That's cute, but like all hybrid technology it just adds weight. I don't think it has any practical application for cycling.

I raced bikes from the age of eight to eighteen, and I also commute every day on a bike. In no way would I wan't that crap on my bike, for recreation, transportation or competition. I can think of plenty of other ways to increase the efficiency of a bike by 10%. For starters, put some slicks on that thing (assuming pavement is where this bike will see most of it's use, since he is riding behind the Cooper union building in Soho NYC). Knobby tires on pavement are a nightmare... In fact, I really have to question this guys logic, if he is on a quest for efficiency, why doesn't he start by setting up his bike properly. To me it looks like he took two steps back to take one forward.

This is just more nerdy feature creep that adds complexity and cost to what was once a simple and elegant machine. As a cyclist I do not approve.

And if you don't like pedaling, get a motorcycle...