The Copenhagen Wheel is a self-contained rear wheel electric bicycle system which transforms a traditional bicycle into a hybrid e-bike. The app-connected Wheel is equipped with an electric motor, battery, and suite of sensors that work together to seamlessly amplify a rider's pedal power by up to ten times. The Copenhagen Wheel was developed at MIT's Senseable City Lab in 2009 in partnership with the city of Copenhagen, and unveiled at the 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference. In December 2012, Assaf Biderman, a co-inventor of the Wheel and Associate Director of the MIT Senseable City Lab, founded Superpedestrian Inc. with an exclusive license to commercialize the Wheel. After several years of engineering, testing, and validation, the Copenhagen Wheel officially launched in the U.S. in April 2017, and in Europe in October 2017
Physical components
The Copenhagen Wheel contains a custom brushless motor, advanced sensors, control systems, and a lithium-ion battery, all enclosed within the rear wheel hub. The control system interfaces with a range of sensors measuring actual torque, power, cadence, pedal position, and acceleration to monitor a rider's effort when pedaling. The Wheel responds to a rider's inputs by providing the appropriate level of assistance at each moment. The wheel's battery is charged via an external cord that fits a standard wall outlet. Electronic Braking Assistance while riding will partially recharge the wheel when coasting or backpedaling. With a full charge, the wheel's reported range is up to 50 km, with variations depending on assist mode and terrain. Extensions in range are possible when using low-power modes.
App control
In order to gain assist, the Wheel must be connected to Superpedestrian's Wheel App, available for iOS and Android. The Wheel connects to the App via Bluetooth, and enables riders to personalize their cycling experience from their smartphone. The Wheel App tracks rides and calorie information, and allows riders to toggle between ride modes such as Turbo, Eco, and Exercise. A smartphone also acts as a digital key, activating the Wheel automatically when ready to ride, and communicating with the cloud in real time. A self-diagnostic safety system monitors components within the Wheel and proactively responds to events within milliseconds, protecting both rider and Wheel. The wheel cannot be operated without an active connection to a smart phone with the Wheel app. It is not possible to limit personal data collection, including location information, while using the Wheel app.
Compatibility
Copenhagen Wheels are compatible with most traditional bicycle frames. They come in single-speed and multi-speed variants, and multiple rim sizes with a variety of tire styles. The associated app is compatible with iOS and Android devices with Bluetooth LE capability.
Serviceability
Superpedestrian has a network of authorized distributors across the United States who are able to provide basic maintenance on the Copenhagen Wheel. More involved repairs can be performed at Superpedestrian's facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Copenhagen Wheel comes with a limited warranty that covers repairs of defective or problematic parts for up to 3 years. The internal components are not user serviceable, and no paid maintenance service, spare parts, or service support is provided beyond the terms of the warranty.
Future
The Copenhagen Wheel is under active development, as of 2019. Over-the-air firmware updates are occasionally pushed to existing wheels through the app. Future versions of the Copenhagen Wheel with updated features and wider compatibility are under development.
Press
The Copenhagen Wheel has been covered in several dozen publications, including the New York Times, Boston Globe, and Fast Company. It was featured on NPR's Here and Now, and got a free advertising boost when it was shown in the seventh season of Showtime'sWeeds.
