Vodafone introduces smart bicycle rear lights
Vodafone recently added an intelligent reversing light to its range for cyclists. This includes, among other things, theft protection and is intended to inform emergency contacts if you have an accident with your bike. However, the chic bicycle helper is not a bargain – and monthly subscription fees are added to the purchase price.
Even bicycles cannot ignore technical progress: e-bikes such as the Vanmoof S3 or Cowboy 4 are now moving computers and even bicycle helmets collect millions on crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter. So it stands to reason that Vodafone would also like to get some of the cake. With the Vodafone Curve Bike, the mobile phone provider has now introduced a smart bicycle reversing light.
Vodafone Curve Bike: Intelligent brake light with accident detection and theft protection
Like any bicycle brake light, the Vodafone Curve Bike can also be mounted on the seat post to warn the approaching road users in the event of sudden braking. The built-in LED should shine “particularly brightly” with 20 lumens, promises Vodafone. Also on board is an impact detection with help message: If a fall is registered, friends or relatives are notified. Notification is provided via SMS, push notification or an authorized call. The emergency contacts can be set in the associated app.
Vodafone’s brake light is supposed to protect against theft in two ways: On the one hand, the Curve Bike should send a motion alarm when the bike leaves a previously defined zone, and on the other hand, a GPS tracker is integrated. This allows owners to see where the bike is currently on the app. The feature can also be used to record journeys and then share them. The luminaire is also waterproof according to IP67. The tracking function should last 4.5 days in standby, the light in use “up to 7.5 hours.” A StVZO approval is available.
In this Video let’s show the Cowboy 3:
Monthly subscription fees
At Amazon, the Vodafone Curve Bike costs around 144 euros and is therefore anything but a bargain. However, the price includes the subscription fees for 24 months in order to be able to use the smart additional functions such as the emergency notification. The bike taillight usually costs 169.90 euros. After the two years, owners of the brake light must extend the subscription in the app in order to continue using the functions. The subscription fee is currently 1.99 euros per month. The brake light will be available from June 14th.
