Smart designs eBike

Smart has joined its fellow car manufacturers in designing a bicycle and is putting it into series production.

The main components of the eBike such as the frame, battery housing, handlebars, lights and mudguards have been designed and developed specifically for Smart. The two-color concept is, so it's makers claim, recognizable as classic Smart, with the plastic battery housing forming a contrast to the aluminum frame. The bike uses 26 inch wheels, with the headlamp and rear light featuring LED technology.

When charging the battery, it can either be charged directly on the eBike or removed for charging at an indoor socket. The eBike can be adjusted to suit all riders, and it is likely that a rear rack and further stowage options will be offered.

Smart's CEO, Dr. Annette Winkler, says, "We at Smart have been gathering experience of electric drives and the mobility needs of city dwellers around the world for years.

"We listened to what people wanted from the perfect city bike and then came up with some clever solutions such as the integrated USB port for smartphones and energy recuperation during braking," Winkler adds.

The eBike will be launched in the first half of 2012 and will initially be marketed by dealers in Europe (including the UK) and North America.

By Rufus Thompson