Electronics DIY
Building a microcontroller-based bicycle speedometer and odometer with GPS and wheel sensor fusion for accurate distance tracking.
This evergreen guide explains how to design a compact, reliable bicycle dashboard using a microcontroller, GPS, wheel sensors, and sensor fusion to deliver precise speed and distance data in real time for riders and hobbyists.
July 21, 2025 - 3 min Read
A practical project for cyclists and electronics enthusiasts, this guide walks you through assembling a compact speedometer and odometer that blends GPS data with wheel-based measurements. The system uses a low-cost microcontroller, a GPS module, a spare wheel sensor, and a small display to present essential metrics clearly while riding. By integrating sensor fusion, the device can resolve discrepancies that GPS alone might introduce in urban canyons or forest trails, delivering stable speed readings and a consistent distance tally. The design emphasizes modular hardware, accessible firmware, and robust connections to withstand vibrations, weather, and daily use on a bike. It remains approachable for beginners while offering room to upgrade features over time.
Beginning with a clear bill of materials and a simple schematic helps you stay organized from the start. Choose a microcontroller with built-in peripherals suitable for real-time sampling and communication, such as a mid-range MCU that handles GPS data parsing, wheel pulse counting, and a user interface. The GPS module should support NMEA sentences or a similar protocol for straightforward parsing, while the wheel sensor provides precise tick counts to measure rotation-driven distance. Use a compact LCD or OLED display for visibility in sunlight, and plan for a small buffer battery or a lightweight power management scheme to prolong operation on longer rides. Don’t overlook waterproof connectors and protective enclosures for durability.
Multi-sensor reliability improves performance in varying conditions.
Sensor fusion combines the strengths of GPS and wheel-based measurements to produce a trustworthy distance reading and consistent speed output. GPS alone can drift or momentarily stall under tree cover or urban canyons, while wheel sensors can be affected by tire slip or irregular wheel circumferences. By merging data streams with a simple complementary filter or a Kalman-like approach, you can attenuate noise and correct occasional GPS dropouts. The result is a smoother speed profile and a more dependable odometer, particularly on mixed terrain where each sensor has its own weaknesses. The firmware should schedule calibrated readings, apply debounce logic for wheel pulses, and manage timestamps to keep data synchronized.
The firmware structure matters as much as the hardware choice. Start with a clean loop that handles sensor updates, fusion calculations, and display refresh without blocking. Divide tasks into modules: a GPS parser, a wheel counter, a fusion engine, and an interface layer. This separation makes debugging easier and supports future enhancements, such as adding a barometer for elevation tracking or a temperature sensor for device health monitoring. Implement robust error handling to detect GPS outages or wheel sensor miscounts, and provide a clear user notification when data quality degrades. Consider low-power idle modes to extend battery life during long rides or trips where charging is inconvenient.
Practical guidance improves long-term project success.
The physical build is as important as the code. Mount the GPS module away from metal components that could cause signal reflections, and route antenna cables with care to minimize interference. Place the wheel sensor near the dropout with a secure magnet and a spacer to avoid misreads from braking or rough terrains. Use a weatherproof enclosure with a simple latching mechanism to protect electronics from rain and dust. Keep wiring tidy and color-coded so you can trace connections quickly. A compact power solution, such as a rechargeable Li-ion cell supplemented by a simple charger, ensures that the device stays ready for weekend rides and daily commutes alike.
Calibration and testing are ongoing processes. After assembling, perform a calibration ride to align wheel-based distance with GPS-derived distance over a known course. Note any deviations and adjust the fusion weights accordingly. Test under different speeds, accelerations, and GPS signal conditions to see how data quality shifts. Create a small log of hard events — GPS dropouts, rapid wheel pulses, and fusion corrections — to review later. Regular firmware updates should address edge cases and introduce user-requested features. Document every parameter change and test result for future reference or community sharing.
Build, test, and iterate for a robust project.
Fine-tuning the fusion algorithm is a core skill for reliable performance. A simple approach uses GPS speed as a baseline and weights wheel-based speed as a correction factor during stable conditions. When GPS is unreliable, the system leans more on wheel data to maintain continuity. Conversely, during GPS-abundant segments, the GPS speed can temper wheel-based fluctuations. This dynamic balancing helps prevent jitter and ensures the odometer remains consistent across riding styles. The code should expose an adjustable fusion factor so you can tailor the behavior to your preferences and the bike’s characteristics. In practice, small iterations yield meaningful improvements without complicating the design.
A user-friendly interface helps riders interact with the device effectively. Present at least three key readouts on the display: current speed, total distance, and trip distance. A small status line can show GPS accuracy or fusion mode, guiding the user to switch modes if needed. Include simple buttons for resetting trip data, toggling units between metric and imperial, and adjusting display brightness. On-screen graphs or spark-lines can offer a quick view of velocity trends, while a summary at ride end helps capture useful statistics. Document the user experience with clear prompts and minimal setup steps to encourage regular use and accurate tracking.
A complete, lasting solution for cyclists and makers.
Power management is essential for enjoyable rides without frequent recharging. Use a compact battery with a reputable protection scheme and design the load path to minimize quiescent current. Consider sleep modes for idle periods and timed wakeups aligned with sensor sampling. Efficient firmware reduces unnecessary processing and keeps the device responsive during motion. When designing the hardware, select components with low leakage currents and reliable performance across temperatures. Provide a straightforward charging solution, including safety features like overcharge protection and clear indicators for charging state. A well-planned power strategy improves reliability on long tours.
Documentation and reproducibility save time for future projects. Create clear assembly diagrams, a parts list with part numbers, and a wiring schematic that others can follow. Include firmware version history, build notes, and test data from representative rides. Share calibration procedures and example datasets to help others replicate results. Encourage community feedback by hosting a repository with issues and feature requests. A well-documented project is easier to maintain, extend, and troubleshoot when hardware evolves or when you want to add sensors such as a heart-rate monitor or a battery fuel gauge.
A successful microcontroller-based speedometer and odometer with GPS fusion is more than hardware and code; it’s an integrated system that enhances riding experience. The combination of GPS data with wheel pulse analytics delivers dependable distance measurement and steadier speed readouts, even in challenging environments. By prioritizing robust construction, thoughtful firmware architecture, and clear user interaction, you create a device that remains useful for years. The project also provides a solid foundation for future upgrades, such as incorporating map tiles, route planning, or telemetry streaming. Ultimately, the result is a compact gadget that empowers riders to monitor, compare, and improve their performance.
If you’re sharing the design with neighbors or a maker community, emphasize safety and stock-up on spare parts. Document your testing protocols and ensure compliance with local electronics projects norms. Encourage constructive feedback and iteration, which helps you refine sensor fusion strategies and power management. The ongoing value comes from keeping the code readable, the hardware modular, and the firmware adaptable. With careful attention to calibration, enclosure sealing, and user interface design, the bicycle speedometer and odometer becomes a dependable companion on every journey, from casual rides to endurance events.
