Bike-powered public phone chargers set for NYC

by Lauren O'Neil Posted: November 13, 2012 9:05 PM Last Updated: November 13, 2012 9:17 PM

View the story "Bike-powered phone charging stations set for NYC" on StorifyBike-powered phone charging stations set for NYCThe Charge Cycle is a unique bike that can function as a power source, converting kinetic energy from the act of pedaling into electricity for anyone to use.Storified by CBC News Community · Tue, Nov 13 2012 18:05:36Thechargecycle

Imagine if you could charge a dead mobile phone while outand about using energy from your own body, conveniently, sustainably, and for free.

Brooklyn-based designers David Krawczyk and Navjot Kaur did, andthe idea was so exciting that they decided to find a way to make it happen.

The Charge CycleDavid Krawczyk & Navjot Kaur is raising funds for The Charge Cycle on Kickstarter! The Fun Way to Charge Your Phone!

The Charge Cycle is a unique bike that can functionas a power source, converting kinetic energy from the act of pedalinginto electricity for anyone to use.

"Remember the last time your phone died and you didn't havea way to charge it?" reads the project's website. "The Charge Cycle is asustainable, human powered phone charger available around NYC for free."

Need to charge your phone? #thechargecycle #hurricane #sandy #newyork #city #nyc #devastation #powerout #electricity #supply #natural #disaster #aid #healthy #green #renewable #energy #sweet #bicycle #generator #dynamo #bike #iphone #dockThe Charge Cycle

Outfitted with a dock that offer micro USB, 30-pin or 8-pinconnectors, the bike is able to charge a phone in roughly the same amount oftime that it would take if the phone were plugged directly into a wall.

Five minutes of steady cycling will charge mostdevices by about 5 per cent, according to the project's website.Ecochunk

When somebody is riding the bike, they can charge theirphone at the same time. When the bike is docked, it becomes a free chargingstation for anyone to use. Those looking for a place to charge up can locatethe nearest docked Charge Cycle using an iPhone app

Amazonaws

The Charge Cycles are set to be available in at least 30locations across New York City by May of 2013 if the design team hits their$50,000 fundraising goal on Kickstarter.

A gallery on the website shows fully operationalCharge Cycle prototypes in action, and creators have been snapping shots of itin various locations around the city on Instagram.Charging Through Power Out #downtown #nyc #sweet #bike #renewable #energy #bicycle #thechargecycle #phone #charger #nyu #dormsThe Charge CycleCharging on a Lovely Day #thechargecycle #sunny #nyc #skyline #brooklyn #bridge #piers #hudson #river #sweet #bike #charge #cycle #green #bicycleThe Charge CycleTrip to World Trade #nyc #flood #financial #district #hurricane #sandy #blackout #thechargecycle #green #bike #ecofriendly #cycle #deadphone #phone #charger #renewable #energyThe Charge CycleWhile the project has only raised just over one thousanddollars to date, many online are in support of the idea, both in New York City and far beyond the five boroughs.
Dear Vancouver, I want some of these: The Charge Cycle: Bike-Powered Public Phone Charging Station | WebUrbanist http://weburbanist.com/2012/11/13/the-charge-cycle-bike-powered-public-phone-charging-station/LoxyPlease come to #Toronto - Bike-Powered Phone Charging Stations Coming To NYC http://buff.ly/XBpiVxDevin MooreBike-Powered Phone Charging Stations Coming To NYC---GOOD IDEA for Portland! : http://designtaxi.com/news/354345/Bike-Powered-Phone-Charging-Stations-Coming-To-NYC/#.UKLNcTSF8Z4.twitterDrew McAuliffeNow you can charge your phone with your bike! I'm sure the ones living in Amsterdam would benefit a lot from it. http://mobile.designtaxi.com/news/354345/Bike-Powered-Phone-Charging-Stations-Coming-To-NYC/Maisoon Al SalehWay cool Third World solution to a First World problem >> The Charge Cycle http://j.mp/RAV00eEric CastroYeah. Awesome. Just keep the seats clean, ok? | The Charge Cycle: Bike-Powered Public Phone Charging Station http://bit.ly/ZEfKHYLee Pacchiafresh . The Charge Cycle: Bike-Powered Public Phone Charging Station http://weburbanist.com/2012/11/13/the-charge-cycle-bike-powered-public-phone-charging-station/Daniel HeinzelmanIn NYC and want to charge your phone? Why not use one of the bike-powered charging stations coming soon http://bit.ly/T1DSmtRoberto SarjooThe Charge Cycle: Bike-Powered Public Phone Charging Station [ By Steph in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ] So... http://pic.twitter.com/DZBKQnczChecklist Maintenancexercise yo self before yo phone die http://pco.lt/X0fIwgSarah RansohoffWould you invest in a public phone-charging system in your city? Let us know your thoughts below.

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