BambooTec, a company out of Yucatan Mexico, is hot on the path to charging your smartphone while you pedal.

The charging mechanism has two major components. The first is circuitry integrated into the wheel rim. This is where the kinetic power from pedaling comes from. This power gets directed to a converted box under the seat which regulates the voltage. Without this regulator, the inconsistent power stream would ruin your devices. Upon normal biking, it is expected to generate 10 volts. This is enough to power 3 devices.

The under-the-seat box not only regulates the power, but also distributes it. From here, USB power is piped into 3 places: BambooTec’s onboard navigation as well as two USB ports. The first is BambooTec’s onboard navigation. Then, to two USB ports. BambooTec projects enough power should be generated to charge two devices at once, as well as running the navigation.

However, there is a catch. You have to buy BambooTec’s bamboo bike. Made out of bamboo. Now you get the name.

It seems that the technology behind the changing mechanism is useful, but the implementation seems too niche. Even though people love Bamboo bicycles, if left to choice, I bet people would much rather buy the charging technology alone.