The concept for the Vélo Unique Smart Seat™ was filed with the UK IPO on 24th September 2024 under application number 2414024.6. In time we will be filing applications in other countries
In February 2025 the UK IPO confirmed that they believe the patent in its entirety to be novel.
The patent describes a bike frame that has a uniquely keyed seat tube part configured to mate with the uniquely keyed seat post part, where the uniquely-keyed seat tube part is correspondingly shaped with respect to the uniquely-keyed seat tube part.
The patent further describes how the seat tube and seat post parts are composed of protrusions and recesses of varying polygon shapes with the protrusions and recesses being of variable depths and widths that ensure that only a seat post with the corresponding protrusions and recesses can fit the matching seat tube.
The patent allows for the seat tube and seat frame to be either regular, irregular or non-circular in shape and for the technology to be fitted to pedal cycles, electric cycles or indeed cycles without pedals
Focus group outcomes
We have conducted several focus groups where we discussed the Vélo Unique SmartSeat™ concept further. Our major findings were:
Bike theft was seen as a major cause for anxiety amongst bike owners with most participants reporting that the threat of theft stopped them using their bikes to cycle to certain destinations such as railway stations.
The threat of bike theft prevented a number of cyclists purchasing a more expensive bike.
Removing the seat was not seen as a major issue to most cyclists if it helped secure their bike.
Cyclists who are forced to leave their bikes in communal areas such as outside offices, railway stations or communal areas in flats reported a positive interest in the Vélo Unique Smart Seat™.
Several participants reported how they would bring their bike into their flat to prevent theft. This is clearly a far from optimal living arrangement.
Interest in the smart seat was spread evenly amongst those with expensive bikes over a thousand dollars in value and those with less expensive bikes that were often left in locations where they were more likely to be stolen.
Ultimately, we believe the Vélo Unique Smart Seat™ provides a genuine chance for manufacturers to differentiate their bike designs by offering consumers something that provides real value.
