Smart debuts battery ebike
2012-05-04 13:30
GREEN-FRIENDLY PEDAL POWER: The Smart ebike can fit comfortably at the back of your ForTwo and will save you quite a bit on your monthly fuel bill not to mention the kilograms you'll lose pedalling to work and back. Hot blonde in the backgroun
Stuttgart, Germany - The Mercedes Smart ebike, a winner of the 2012 Red Dot Design Award, has gone on sale in Europe.
As a pedelec (PEDal ELECtric cycle), the Smart ebike is, strictly-speaking, a hybrid with a 423Wh lithium-ion battery which activates as you begin pedalling. Muscle power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a a belt drive (no oily chain here!) which is mated to a three-speed gear hub.
Electric power is activated by via the handlebar and there a choice of four power levels. Depending on the power level selected and the manner of cycling, a single charge can last for up to 100km.
SAVE ON FUEL, SHED SOME KGs
The bike has an LED front and rear light with daytime running function. The bike is fitted with 26-inch wheels and Continental tyres. An oil-free carbon toothed belt is fitted instead of a conventional bicycle chain.
The ebike comes with a USB port and a smartphone holder, a comfort bar, and a luggage rack can be added. Cyclists can also make use of the ebike iPhone app.
The portable battery can be charged either at a normal socket or while riding when the wheel hub motor acts as a generator. The bike will initially be available in two colour variants, crystal white with green accents or dark grey with orange accents. Prices in Germany will start at the equivalent of R29 000.
Mercedes-Benz SA is considering the ebike but not for this year (2012).
