If your bike has a hub dynamo, the BioLogic ReeCharge Power Pack lets you run portable USB powered devices while you ride. Whilst we've recently seen bicycle recharge kits, the ability to charge via USB is pretty novel. Basically it's a battery with a USB port that charges from the energy generated by your dynamo and then tops-up your device when you plug it in. That means you can charge the battery and then charge your device when you arrive at your destination, or, if it's practical, charge your device on the go, allowing you to use your smartphone's GPS function whilst riding.
Dahon put some thought into the practicalities of the design too - the 1600 mAh Lithium polymer battery's stored in a waterproof silicon case, with sealed connectors so that you can still charge it when you're riding in the rain. Plus the unit can be detached, so, once you finish your ride, the battery can also be easily removed and taken inside to be charged by USB or from the wall. It comes with connectors for different devices including, iPhones, newer Nokias andSony, Samsung and BlackBerry devices.
According to Bike Hugger, it will take you about 3 hours to charge your iPhone, so you'll need to spend a bit of time on your bike to charge larger batteries from scratch, but it's certainly a neat way to keep your devices charged - and make extra use of your pedal-power - when you're on the move.
The Biologic ReeCharge should be available any day now for around US$100.
