Gadgets: Making travel easier

Swedish bike lights, waterproof electronics and rechargeable Rover

Bookman USB Lights
These bike lights reflect the understated, minimal styling you'd expect from a Swedish design house. But the simplicity of Bookman's new lamp belies its smarts – like the micro USB port for recharging and the low charge signal at the back to let you know when you need to juice it up again. The robust, rubbery casing comes in a range of flat colours and they clip on and off with a snap-over band. Expect about five hours steady usage and 25 hours in flashing mode. Comes in a pair, with red and white LED versions for back and front.
€39 from bookman.se


iSeries Waterproof Cases
There are a whole range of model-specific E-Case waterproof sleeves for personal electronics; these iSeries ones come with an integrated earphone jack that's compatible with the remotes on headphone sets for Apple's family. Others in the E-Series protect just about everything else. 100 per cent submersible, with UV-resistant, touchscreen windows and reinforced clip points, your gadgetry will stay wilds-proof.
From €25 from 53 Degrees North and other outdoors stores


Works Electric Rover
Thanks to its lightweight aluminium body, the American-made Rover is said to deliver the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class. A relatively small class, though, it's got to be said. Still with its industrial, car-jack looks and a top speed of about 50km/h, it's a fresh, foldable take on the urban commute. Eco-positive features abound, with LED lights, battery regenerative braking and emission-free roving, of course.
From $5,000 (€3,720); see works-electric.com for details.



Tom Kelly
betweenideas.blogspot.com