Smart ebike due in 2012

Smart is launching an electric two-wheeler, but it’s not the escooter that was unveiled as a concept at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Instead, Smart has teamed up with Berlin-based manufacturer Grace to produce the ebike which, as the name suggests, is a power-assisted bicycle.

Smart Ebike (2012) Front Side

Supporting the rider’s pedalling efforts is a 250 watt BionX electric motor that sits within the rear wheel hub. Current is supplied by a frame-mounted 400 Wh lithium-ion battery that could last up to 62 miles (100 km) between charges, depending on which of the four assistance levels is used.

Recharging is via a normal domestic socket, and the battery can be removed from the ebike to make this task easier. Additionally, an energy capture system means that as the brakes are applied, the hub motor turns into a generator to top up the battery on the go.

To comply with European Union regulations, the maximum assisted speed of the ebike is 15 mph (25 km/h). Any more would require a driving licence and number plate to ride it.

Other features include a belt drive in place of a traditional (messy) chain, three-speed gears, Magura MT4 disc brakes, LED lights front and rear and a smartphone USB interface. Among a planned range of options will be a rear luggage rack and various bags to go on it.

The Smart ebike will get its public debut in ‘near production’ form at the Friedrichshafen Eurobike show at the end of August. That will be immediately followed by an appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Sales are expected to begin sometime during the first half of 2012, and the ebike will be available across Europe and North America from launch.

Although final pricing has yet to be confirmed, Smart has said it’ll cost less than €2,900 in Germany. That’s about £2,500 or US$4,200 at current exchange rates which, in comparison to other electric bicycles, definitely makes the ebike seem very expensive.

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