At Daimler’s booth at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, visitors can take a look at the smart ebike concept right beside the escooter. The ebike concept is a high-tech bicycle that offers four electric boost levels from an electric drive system. Unlike that of the scooter, the throttle grip isn’t used to control the drive. Rather, the extra power is delivered via the rider pedals. The front headlamp is integrated in the handlebar, giving the same result as active curve illumination on cars going along each steering movement.
In a statement, Annette Winkler, head of smart, said that the brand smart is “even more electric with the ebike.” She explained that with the introduction of the fortwo and the escooter, it’s likely that fans will decide on how “they move in the city even more individually and adapt it better to their individual life, the weather and their personal mood.” She stated that no matter what the age or health status, they can still have fun riding a bicycle even on longer distances.
She pointed out that a driving license isn’t even necessary. This ebike concept also has an integrated smartphone, which comes with a smart drive kit app that was further developed to also have multiple functions for the ebike such as those of a speedometer and a navigation system. As soon as the rider removes the smartphone, the ebike is automatically locked. The smart ebike weighs only 22 kg and on a full battery charge, can go for 30, 50, 70 or 90 kilometers. Depending on the speed, the gear ratio is automatically adjusted in two levels. The maximum speed will depend on the terrain and rider energy.
