SIGNAL

What it does

SIGNAL is a smart device for bikes and scooters that uses V2X technology to communicate with nearby vehicles, making its presence known and receiving useful data. It is powered by a dynamo, eliminating the need for frequent recharging.

Your inspiration

The project began in 2023, when we, the creators—Enrico and Matteo—were living in Ferrara and cycling every day. Despite the city's focus on sustainable mobility, we realized that signal lights alone aren't enough to ensure cyclist safety. From this awareness, combined with our passion for design and technology, came the idea for SIGNAL: a device that actively communicates with its surroundings to improve the visibility and protection of those who travel on two wheels.

How it works

SIGNAL is an electronic device designed for bikes and scooters that uses V2X technology (802.11p radio wave communication) to interact with nearby vehicles and infrastructure. It alerts others to the rider’s presence and receives environmental data, improving road safety. It notifies the user of approaching vehicles (slow or fast), blind spots, and critical situations like flooded or damaged roads. It includes an emergency call feature: in case of a fall, the device activates lights and sounds, asking the user to confirm they’re okay via a button. The device can be powered by a modern rim dynamo, reducing the need for recharging. The kit includes the main body with electronic board, two handlebar mounts, and a home charging base. A bayonet mount with integrated electrical contacts ensures quick and secure fastening. A dedicated app allows configuration, real-time data viewing, and route history tracking.

Design process

The SIGNAL project was born in 2023 in Ferrara from a firsthand need: improving urban cyclist safety through a smart device. Passion and prior skills led us to start a research and benchmarking phase to analyze existing solutions and identify their limits and potential. We defined user needs through an international survey and developed initial concept sketches, choosing a compact, durable “pill”-shaped form to house the internal electronics. The 3D model was validated using COMSOL Multiphysics simulations to test material resistance and thermal insulation. We then built a physical prototype using FDM 3D printing to verify dimensions and the bayonet mounting system. With support from Fancy Pixel S.r.l., a functioning electronic board was outlined, while the German company Velogical helped us successfully test dynamo rim power. Finally, we produced the technical materials for future development: electronics, software, user interface, and connected app.

How it is different

SIGNAL stands out for its integrated approach to light vehicle safety. Unlike the only existing competitor, U.S.-based SpokeWare, our device is fully self-powered via a rim dynamo, avoiding frequent recharges. SIGNAL also combines bidirectional V2X communication, crash detection with SOS function, a quick and sturdy mounting system, and a connected app for monitoring and setup. Its compact, robust design is built to withstand extreme environmental conditions. The kit’s modularity and focus on ecodesign complete a concrete, replicable solution, born from real needs and developed with cross-disciplinary expertise in technology, digital systems, and design.

Future plans

We are currently seeking investors and tech partners, especially companies specialized in software and hardware development, to move forward with production and field testing. We have already initiated talks with an Italian research center focused on connected mobility, open to hosting our tests in an advanced environment with V2X-compatible vehicles and infrastructure. We hope the project will attract interest from road safety stakeholders or companies looking to integrate smart systems into bicycles or urban micromobility solutions.

Awards