Crowdfunding, Health, Internet of Things

SmartHalo launches SmartHalo 2 second-generation all-in-one smart bicycle accessory on Kickstarter

SmartHalo2 Bicycle Kickstarter

New-and-improved version of the device allows for further customization based on cyclists’ needs

Today SmartHalo launched a new and improved second-generation version of its all-in-one smart bicycle accessory. The minimalist device securely mounts to the handlebars of any standard bike, turning it into a smart bike. It is now available on Kickstarter for $99 USD.

SmartHalo 2 Kickstarter

After a successful Kickstarter campaign for SmartHalo in 2015, the company is back with a revamped second-gen product that cyclists can customize to fit their cycling style. SmartHalo 2 maintains the core functionality of version one, with a number of hardware and software upgrades and a focus on personalization. Like its predecessor, SmartHalo 2’s five core features include a navigation system, a powerful light, an anti-theft alarm, fitness tracking, and personal assistant.
Central to the tech’s minimalist design is an intuitive halo of light that guides cyclists to their destination with turn-by-turn signals, tracks fitness goals and much more. It even greets users when they hop on their bike. The circular interface has been designed to keep cyclists focused on the road.

Among SmartHalo 2’s over 30 upgrades include a smaller size, discreet 1.5” OLED screen, extensive customization of metrics to suit any cycling style, GPX and waypoints integration, a universal mount adapter compatible with quarter lock mounts, a 5-times more powerful smart front light that now automatically adjusts based on the environment, and more.

“We made these improvements based on customer feedback and so we can further get to the root of why each individual cycles,” said CEO and co-founder Xavier Peich. “From commuters and fitness buffs, to casual cyclists and everyone in between, each cyclist has different wants and needs so tech like this needs to address that.”

Among SmartHalo 2’s most notable upgrade are a universal mount (RoadMount) compatible with any standard quarter lock mounts, GPX and waypoints integration, and a discreet 1.5” OLED black and white display with crisp, luminous digits, which allows cyclists to customize a carousel of real-time metrics specific to their type of biking and “why they cycle” (e.g. speed, distance ridden, time spent biking, calories, timer, weather alerts, CO2 saved, clock, navigation info and battery level). Because ultimately, the cyclist knows why and how they want to conquer the road that day. Plus, it has a horn that can play La Cucaracha.

SmartHalo 2 Features

SmartHalo2-overview

  • Navigation – SmartHalo 2 uses an innovative navigation algorithm, custom built for cycling. Cyclists enter their destination in the app, choose their path (e.g. fastest, flattest, safest, or recommended) and the circular interface right on their handlebars guides them with intuitive, turn-by-turn, light signals. Cyclists can also set waypoints en route to their destination, and import/export GPX files. Distance to destination and ETA are shown both on the device and in the app.
  • Alarm – SmartHalo stays on the bike at all times with the anti-theft lock to ensure theft protection. The internal motion sensor makes sure that any persistent meddling with a bike triggers a loud, 100db alarm when the cyclist isn’t around. When the cyclist comes back, it disarms automatically
  • Fitness – SmartHalo 2 tracks distance traveled, speed, time, calories, and elevation. It lets users set fitness goals in the app, view lifetime stats, and detailed metrics in the app and on the handlebars. It also has Strava integration.
  • Light – At night, cyclists can see and be seen. As soon as the sun sets, SmartHalo 2’s 250 lumens
  • Assistant – Cyclists should be keeping their eyes on the road and not be thinking about missing calls. SmartHalo 2 allows cyclists to receive notifications from various messaging apps (Android), calls on iOS so they don’t need to check their phone at every corner. It also connects with such as Strava, SMS, WhatsApp, Gmail, Messenger, and Slack. Other features include a clock, a horn and other ways to personalize the riding experience.

SmartHalo 2 uses an innovative navigation algorithm, custom built for cycling. Cyclists enter their destination in the app, choose their path (e.g. fastest, flattest, safest, or recommended) and the circular interface on their handlebars guides them with intuitive, turn-by-turn, light signals. Cyclists can also set waypoints en route to their destination, and import/export GPX files. Distance to destination and ETA are shown both on the device and in the app.
For theft protection, SmartHalo stays on the bike at all times with the anti-theft lock. The internal motion sensor makes sure that any persistent meddling with a bike triggers a loud, 100db alarm when the cyclist isn’t around. When the cyclist comes back, it disarms automatically.

SmartHalo 2 Fitness Tracking

To help with fitness tracking, SmartHalo 2 tracks distance traveled , speed, time, calories, and elevation. It lets users set fitness goals in the app, view lifetime stats, and detailed metrics in the app and on the handlebars. It also has Strava integration.
At night, cyclists can see and be seen. At night or in dim conditions, SmartHalo 2’s 250 lumens rechargeable light turns on automatically with the help of its light sensors. When the ride is finished, it shuts down on its own.
Further personalizing the riding experience, SmartHalo 2 can allow cyclists to receive notifications from various messaging apps (Android) and calls on iOS so they don’t need to check their phone at every corner. It connects with apps such as SMS, WhatsApp, Gmail, Messenger, and Slack.

SmartHalo2 light

“Cycling is a healthy, convenient, economical, and eco-friendly way to get around so, with SmartHalo, we’re aiming to encourage more cycling by amplifying the experience,” said Chief Design Officer and co-founder Gabriel Alberola.
The estimated delivery date of SmartHalo 2 is December 2019. For more information on pledge breakdown please see the Kickstarter page.

About SmartHalo Technologies Inc

SmartHalo Technologies Inc is a venture-backed, Montreal-based technology and design company. It strives to improve urban mobility by building amazing cycling products that combine sophisticated technologies and elegant simplicity. Launched initially as a massively successful Kickstarter campaign, the first product has been sold so far to 25,000 cyclists in over 70 countries. It is distributed in Apple Stores, Amazon, Best Buy, Gravis, MoMa Design Stores, and more.