Nokia today announced a quite interesting new accessory, the Nokia Bicycle Charger Kit. This is designed for emerging markets, where electricity is expensive or unreliable.

There’s two angles to this. The first is that the product is initially aimed at emerging markets. Places where electricity may be scarce, unreliable or expensive. Making it possible for a bicycle to charge a phone creates the difference between the chance of being able to communicate and the guarantee. In many areas, a bicycle-powered charging service might create a sustainable micro-business for some individuals.

The second angle is that this looks a lot greener than plugging your charger into the wall. While Nokia’s chargers have now largely put paid to the peril of unattended charging (see yesterday’s Eco Profiles post), not plugging in at all is more than 100% more environmentally friendly. It might also encourage owners to exercise, to boot.

Nokia didn’t announce how much this thing will cost you, but it can’t be much when it is targeted for the emerging markets where Nokia’s phones cost a little bit over 30€ before taxes and subsidies. That’s the way to do it Nokia!