‘Bird Scooter-Like’ Bike for Bitcoin (BTC), Litecoin (LTC) and Crypto Micropayments Keeps Lightning Network Rolling

The blockchain revolution is gaining speed, literally. A German hacker by the name of Matthias Steinig has just created an electronic bicycle that runs on the Lightning Network (LN).

Much like the popular Bird scooters, the user simply has to scan a QR code on the bike using a Lightning Network app to unlock it and get the electric motor running. The user picks from three time options on the electronic ink screen, and then a QR code is generated to match the price of the period selected. They have 60 seconds to scan the code and unlock the bike.  

Steinig utilized an electronic conversion kit managed by a Raspberry Pi computer to control the motor. The controller has a built-in network or modem which communicates with the LN and allows for transfers and transactions.

Hey, here's the promised video of using the lightning-bike, hope you like it! pic.twitter.com/ul2gBXc2id

— Matthias Steinig ?? (@leblitzdick) October 12, 2018

The Lightning-bike is a standard 28 inches and would enable users to make micropayments in coins with LN support, such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Vertcoin and Decred. If the user finishes their paid time, they’ll still be allowed to pedal the bicycle without the help of the motor.

The bike, which is in its proof of concept stage, is one of many recent use-cases for the Lightning Network. Earlier this month, a Spanish hacker showcased a soda machine that runs on the LN and gives customers an instant glass of Coke. In June, a new project was released that lets gamers play Pokémon on the Lightning Network.