In response to BenEtkin-Goulet’s Blog :
When I read Ben’s blog about the Smart Wheel, which he defined as “a detachable electric wheel that can be purchased separately from a bike and attached onto almost any bike” it reminded me of a recent article that I had read on the “Invisible Bike Helmet”.
Swedish designers, Anna Hapt and Terese Alstin have designed the impossible. A helmet that is designed to be like an airbag, fitting directly around a person’s neck, the product is virtually invisible to any onlooker.
Flaws to the product? They are currently selling the invisible bike helmet, which they have named “the Hovding” at a ridiculously high price of $530.
Looking good comes at a cost apparently…
In his blog post, Ben stated that he does not believe that the Smart Wheel will be a success. Arguing that it will actually have “the opposite of the intended effect, discouraging commuting all season/all location commuting”. Yet, I would argue otherwise. while the Smart Wheel and the Hovding may have definite flaws, there is most definitely room for improvement and hope for an increase in bike utility. Sustainable innovation such as the Smartwheel and the Hovding are the start of a revolution towards sustainable living and should definitely be supported and invested in.
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