or her weight, rendering the prototype virtually useless, and the thief utterly embarrassed. Of course, this system won't deter criminals from stealing a cycle for its parts, and it's certainly not as ideal a solution as, say, actually getting your bike back. But at least you'd feel better knowing that whoever swiped your ride probably looked ridiculous while doing so.
Silverback's Starke city bikes charge your gadgets, firm your thighs
Cyclists have a lot to be proud of -- what with their terrific gams, above average lung capacity and eco-friendly locomotive choice. But tech isn't exactly an area that falls under their outdoors-y province, unless they're sporting one of Silverback's Starke bicycles. The line of city bikes offers up four models for the two-wheel enthusiast, but it's the Starke 1 and 2 that's caught our gadget-obsessed attention. Included in the head tube of either bike's frame is a USB port powered by a hub dynamo that'll play nicely with any of your low-voltage devices. If you're looking for an electric motor-assisted cruise, you'll have to opt for the Starke 1, but otherwise both nine-speeders share the same nickel alloy frame and weigh in at roughly 30lbs. Sound like your kind of 21st century ride? Then hit the source link below for your personal Tour de high-tech bikes.
Insert Coin: PumpTire self-inflating bicycle tire
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. We love tires -- they provide an infinite boost in life to the ever-so-necessary wheel, soften the blow while driving on dirt roads and over potholes, and, upon retirement, serve as an ideal plaything for our children. But there's still something missing. As much as we try to make it not so, our tires let their air supplies trickle away -- albeit at an ever so sluggish pace -- ultimately causing inconvenience, and often with unfortunate timing. A slightly deflated bicycle tire won't have the same damaging effect as, say, a battered donut that explodes as you roll down the highway, but it can still put a serious damper in your ride. The self-inflating PumpTire sets out to make sure you never have to suffer a flat bike tire again, using a unique detachable valve that senses when a tire needs to be inflated, then pumping air from a thin tube on the outside of the tire into the inner tube. PumpTire founder Benjamin Krempel is turning to Kickstarter to fund the project, which includes designing, testing, and manufacturing a pair of self-inflating bike tires. A $75 pledge gets you two City Cruiser tires, a $130 retail value, including a pair of 65 psi valves and inner tubes. If you pledge $100, you'll receive a pair of City Pro high-performance 95 psi tires, which are expected to retail for $150. Krempel has set his funding goal at a massively high $250,000 with just over five weeks remaining. A cool quarter-million is quite the lofty sum, but as always, you'll receive a refund if the project doesn't get the fiscal green light. Jump past the break to see it in action, and for an update on our previous Insert Coin project.
Lightning Motorcycles risks neck for an extra 10 MPH on the Flying Banana
Weeks after breaking the electric motorcycle land speed record, Lightning Motorcycles decided it wasn't satisfied with 206.079 MPH. Shunning a well-deserved vacation, its Flying Banana MK. II bike hit a verified speed of 215.960 MPH. The company is taking orders for the $38,888 eco-widowmaker and assures you it'll be cheap to run -- the record breaking trip in the video below used a mere 18 cents of electricity.
Third generation Smart Fortwo ditches Tesla powertrain, gains two wheeled cousin
Time and tide wait for no man, folks. Nearly nine months after delivering the first electric Fortwos to snuggie-toting yanks, Daimler's gone and announced its faster and longer-lasting successor. It's not an entirely new car mind you, rather an extensive under the hood nip and tuck that replaces the Tesla powertrain with a more potent unit sourced from EM-motive. Up 34 horses from the previous model, the 74 horsepower EV now scoots from 0-60 in a "lively" 13 seconds -- a vast improvement over the 23.4 second (!) time of its predecessor. It's got a larger 17.6kWh battery pack too, which increases range a smidge to 87 miles. And this isn't another EV trial: it'll be produced in volume and sold (not leased) in 30 countries at an undisclosed price. Joining the revised city dweller is the matching Smart Ebike. The electrically assisted bicycle gives meat bags a choice of four levels of laziness as it propels them 60 miles between charges. At €2,900 (or around $4,000) it's no bargain, but you didn't think transportational color coordination came cheap, did you? Expect more on both come September when they are officially unveiled at IAA Frankfurt, but our friends at Autoblog Green have plenty of pics for your perusal at the source below.
Lightning Motorcycles electric bike blazes past 2010 record, joins 200 MPH Club
Bonneville, home to the world's fastest lawnmower record, has just added another notch to its land speed belt -- this time for electric motorcycles. When last we left Utah's salt flats, Mission One had claimed top honors for its all-electric bike, but that title has once again been usurped by rival Lightning. Averaging a speed of 206.079 mph, the team's Flying Banana Mk. II blazed past its 2010 record of 176.044 mph to claim the speed hog glory. The chopper's rider, Paul Thede, now gets to join the likes of 65 other inductees in Bonneville's exclusive 200 MPH Club. His award for such a hallowed distinction? Why, he got to wear the club's red hat for a whole 24 hours.
