Another cool -and funded- Kickstarter campaign, the FlyKly Smart Wheel is an app-integrated, modular rear wheel that turns most any bike into an e-bike.
Offering an efficient and neatly-packaged electronic assist, the smartphone (and Pebble watch) integration allows for a wide range of control as well as additional handy features. The Smart Wheel boasts a 20 mph top speed, a 30 mile range, and a 2-3 hour charge time. An easy way to give your existing bike an e-boost, the unit is completely cable-free and makes great strides in making batteries less unsightly.
More photos, features and video below the fold…
Billed as a time-saving, energy-conserving (of the human variety) upgrade, the FlyKly Smart Wheel offers a relatively inexpensive opportunity at the convenience of an e-bike. All while not wastefully retiring your old, but beloved, bike. The 250W unit weighs just 9lbs which the creators feel is a good balance of power and weight.
Complementing the wheel/motor is a feature-rich piece of software for iPhone, Android, and the Pebble watch. Top speed is set within the app and then it’s just a matter of pedaling – the Smart Wheel makes all the adjustments. Useful metrics (speed, distance, travel time, battery level) are monitored and displayed. As you ride, it can study your cycling habits and suggest better routes. You can even share your data with cycling groups and city planners to assist with cycling infrastructure. And the wheel can be electronically locked for a degree of ride-off theft protection. The ‘Smart’ name is fitting.
Open-source by design, the FlyKly folks encourage tinkering and improvements and will offer a Software Development Kit. Included in the box with the Smart Wheel is the Smart Light, a smartphone mount/charger/front light, adding to the usefulness of the kit.
Check out FlyKly’s Kickstarter page or website for more info.
