Hey Dave – I heard that a company called Superpedestrian is offering The Copenhagen Wheel after Thanksgiving. I noticed it on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/copenhagenwheel

I really like the idea, BUT, I have two objections.
First, I'm no teenager, but I frequently go faster than 20 mph on my bicycle, WITHOUT a motor. Regulations or not, 20mph simply isn't fast enough.
Second, I live in a hilly area, and 250W is a non-starter. I'll consider buying when it hits an efficient 750W. 1000W is even better. Heck, I can already buy a 1000W Schwinn scooter that will POWER me up the hills without pedaling, for less money than this.

"and they are coming from multiple sources. A few years ago we saw the Copenhagen Wheel, and now a similar product is making its way to market – the FlyKly Smart Wheel."
REMARKABLY similar! Were these two products developed concurrently? They're just too close for mere chance alone.
Let's see who's first to market. In the mean time, I'm going to check out the roster of Dyson award winners and see if there aren't any products that ... ahem... inspire me.

To clarify the above:
I don't like to be overly critical, but I keep seeing bicycle "solutions" on Gizmag that cost $3000-$5000, when I can frequently find existing products that do the same or more for a fraction of the price.
I'm all for improving the electric bicycle scene, but some of these prices are simply unrealistic. Unless of course you're a rich person and simply want to indulge in a fad.

I am riding a recumbent trike and would not put motor to that. I would have a good excuse to do that but I rather exercise my feet which are not that strong, yet. I am actually an incomplete paraplegic who, despite doctors predictions, can walk and use a recumbent trike pedaling with my feet. The big hills just takes much longer. So I wonder about electrification of a perfectly good and very efficient human powered machine like a bicycle! Defeats the purpose.

Ah, the Green version of the late, unlamented BSA Winged Wheel...
http://www.autocycles.co.uk/autocycles/photos/561p.jpg

How is the resistance to immersion? Will it tolerate being dunked in fresh water? Or brackish or salt water?

Don't know where you're getting your pricing information from, Anne - but if you can get a 1000w Scwhinn for less than the price of this (which will be around $600), I reckon we all want to know about it..!

When it comes to price, it is always "Suggested" Retail $ which is usually 2x than what is usually is...Hence, calm down. Nobody pays Suggested Retail price unless you are really desperate and want to be the 1st own one RIGHT NOW.

Keith, here's your under $600 Schwinn electric bike:
1) Bike = $158: http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-26-SCHWINN-DELMAR-MENS-BEACH-CRUISER-BIKE-RED-Free-Shipping-/171153370973?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item27d9892f5d
2) Motor Kit = $250: http://www.ebay.com/itm/26-Rear-Wheel-48V-1000W-Electric-Battery-Powered-Bicycle-Motor-Conversion-Kit-/111209713494?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19e49d8f56
3) Batteries = $95: http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Pack-12V-12-Volt-12ah-SLA-Sealed-Lead-Acid-Batteries-for-Electric-Bike-Scooter-/400527509942?pt=US_UPS_Batteries_Components&hash=item5d414cc9b6
That's $503 total. For $600 you can have all that plus a good helmet, bell, headlight, front and rear flashing lights, speedometer, and a gel seat pad. So there!