Would you buy a bicycle cellphone charger?

S

Stefan

New member
Hi,

I would like to know your opinions on a product, but first some background:
I am currently enrolled at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. I am studying Mechanical Engineering. I am nearing the end of my first year (November).
I have been assigned the task to design a product. Me and my team came up with an idea and now we need public opinion. Please rate the idea according to how likely you are of purchasing it and also please comment on the idea. If I get enough replies I will use the comments s in the final report of the product, so if you don't want your comments seen then just say so. Thank you

As for the product:
The product is designed to charge a cellphone using waste energy from braking. The product can easily be made to charge other equipment like cameras etc.
The product is based on a simple dynamo. I realise that this causes a lot of unwanted drag, especially for tourists, which is why the dynamo is mounted such that it only starts turning and generating when the cycler pulls a lever behind the normal brake's lever. This lever will also be pulled when the normal brake lever is pulled. This way there is only drag when you don't pedal, when you're going downhill or braking to slow down.

Thank you
Chaz mentioned something about the price:
So far I've spent less than ZAR200 (about US$26) on the product. In all it shoudln't cost more that ~$35
Also think of the product in its most user friendly form. In other words you have a universal adapter and a pouch to put the phone in etc.
 
No. There are a couple of cons.
1. That would be inconvenient to have to hold the phone while biking.
2. God forbid you crash, there goes your $150 phone and your $375 camera. Not to mention, your $200 dollar GPS.
3. Wouldn't that be really expensive?
4. That would be useless.
5. Were in an economic crisis here. Nobody is going to buy a 12 hundred dollar machine that charges your camera for your bike.

That would come in handy on a motorcycle though!!
 
I think it is a concept worth pursuing. Think of the other uses, other usb devices could be charged. Even the root technology could be applied to other sources of motion to drive it, such as treadmills, etc. Have you considered actually engineering the dynamo into the wheel hub itself?
Go for it!
 
Me? NO. Live in a rural area and have no choice but to drive everywhere.

But for tourist destinations w/cycling or for a similar target consumer I think I sounds like a keen idea!
 
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