BikeCharge Dynamo Charges Your Gadgets As You Ride

News
By
published

iPhone dead? How about some exercise!

While bike dynamos have been powering bicycle lights since the 80s, most modern bike lighting solutions operate on battery or solar power. But thanks to modern technology, it looks like the dynamo may be making its comeback, this time to power your gadgets. Created by iBikeConsole, the BikeCharge Dynamo is a compact, lightweight device that helps keep your USB gadgets charged.  

According to the company, the device is 20 percent lighter than traditional dynamo systems and can charge most smartphones in 2 to 3 hours. While most people won't be riding their bikes around for that long, the device is designed to add minimal drag while giving your connected device just enough juice to get by.

As an additional safety feature, the device also has front and rear LED lights that stay illuminated for up to two hours after riding thanks to a built in 700mAh Li-ion battery. Priced at $99, the BikeCharge Dynamo is a bit pricey for the casual biker, but for anyone who uses a bike as a primary mode of transportation, it may be a worthwhile investment.

Contact Us for News Tips, Corrections and Feedback

Tuan Mai
Tuan Mai
Tuan Mai is a Los Angeles based writer and marketing manager working within the PC Hardware industry. He has written for Tom's Guide since 2010, with a special interest in the weird and quirky.
14 Comments Comment from the forums
  • idroid
    I think this is the solution for fatness in America :lol:!!
    Reply
  • outlw6669
    So, dangling USB cables and spinning spoked wheels; looks safe to me!

    Seriously though, I foresee no issues with USB cables getting pulled into the wheel causing the front tire to lock up and sending the rider flying face first into the ground.

    :heink:
    Reply
  • The_Trutherizer
    99$ for a bike dyname.. fappery!
    Reply
  • lassik
    outlw6669So, dangling USB cables and spinning spoked wheels; looks safe to me!Seriously though, I foresee no issues with USB cables getting pulled into the wheel causing the front tire to lock up and sending the rider flying face first into the ground.
    Totally agree, nice idea in theory, but in practice this doesn't sound good.

    If it locks up it might not throw the cyclist off the bike, but it sure would whip your phone out your pocket and send it catapulting god knows where!
    Reply
  • Alphi
    The_Trutherizer99$ for a bike dyname.. fappery!
    this guy obviously never heard of cable ties..
    Reply
  • spazoid
    Why would I want my bike lights on when I'm not riding the bike? Use the power to charge my gadget with the full 3w's of power even when I don't ride at the otherwise required speed (20 kmh)
    Reply
  • g00fysmiley
    yep... a few cheap usb cords and a few zip ties and you are good to go
    Reply
  • Anaxamenes
    A hundred bucks is pricey? Yeesh, people pay more than that a month for crappy AT&T service.
    Reply
  • flyflinger
    Man, I could really use this on my commuter bike, but living in Seattle I have to wonder how well it works in the rain, given those connectors look like just regular USB ports. Not good.
    Reply
  • When you say 'since the 80s' you mean since the 1880's, right? :)
    Reply