Mercedes Rolls into Electric Bicycles

PARIS, France - Standing next to the e-Scooter in Daimler’s booth at this year’s Paris Auto Show as Bike Europe reported earlier this week, is the smart e-Bike concept. This is a high-tech bicycle with four electric boost levels from an electric drive system. Unlike the e-Scooter, the e-Bike is not controlled via the throttle grip. Instead, it delivers extra power when the rider pedals.

"The brand smart becomes even more electric with the e-Bike: Following the fortwo and the e-Scooter, many old and new smart fans may choose the way they move in the city even more individually and adapt it better to their individual life, the weather and their personal mood. People of all ages, with or without a driving licence, fit or not will enjoy experiencing the world by bicycle, also over longer distances,” Annette Winkler, head of smart, said in a statement. 

Characteristics that the e-Bike and the e-Scooter have in common are typical smart design features, simple handling and the integration of smartphones: the smart drive kit app that has been further developed also performs numerous functions for the ebike, for example those of a speedometer and a navigation system. When the rider removes the smartphone the e-Bike is automatically locked and protected against theft. The front headlamp is integrated in the handlebar, with the same effect as active curve illumination on cars following every steering movement.

Weighing 22 kg, the smart e-Bike has a range per battery charge of 30, 50, 70 or 90 kilometres. The gear ratio is automatically adjusted in two levels depending on the speed, while the maximum speed depends on the terrain and rider energy. The smart features a 250 watt brushless direct current wheel hub motor that is integrated in the rear wheel. The propulsion current is stored in a compact lithium-ion battery with voltage of 36 volts and capacity of 9.6 Ah. The battery pack is housed above the pedal crankcase on the frame and is concealed by the frame panelling. The battery can be fully charged in two to three hours.

“As long as power and shape suffice, the rider's fitness is the “engine”. But also if the electric drive is started, the e-Bike remains locally emission-free - except of one own´s breath. With a long range of typical attributes such as the character defining design and the safety features, also the bike shows: smart is intelligent,” added Winkler.

The smart ebike was designed and realised in cooperation with the Berlin e-Bike manufacturer Grace based on concrete ideas and specifications from the smart designers. The company specialises in high quality and fully integrated electric bikes and the project was led by Karlheinz Nicolai.