Toyota pioneers mind control bicycle gear changes

July 11, 2011

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and Mercedes are amongst the car makers that have put their names to bicycles. Even Hummer, the American manufacturer of military vehicles and SUVs puts its name on a useful-looking folding full-size mountain bike.

However, Toyota is the first car giant to incorporate into the design of their bicycle a fully-functioning, thought-controlled gear shifter. A cycle helmet contains neuron transmitters and by re-programming the bike’s electronic shifting and re-routing the signal to accept brain waves, the rider is able to “think” to shift.

As far as I’m concerned that’s how I change gear at the moment – I think about changing gear and, as if by magic, my hand moves to the shifter.

Of course there’s no rational reason for a thought-controlled gear change, but we applaud Toyota’s imagination.

You can read weekly progress reports on how the bike is taking shape at prollyisnotprobably.com

Information correct at time of publication.

Leave us a comment

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Comments
--
Name
2 days ago

Reply
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Name
2 days ago

Reply
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Cycle Insurance Quick Quote
Start now
ETA logo
E-bike Insurance Quick Quote
Start now
ETA logo
European Breakdown Cover
Start now
ETA logo
Mobility Scooter Quick Quote
Start now
ETA logo