Insert Coin: YouTurn accelerometer-based turn signal system for cyclists
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Many of us who bike in the city ride in constant fear of being tapped by a taxi cab, or crushed by a bus. There's no way to completely eradicate the risk of being run over by a much larger motorized vehicle, but making yourself easily visible -- both at night and during the day -- can certainly make a difference. Smart cyclists use hand signals long before they need to make a turn, but the YouTurn signal system aims to make those indicators difficult for drivers to miss, with an accelerometer-based gadget that illuminates an arrow in the direction of your turn. If you want to turn left, for example, simply point your hand to the left, and the device will flash a giant yellow chevron. The prototype you'll see in the video below is integrated with a glove, though the final version will simply attach to the back of your hand, and can be stored in a bag when you're not on your bike. There's no mention of durability or waterproofing, though since the inventor's objective is to enhance safety, we imagine he'll be taking precautions to avoid electrocution in the rain. YouTurn inventor Jack O'Neal launched a Kickstarter page to help fund his project, and is accepting preorders at $50 a pop. There's no final pricing listed at this point, but at 50 bucks for a first-run YouTurn, we were happy to make the pledge. We hope to see O'Neal meet his funding goal and send these to production, but until then, we'll keep looking both ways and hoping for the best.
Inhabitat's Week In Green: solar-powered stadium, bipod flying cars and biofueled flights
Groundbreaking green architecture projects popped up around the world this week as Herzog & de Meuron unveiled plans for a solar-powered stadium in Bordeaux and a Korean department store prepared to install a massive iPod-inspired green roof. We also showcased several feats of futuristic architecture -- a skyscraper zoo with a built-in ferris wheel and a shape-shifting solar bridge that purifies the air. As summer hit its peak and the weather heated up we also brought took a look at six awesome parks made from rehabilitated urban structures. In other news, pedal-powered transportation geared up for the future as we showcased a chain-less hybrid bike with an out-of-this-world design and a molded bamboo bike that is grown from the ground up. We also saw greener transportation take to the skies as Finnair launched the world's longest biofueled commercial flight, Scaled Composites launched its bipod flying car, and the US Air Force announced plans to replace 50 percent of its domestic fuels with biofuels by 2016. Eco transportation charted the ocean blue as well as researchers at Boston University unveiled plans for a fleet of ships that generate energy from the motion of the ocean. As temperatures soared across the US this week we brought you five eco gadgets to beat the summer heat, and we also learned that solar panels have a cooling effect on buildings. We also got set to hit the beach by checking out the world's first compostable swimsuit, and we spotted a futuristic pair of smart sunglasses that use LCD technology to block out glare. Finally, we covered a set of incredible LEGO creations -- from a life-size Wall-E robot made from Lego Mindstorms to a computer built from plastic bricks and a series of amazing Lego animals that invaded the Bronx Zoo.
Orphiro's electric motorcycle: like a Harley, just not obnoxiously loud
It's certainly not the first electric motorcycle to (quietly) crisscross our desks, but the self-titled Orphiro is surely one of the classiest. Designed over in Holland as a wide-body alternative to petrol-guzzling hawgs, this eco-friendly two-wheeler relies on Li-ion batteries and a motor that pushes a grand total of 72 volts. The top speed of 75 miles-per-hour probably wouldn't rile up the crowd in Sturgis, but cruising for 60 solid miles without using a drop of gas just might. If all goes well, we should see the first commercial version hit the pavement this September, but ominously, there's no mention of price. Something tells us it'll fall squarely in the "if you have to ask..." category.
Google Maps-powered training bike simulates Tour de France, refuses to speak English
Poor France. The nation known mostly for its food and wine only has a few major sporting events to call its own, yet we -- great, fat and lazy America -- have pwned its most iconic one for seven years. That legacy could still live on -- if you don't mind shelling out $1299 and sweating all over your living room floor, that is. Powered by Google Maps and touted as the official trainer of Le Tour de France, comes a Pro-Form training bike so hardcore, it even simulates potholes. Ok, we made that last part up, but it does allow you to feel the burn of 24 pre-set courses, or one of your own punishing design. For the ultra-committed indoor enthusiast, there's also Intelligent Wind Resistance and a 20 percent incline / decline feature that'll match the ups and downs of real life outdoor cycling without the hassle of the actual outdoors. Honestly, it's a bit much and we can't really see this thing taking off with the New Year's Eve resolution set, but if you've always wanted that biker's derriere, this is your trainer.
Toyota Prius Project's concept bike lets you shift gears with your mind
Got mind control on the mind? Check out this new concept bike from Deeplocal -- a Pittsburgh-based design house that's adding a neurological twist to the art of cycling. As part of Toyota Prius Project No. 11, the company outfitted the seat post of a Parlee PXP aero road bike with a wireless transmitter, allowing users to remotely shift gears with a smartphone. Deeplocal's designers then added a set of neuron transmitters to a helmet and re-programmed the PXP to communicate with them -- meaning, in theory, that riders could control the bike's gears by simply thinking about it. Theory, of course, isn't the same thing as practice, but perhaps the concept will become a reality if we think really hard about it.
Solar Cross e-bike soaks in the sun, powers your pedals
Ah, the bicycle -- that first symbol of locomotive independence from our youth. How we've often wished you came with a motor, solar power and some rechargeable batteries to make that ride less... taxing. Well, chin-up childhood glory days, because Terry Hope's done all that and a bit more. The self-described EV enthusiast outfitted a Specialized FSR bike frame -- chosen for its double crown suspension fork -- with an array of three solar slats, a 24-volt one horsepower motor, and three 5,000mAh Li-ion batteries to assist your pedaling on those grueling uphill climbs. The sun-soaked panels powering this 18-speeder's motor are a homemade mix of polycarbonate sheeting, aluminum and 18- x 6- x 6- inch mono crystalline cells that generate a combined 8.7-volt charge to the batteries of your choosing. While its beneficial turbo boost isn't intended to replace that Harley you've got covered in the garage, it will takeover on those lazy days when you just feel like cruising. Hilarious robot voice over for the environmentally-conscious cyclist after the break.
