Nokia releases bike-powered phone charger

Nokia has introduced a bicycle-powered mobile phone charging kit aimed at developing nations and places where supply of electricity is limited.

The kit, which fits any phone that has a 2mm charging jack, will provide 28 minutes of talk time and 37 hours of standby time for 10 minutes of a user cycling at about 4 miles an hour. Nokia says the kit is just making use of time people are already spending on their bikes:

“Bicycles are the most widespread means of transport in many markets around the world, so this is just one more benefit to be gained from an activity people are already doing,” said Alex Lambeek, Nokia vice president in a statement.

A blog on the Nokia website mentions two benefits of the gadget in areas where electricity is not always a sure thing:

Making it possible for a bicycle to charge a phone creates the difference between the chance of being able to communicate and the guarantee. In many areas, a bicycle-powered charging service might create a sustainable micro-business for some individuals.

The kit is expected to ship globally in the fall, and will retail for $18.