PedalCell - Quick release bicycle USB charging device $$$$$

[MetalBryan]

Here's something I came across in the bike shop today. Not sure how new this tech is but it's new to me so I watned to share. For cyclists at least it is a better solution for USB than solar charging. There may be other brands I didn't dig too deep.

PedalCell

PedalCell converts your bike's wheel motion into continuous USB power. It it has 3X the power output of any rim or hub dynamo. PedalCell mounts on nearly any bicycle in minutes, and is weather-resistant.

pedalcell.com

 

[ali]

The idea of this tech is very old. I rememember cycling to school in the early/mid 90s with one of these things that clipped onto my wheel and provided power for the lights during the winter commute. What's probably changed in recent years is more consistent and higher output power delivery. This gadget looks cool, although as a budget traveler $450 would be enough to buy pretty much your entire bike touring equipment list (minus bike), including two power banks that will keep your phone charged for a week.

 

[Glass Roads]

Ive often wondered if one could rig something like that up for a longboard. Would be cool.

 

[Matt Derrick]

Looks interesting, especially since it claims to have 1/2 the drag of a dynamo, which I find hard to believe. Dynamos I think are cheaper as well.