We recently built two smoothie bike systems with large light-up advertising signs. These use our electrical pedal generators to charge some capacitors. This electrical energy is then used to power some standard electric smoothie machines. There is a large LED sign which lights up as you ‘fill’ the unit with energy and the, when the energy is used up, the lights switch off.
There is also a power meter showing exactly how much power the cyclist is generating.
These units were used at an outdoor sporting event, making pedal powered cocktails at an ‘eco’ bar!
This system is interesting as most smoothie bikes use mechanical direct drive systems. Mechnaical systems would be more efficient, but this electrical system means we can use standard blender machines and have them set up away from the bikes with a cable. Also its quite fun to ‘fill’ the lights then you can relax as you watch your pedal efforts converted into a nice smoothie!