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Netherlands government launches ‘intelligent bicycle’

Electric prototype features radar, cameras and a vibrating seat

The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) has produced a prototype ‘intelligent’ electric bicycle for the government. Fitted with an array of electronic devices, the aim is to help bring down the high accident rate among elderly cyclists.

If the most striking gizmo is the vibrating warning system installed in the saddle, then this is only of use when combined with the forward-looking radar mounted below the handlebars and a camera in the rear mudguard.

“Accidents often happen when cyclists look behind them or get a fright when they are passed at high speed,” explained Maurice Kwakkernaat, one of TNO’s research scientists.

If there is an obstacle in front of you, the handlebars vibrate, while if another cyclist or vehicle approaches from behind, the seat vibrates. There is also an option to mount a tablet computer for a visual notification of nearby dangers.

Last year, according to the Netherlands’ Central Statistics Office, 184 cyclists died with 124 of those older than 65. Dutch Environment and Infrastructure Minister Melanie Schultz van Haegen said that the bike would therefore be particularly beneficial for the elderly.

“More and more elderly people are using a bicycle, not only for short distances, but also for longer distances. This type of bicycle is truly needed in the Netherlands because it will help us down bring the number of elderly people who are injured every year and allow them to continue enjoy cycling.”

The prototype weighs 25kg and so researchers are working on reducing the size of the on-board systems. The Guardian reports that a commercial-available version could be on the market in the next couple of years with a price tag of between 1,700 euros and 3,200 euros (£1,350 to £2,500).

This wouldn’t be the first vibrating saddle, however. We’ve previously reported on the Happy Ride vibrating seat cover. In this particular instance, your happiness derives not from the evasion of hazards but from something else entirely.

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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8 comments

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arowland | 9 years ago
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I hope it can be switched off. Use on a busy bike path could soon get irritating.
If you need the handlebars to vibrate to tell you there is something ahead of you, it may be time to go to Specsavers.
If you get too stiff to be able to turn easily to look behind, invest in a mirror.
I agree with Matt Eaton.

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Municipal Waste | 9 years ago
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So there's going to be a lot of happy looking grandmas riding bikes then eh?  36

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Matt eaton | 9 years ago
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Perhaps this seems daft because of our skewed UK view on cycling but this does look rather like a solution looking for a problem.

“Accidents often happen when cyclists look behind them or get a fright when they are passed at high speed,”

I'm not sure what the basis of this statement is and, again, maybe things are so vastly different in The Netherlands that it's difficult for me to understand but I would have thought accidents are more likely as a result of cyclists not checking behind them. Getting off due to a frightning pass seems laughable in the UK but maybe that's why we have so few utility cyclists here.

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congokid | 9 years ago
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It might not be a total solution, but wouldn't it be cheaper and simpler to fit a mirror to the handlebars. Alternatively, there are such things as tricycles.

And how effective would vibrating handlebars be if one can't easily identify visually obstacles that lie in the direction one is travelling.

The high levels of cycling in the Netherlands could mean the seat would be vibrating almost continuously, to the extent one might get used to it and tune it out.

I might find it more of a distraction - much like when my mobile receives a call when it's in silent mode.

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Airzound | 9 years ago
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Vibrating seat ……………  24

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Dutchie | 9 years ago
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Having grown up in the Netherlands I can definitely see the benefits of a bike like this. We've had some worries over my granddad cycling around well in his eighties, rather deaf and not able to look over his shoulder

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shay cycles | 9 years ago
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Think I've seen some vibrating handlebars and saddles on the road to Roubaix!

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Edinburgh Festi... | 9 years ago
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April the first is still four months away...

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