The GeoOrbital wheel turns nearly any standard bicycle into a motorized bike with no tools in under a minute. Drawing inspiration from the “orbital wheel” from the motorcycles in the TRON movies, the wheel fits the entire powertrain (motor, battery and electronics) to within the diameter of the wheel itself.
Image Credit: GeoOrbital
GeoOrbital CEO and Founder, Michael Burtov, met with the Architechnologist at our office on a recent trip to New York City and brought the GeoOrbital wheel for us to experience first-hand. In addition to the features and technological advancements of the GeoOrbital wheel, we discussed the potential for “mixed fitness couples” (like mine) where one enjoys longer bicycle trips and the other might want a more casual experience – with the GeoOrbital wheel the playing field (or bike path) is truly level.
GeoOrbital is launching a crowd-funding campaign this mornin and expect the GeoOrbital wheel to be available to consumers by November 2016. There are all kinds of good rewards for different pledge levels.
The GeoOrbital wheel is available in two sizes to easily fit in the place of a 26inch or 700c (also compatible with 28in and 29in) front wheel that uses rim brakes (not disc brakes). Installation is as simple as swapping one front tire for another and clipping the throttle to the handlebars. The 700C GeoOrbital wheel (the most commonly-used size for modern adult road bikes) has a range of up to 20 miles without pedaling, which can be boosted to 50 miles if the rider pedals part of the way. And if the rider is planning a really serious distance, an extra battery (or batteries if you’re really pushing it) can be carried along and swapped as needed.
Motorized bicycles all share many of the same benefits, including rapid acceleration (allowing riders to speed up quickly at intersections and not be trapped by automobiles at the same stop) and easier hills (using the motor for difficult climbs). There are benefits unique to the engineering of the GeoOrbital wheel; for example, with the powered wheel in the front (rather than the typical rear-wheel system on most motorized bicycles), the GeoOrbital can have true all-wheel drive. This allows a rider to have superior performance in inclement weather, just when it’s needed the most. And since the entire powertrain is easily removable, the bicycle frame and rear tire can be locked to a bike rack and the GeoOrbital wheel can be taken off the bicycle and secured elsewhere.
Image Credit: GeoOrbital
In many locations, a bicycle with the GeoOrbital wheel installed is still considered a bicycle, rather than an “electric bike.”
This means there is no need for additional insurance, registration or licensing. (This is not the case at our office in New York State where electric bikes have been illegal since 2004, despite their ubiquitous use by delivery men).
The GeoOrbital wheel was developed in Cambridge, Massachusetts, just blocks away form MIT and Harvard University. The team continues to draw on the support and guidance of top experts in innovation, supply chain management, manufacturing, design, electric vehicles, and cycling. This kind of superior knowledge base should give the GeoOrbital wheel the kind of support that will allow for the best possible chances as they move to consumer delivery.
Now, who’s up for a ride?
I think what the upstart company needs to do is hire an Artist to make this electric foray propulsion into the cycling world look less utilitarian and more pleasing to the eye. Cyclists today, and others who might be again are very particular about this and would more welcome with something that fits the whole bike without standing out so much. i do have few in mind tht more than well would be up to this task.
How much does it cost
Please let me know how much it cost