Now here's a good idea.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I hope it takes off, because I can see myself getting one if it does

[GraysonK]

That is totally cool!  I agree...I hope it takes off.   

[jzmtl]

It doesn't capture any "wasted" energy. The electrical field will give more resistance and make you pedal harder to produce the extra energy in order to charge the batteries. Quite misrepresented like those gadgets that electrolyse water and feed hydrogen back to intake to increase gas mileage.

[Freudian Frog]

Wasted energy... in a purely mechanical system?

[Whoey]

cool, you need the dynamo hub tho... wonder how much that sets you back... it's probably worth more than I paid for my whole bike...

[Neil]

Wasted energy... in a purely mechanical system?

I know, obviously never heard of the conservation of energy    I'm not saying its not a useful gadget for some people but "wasted energy" please 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

cool, you need the dynamo hub tho... wonder how much that sets you back... it's probably worth more than I paid for my whole bike...

It won't be cheap, but Dahon do have a nice habit of introducing new technology quite cheaply

[stressmaster5000]

Wasted energy... in a purely mechanical system?

I know, obviously never heard of the conservation of energy    I'm not saying its not a useful gadget for some people but "wasted energy" please 

Wasted or not, for folks who spend more time on a bike or their feet will appreciate such a charging device that goes anywhere once it is charged. This is for those "inner city dwellers" that are technophiles as well. I could also see it working well for someone who is on their bike training or such and has a cell phone or listens to an MP3 device that might need recharging well away from civilization.

Great Idea.

[nuphoria]

Absolutely brilliant idea 

[GraysonK]

Stressmaster that is exactly why I think it's cool!  I spend hours on my bike when I'm healthy and will be spending more hours away getting ready for a big ride so this would be too cool! 

[stressmaster5000]

Wasted energy... in a purely mechanical system?

I know, obviously never heard of the conservation of energy    I'm not saying its not a useful gadget for some people but "wasted energy" please 

Wasted or not, for folks who spend more time on a bike or their feet will appreciate such a charging device that goes anywhere once it is charged. This is for those "inner city dwellers" that are technophiles as well. I could also see it working well for someone who is on their bike training or such and has a cell phone or listens to an MP3 device that might need recharging well away from civilization.

Great Idea.

Another interesting use for it would be those on a stationary bike for exercise. You already want the work out, why not get something else back as well!