A Bicycle is Abandonware Now? Clever Hack Rescues Dead Light

When it comes to repairing a bicycle, few pieces of equipment offer the same level of flexibility and adaptability as the humble bike itself. Whether you're stranded in a remote area or simply need a quick fix in your own backyard, there's always someone willing to lend a hand – or a wrench – to get you back on the road.

However, as the popularity of electric bicycles continues to grow, some manufacturers are taking a more sinister approach. By designing bikes with complex electronics and proprietary systems, these companies are effectively locking their customers into a closed ecosystem that can only be serviced by themselves. And if those companies go under? Well, let's just say you're left high and dry.

A recent example of this phenomenon has been shared by [Fransisco], who owns a bike built by a now-defunct manufacturer (let's just say it looks suspiciously like VanMoof). The bike features a cleverly integrated front light, but with one major caveat: it can only be operated through the company's discontinued cloud-based app. It's a classic case of hardware obsolescence on steroids.

But what if you're faced with a similar situation? What if your beloved electric bike is no longer supported by its manufacturer, leaving you to wonder how to fix or replace a vital component?

The Hack: A Clever Solution

A resourceful individual has shared a clever hack that can breathe new life into even the most abandoned-of-bikes. By removing the panel for the VanMoof electronics and carefully sliding it up the top tube, they've managed to expose the connector to the front light.

The next step is to replace the original components with some off-the-shelf alternatives: a USB-C Li-Po charger and a small cell battery take center stage under a new 3D printed panel adorned with a switch that allows you to control the light via a suitable resistor. And, remarkably, the entire setup looks almost indistinguishable from the original.

This hack is more than just a clever fix – it's a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of cyclists everywhere. By taking matters into their own hands, [Fransisco] and others like him are proving that even the most seemingly intractable problems can be overcome with a bit of creativity and perseverance.

A Warning: Abandonware Alert

As compelling as this hack may be, we want to take a moment to sound a warning bell. If you're considering investing in an electric bike that relies on proprietary systems and cloud-based services, think twice before doing so. We know it's tempting – who doesn't love the idea of having all your bike's features at their fingertips? But trust us, this is a recipe for disaster.

Instead of relying on closed ecosystems and abandoned manufacturers, perhaps it's time to rethink our approach to cycling altogether. Can we create a more open, inclusive community that values repairability and flexibility above all else?

We may not have the answer just yet, but one thing is certain: with hacks like this one, there's hope for a brighter, more DIY-friendly future in cycling. So, the next time you're tempted to buy into the latest electric bike trend, remember [Fransisco]'s story – and consider the implications.