Gadget charger harnesses walking power

A US company has come up with a baton-shaped device that charges gadgets using power generated by walking, hiking or running.

Tremont Electric was in Las Vegas on Tuesday for the Consumer Electronics Show, where it will tout the nPower PEG (personal energy generator) as ideally suited for today's gizmo-dependent lifestyles.

"It's for any outdoors enthusiast who is deep in the woods and doesn't have access to a power outlet or for a commuter who constantly needs backup battery power," said Jessica Davis of Tremont.

"You could use this for an emergency situation or just for your commute."

PEG batons measure nine inches (23 centimeters) and weigh 11 ounces (312 grams). Electricity is generated when floating magnets slide through coils, according to Davis.

The batons can be put in a backpack, brief case, or runner's pouch where they synch to up-and-down motion to generate power.

"It tunes to optimize the amount of power being produced," Davis said.

PEG works with more than 3,000 handheld devices that are USB 2.0 compatible.

The Ohio-based company began selling the 160-dollar "kinetic" chargers in September and has been scrambling to catch up to demand.