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

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.

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.

SmartHalo 2’s 30 upgrades

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.”

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.

To help with fitness tracking, SmartHalo 2 tracks distance travelled, 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.

“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.