INNOVATIVE DYNAMICS INC. — Department of Transportation SBIR Phase I: 142OS1

Description

IDI is proposing an electrically assisted e-bike system, designed to increase the usage of bicycles for daily commute, specifically targeting areas and demographics with below average bicycle usage, and adverse weather conditions. This design is intended for usage alongside traditional bikes in bike share programs across the country. The primary benefit is attract those otherwise unwilling or unable to use bicycles to commute, either due to personal reservation, perceived terrain difficulties or inclement weather. This is accomplished through unique technical features. The first is an energy exchange functionality, wherein users are able to generate power through their usage. Users may return bicycles with more charge than they left with, earning rental credits, and allowing their energy to charge other e-bikes at that rental station. Other key features are intelligent power delivery system and all weather designs. The proposed system is designed for easy use for beginning bicyclists, and to “train” more advanced users to use the system primarily in cases of extreme gradients. These functionalities play a social engineering role, encouraging users to only take advantage of the electric functionality when necessary, as well as encouraging the transition to traditional bicycles..