Copenhagen Wheel

The Copenhagen Wheel contains a custom brushless motor, advanced sensors, control systems, and a lithium-ion battery, all enclosed within the rear wheel hub.[2] The control system interfaces with a range of sensors measuring actual torque, power, cadence, pedal position, and acceleration to monitor a rider's effort when pedaling. The Wheel responds to a rider's inputs by providing the appropriate level of assistance at each moment. The wheel's battery is charged via an external cord that fits a standard wall outlet. Electronic Braking Assistance while riding will partially recharge the wheel when coasting or backpedaling. With a full charge, the wheel's reported range is up to 50 km (31 mi), with variations depending on assist mode and terrain. Extensions in range are possible when using low-power modes.[3]

In order to gain assist, the Wheel must be connected to Superpedestrian's Wheel App, available for iOS and Android. The Wheel connects to the App via Bluetooth, and enables riders to personalize their cycling experience from their smartphone. The Wheel App tracks rides and calorie information, and allows riders to toggle between ride modes such as Turbo, Eco, and Exercise. A smartphone also acts as a digital key, activating the Wheel automatically when ready to ride, and communicating with the cloud in real time. A self-diagnostic safety system monitors components within the Wheel and proactively responds to events within milliseconds, protecting both rider and Wheel.

The wheel cannot be operated without an active connection to a smart phone with the Wheel app. It is not possible to limit personal data collection, including location information, while using the Wheel app.

Copenhagen Wheels are compatible with most traditional bicycle frames. They come in single-speed and multi-speed variants, and multiple rim sizes with a variety of tire styles. The associated app is compatible with iOS and Android devices with Bluetooth LE capability.

Superpedestrian has a network of authorized distributors across the United States who are able to provide basic maintenance on the Copenhagen Wheel. More involved repairs can be performed at Superpedestrian's facility in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The Copenhagen Wheel comes with a limited warranty that covers repairs of defective or problematic parts for up to 3 years. The internal components are not user serviceable, and no paid maintenance service, spare parts, or service support is provided beyond the terms of the warranty.

The Copenhagen Wheel is under active development, as of 2019. Over-the-air firmware updates are occasionally pushed to existing wheels through the app. Future versions of the Copenhagen Wheel with updated features and wider compatibility are under development.

The Copenhagen Wheel has been covered in several dozen publications, including the New York Times,[4] Boston Globe,[5] and Fast Company.[6] It was featured on NPR's Here and Now,[7] and got a free advertising boost when it was shown in the seventh season of Showtime's Weeds.[8]

• European Product Design Awards – Platinum – Urban Sustainable Design 2017[9]
• European Product Design Awards – Gold – Bicycling and Bicycle Accessories 2017[10]
• European Product Design Awards – Gold – Design for Sustainability 2017
• European Product Design Awards – Silver – Robotics 2017[9]
• CNBC – Top 25 Startup 2017[11]
• TIME Magazine - Best Tech of 2017[12]
• Red Dot: Design Concept Awards – Luminary 2014[13]
• Red Dot: Design Concept Awards – “Best of the Best” 2014[13]
• TIME Magazine – The 25 Best Inventions of 2014[14]
• Deutscher Werkbund Label – Werkbund Label for design 2014[15]
• Green Dot Awards – Winner 2011[16]
• Living Labs Global Awards – Shortlisted 2011[17]
• Index Award – Finalist 2011[18]
• Edison Awards – Silver in Personal Transportation – 2011[19]
• U.S. James Dyson Award – Winner – 2010[20]
• World Technology Summit and Awards – Winner – 2011
• The Grand Challenge Stories Award of the US National Academy of Engineers – Winner – 2010

• Superpedestrian - Company website