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CES: Mini generator powers bike lights, speakers

Jooyn Power Shenzen introduces a rear-wheel mini generator, bike lights, and a sound system with multiple speakers, all with a controller that mounts to handlebars.

Elizabeth Armstrong Moore
Elizabeth Armstrong Moore is based in Portland, Oregon, and has written for Wired, The Christian Science Monitor, and public radio. Her semi-obscure hobbies include climbing, billiards, board games that take up a lot of space, and piano.
Elizabeth Armstrong Moore
Jooyn's new mini generator doubles as a rear bike light. Elizabeth Armstrong Moore/CNET

LAS VEGAS--For all the bicycle enthusiasts, especially those interested in longer-distance touring, China-based Jooyn Power Shenzen is introducing a rear-wheel mini generator that can power the company's bike lights, sound system, and controller up to 18 volts/1 amp. Each light includes a USB port for powering other devices at around 5V/1A, and the generator doubles as a rear light that flashes during rotation.

One speaker mounted to the frame. Elizabeth Armstrong Moore/CNET

Solar-based systems are cool, but when reliable lighting is most important (say, for riding at night), they're just not optimal. If Jooyn's new generator (pricing and release dates to be announced) adds minimal resistance and lasts, this setup could soon be the norm.

The multifunctional controller comes with an easy-to-use display panel to control the headlights and sound system and mounts easily to handlebars. The LED lights can be set (on the light itself or through the central controller) to high, low, normal, and flashing, and include built-in lithium batteries that last roughly three hours with 800 life cycles.

While the multiple-speaker sound system seems a bit over-the-top (it's light-weight, but how many people really want a boom box?), it's sleek and easy to install.