MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
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Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#2What’s the advantage of using those bicycles, as opposed to just having a crank on it? Pedaling a bicycle backwards isn’t really ergonomic.
Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#3A wall socket can be found just about anywhere, if you really need power quick there are fast charging powerbanks.
Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#4What’s the advantage of using those bicycles, as opposed to just having a crank on it? Pedaling a bicycle backwards isn’t really ergonomic.
Bicycles are among the most efficient energy conversion systems human-kind has ever invented .. the difference between a single lever (which, after all, is still an option with the existing design) and a bicycle lever/gear system, means all the difference in the world when the calories are, already, a regular daily concern for the target user.
Plus, it gives the bikes utility when they're not being rented, since the rental bays often take up space in areas accessible to the homeless, its also quite convenient for the target users.
Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#5Shouldn’t the strategy be to disincentivize bums congregating in your neighborhood?
Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#6I think they would rather leave some USB port available than let you wear down their chains
Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#7A wall socket can be found just about anywhere, if you really need power quick there are fast charging powerbanks.
Homelessness is a serious subject, especially in a city like London. The assumption that the homeless masses all have access to a powerbank, or a wall socket in one of the cities most notorious for class boundaries, is rather coarse.. perhaps you might at least think of it as more of a survival device for those who are using their bicycles to get far, far away from the grid ..
Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#8Shouldn’t the strategy be to disincentivize bums congregating in your neighborhood?
Maybe the strategy should be more to incentivize people to live more safely and comfortably in nature and less in their boxes of inordinate consumption.
Homelessness could become a good thing, if we get our tech right.
(Disclaimer: Tree-hugging hippy who believes we should be dropping Kelly Kettles, not bombs..)
Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#9A wall socket can be found just about anywhere, if you really need power quick there are fast charging powerbanks.
It is illegal to use a socket without permission and there aren't that many sockets accessible outdoor.
Re: MyPowerbank hacks Santander bikes so London's homeless can charge their phones
#10I think they would rather leave some USB port available than let you wear down their chains
More likely that they'll upgrade the bikes to lock the chain/pedals if this becomes a problem.