Since 2018, 3 June is known as the first official ‘World Bicycle Day’ to encourage the multiple environmental benefits of using bicycles for transport and leisure. Two days later, on 5 June, the World Environment Day takes place. To celebrate both dates, the EIC Community gathered three green Innovations that promote one of the most sustainable modes of transportation: cycling. From an ABS system for e-bikes to a GPS navigation specialised on urban mobility, here are 3 EIC cycling innovations that can change your experience on two wheels.
Innovative ABS for e-bikes
Blubrake aims to create an absolutely safe and enjoyable cycling experience thanks to lightest ABS available in the market. E-bike road accidents show that 60% of falls occur when braking and this is highly significant, given the high speeds that electric bikes can reach. The innovative ABS created by Blubrake prevents front wheels locking and thus facilitates controlled braking of e-bikes.
The system helps to reduce the number and severity of dangerous situations by preventing the front wheel from locking and the rear wheel from tipping up. The invisible ABS is integrated into the bike’s frame and only intervenes when necessary. The Italian company Blubrake is part of the e-Novia group and is trying to deliver this safe experience for users of e-bikes of all kinds, from mountain bikes to city bikes and from cargo to the trekking versions.
A GPS tracker for bikes
Velco was born in 2015 with the desire to revolutionize urban mobility and make it safer and more personalised. The French start-up created a GPS tracker for bikes which allows riders to know the position of their bike in real time. This so-called Wink Bar can be installed on any bike and controlled from the smartphone. The riders can enjoy a GPS-assisted navigation, subscribe the geolocation service, know all their statistics and set up handlebars for less than 2€/month.
The design of the Wink Bar connected handlebar has propelled Velco to the rank of expert in geolocation and associated services. Two technology patents protect the connected handlebar, which has won numerous prizes and awards in international innovation competitions. The company is also trying to improve the security and enjoyment of users of scooters, motorcycles, wheelchairs and strollers.
Computer vision and artificial intelligence for urban mobility
ViNotion developed UrbanDynamics: a real-time traffic monitoring and managing system that uses raw traffic data from cameras to recognise, track, and analyse the behaviour of all urban traffic participants, including bicycles and pedestrians. The solution collects data from pre-existing cameras, analyses the behaviour of all traffic participants providing an in-depth insight into complex urban traffic scenarios.
The Dutch company is trying to make European cities more friendly for pedestrians and bicycles and reduce associated traffic fatalities by facilitating an optimal integration of the soft transportation modes into the urban environment.
Last month, the European Innovation Council organised an ePitching on Mobility & Transport. The event gathered seven high-class EIC Innovations with six investors firms from the sector. Keep an eye on our events page for more information on future events.
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided in the interest of knowledge sharing and should not be interpreted as the official view of the European Commission, or any other organisation.