Imagine a bike that would pay you for using it... in BTC!

[flatfly]

While working out at the gym the other day, I suddenly had an idea that made
me very excited... As I have no plans to implement it myself, let me share it with
you guys - and if someone does eventually build it, I would appreciate a little donation

It would be nice to have exercise bikes and/or treadmills  displaying an extra little counter, in BTC, that would rapidly increase as you exercise (even if by Satoshis)?

When you end your session, the gym instantly sends your "earnings" to your address.

Gym equipment that re-uses power generated by users already exists, as can been seen here:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2015615233_greenfitness15.html

So it's only a logical extension to pay back those users with a little fraction of the revenue generated.
It probably wouldn't be much, but it would still be a strong motivator for many of us, I believe! Especially
if uses Bitcoin!

Of course implementing such a system wouldn't be trivial, but shouldn't be an insurmountable feat either.

I would both be a nice way to promote Bitcoin, and get people to exercise more...

Any comments?

[Explodicle]

The electricity generated will never come close to the cost of a gym membership. Why not just deduct from the membership cost? That way it reduces sales taxes and foreign exchange fees.

[Littleshop]

While it is a cool idea, the cost of the equipment does not pay for the electricity generated.  I think it is worse then solar unless you can get the equipment manned by above average athletes all of the time.  

On the other hand, building equipment such as bikes that power themselves is usually worth it.  They take little power and a tiny generator can be enough to power the unit saving a power cord and the hassle of that cord for the club.

While it would be so complex it would not be worth it, using the power of exercise gear to move HEAT directly (heat pump style) would bring greater efficiency.  In the summer running the bike would drive a compressor and fan and pull heat out of the club.  In the winter reverse it.  Still not worth it but cool.  

The average guy in a bike makes 100-200 watts of continuous power , tour de france riders can do 500w continuous.  

[matthewh3]

While it is a cool idea, the cost of the equipment does not pay for the electricity generated.  I think it is worse then solar unless you can get the equipment manned by above average athletes all of the time.  

On the other hand, building equipment such as bikes that power themselves is usually worth it.  They take little power and a tiny generator can be enough to power the unit saving a power cord and the hassle of that cord for the club.

While it would be so complex it would not be worth it, using the power of exercise gear to move HEAT directly (heat pump style) would bring greater efficiency.  In the summer running the bike would drive a compressor and fan and pull heat out of the club.  In the winter reverse it.  Still not worth it but cool.  

The average guy in a bike makes 100-200 watts of continuous power , tour de france riders can do 500w continuous.  

100W is ten Sparten6 or 2GH/s.

[BitPay Business Solutions]

100W is ten Sparten6 or 2GH/s.

100 Watts is enough to power a Butterfly Single!

[matthewh3]

100W is ten Sparten6 or 2GH/s.

100 Watts is enough to power a Butterfly Single!

80W = 1xBFL-Single = 0.8GH/s
80W = 8xSparten6  = 1.6GH/s

[Dan The Man]

At a generous 20 cents per kWh and a formidable athletic 200 watt power output, with no efficiency loss, you could earn 4 cents an hour, or 0.008 BTC.

[matthewh3]

At a generous 20 cents per kWh and a formidable athletic 200 watt power output, with no efficiency loss, you could earn 4 cents an hour, or 0.008 BTC.

but for busy gyms with >2GH/s a bike may work or as a home sale unit for fat bitcoiners 

[Phinnaeus Gage]

Assuming owners of gyms periodically donate to a myriad of local causes, program the bikes so that the exercisers can choose which non-profit they'll represent that day. The proprietor can even erect a chart showing who's donated what to whom via their riding exercises. The winner of the month gets the next month free, or adds a month to their existing contract.

~Bruno~


Biking for Bitcoin is so cool!

[Sukrim]

I don't really see why you should have to use Bitcoins for something like this other than the fact that you can really send out even 0.00000001 BTC.

Probably more lucrative would be internal gift codes ("generate 1 kWh and have a smoothie for free, 10 kWh = 1 month subscription, 100 kWh = 1 year") than actually handing out money. Nice idea nevertheless.

[farfiman]

Sounds a bit like part 2 of "Black Mirror"