Outstanding recognition and the highest praise for the design: the smart ebike is one of the winners of this year’s “Red Dot Design Award”. The first models are being successively delivered from the end of April/beginning of May 2012. The first owners will be the numerous customers who have taken advantage of the possibility to reserve an ebike since November 2011.
The 30-man jury of the prestigious “Red Dot Design Award” judged more than 4500 products from 58 countries and awarded the smart ebike the “red dot: best of the best” prize for top design quality. The award ceremony will be held on 2 July 2012 in Essen. “We are delighted that the consistent and innovative design of the ebike with its unmistakable smart signature has received this prestigious award”, says smart boss Dr. Annette Winkler. “In just a few weeks time our unique smart on two wheels will start conquering cities and cycle paths around the world.”
With an unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards that are demonstrated by the extremely efficient and high-performance drive package among other features, the smart ebike has an exceptional position. It will initially be available in two colour variants: in crystal white with electric green accents and in dark grey matt with flame orange accents. Prices in Germany will start at 2,849 euros (including 19% VAT).
High-quality components guarantee dynamic, safe and fun cycling. For example, hydraulic disc brakes from Magura are fitted at the front and rear. Standard features also include LED light with a daytime running light function and 26″ wheels – both in the smart ebike design. The ebike is fitted with Continental EcoContact Plus tyres. Thanks to additional strengthening they are particularly puncture-resistant. The drive is also of a very high quality with a completely maintenance- and oil-free carbon toothed belt instead of a conventional bicycle chain.
The smart ebike also features state-of-the-art infotainment: a USB port comes as standard and enables various accessories and add-on devices to be supplied with electricity. Among other things the smart ebike can be individualised with a versatile smartphone holder for mobile end devices, a comfort bar and a luggage rack with integrated net pockets. With the help of an iPhone app specially developed for the smart ebike the smartphone becomes an information centre. A trendy smart ebike collection is also available: developed in cooperation with Mercedes Benz Accessories GmbH it includes a helmet and bags featuring the smart design. The smart ebike collection is also available from smart contractual partners.
Efficient and powerful electric drive
smart’s high technological standards are also manifested in the efficient and high-performance drive package. As a pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle) the smart ebike is strictly speaking a hybrid: the electric motor – a maintenance-free rear-wheel hub motor from BionX – switches on as soon as the rider starts pedaling, as with a normal bicycle. Muscle power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a lubricant-free, durable and quiet belt drive. An integrated three-speed gear hub enables simple gear changing.
The rider of the smart ebike decides how much power he wants the electric motor to deliver to support his muscle power by pressing a button on the handlebar. There is a choice of four power levels with the fourth level providing maximum pushing power. Depending on the power level selected and the manner of cycling a battery charge can last for up to 100 kilometres.
With 423 Wh the lithium-ion battery is one of the most powerful batteries in the competitive environment. It has been attractively integrated in the frame of the smart ebike. The portable battery can be charged either at a normal socket or whilst riding, with the latter offering advantages in terms of cost and the environment. The wheel hub motor becomes as a generator when the rider brakes. The braking energy is recuperated, i.e. it is converted into electrical energy and stored in the smart ebike’s lithium-ion battery.
Simple operation and highly functional
Straightforward operation, a low weight, excellent ergonomics and a practical stowage space concept all contribute to making the smart ebike fun to ride. As a pedelec the smart ebike combines the comfort of a motorised two-wheeler with the easy handling of a bicycle.
In EU countries neither a driving licence nor a licence plate are required as the electric motor of a pedelec only assists propulsion up to a speed of 25 km/h.
Expert partner from the two-wheeler industry
The smart ebike was designed and developed by smart and it is being produced in close cooperation with the e-bike manufacturer Grace. This ensures that the smart ebike is produced in premium quality. The smart ebike will be sold by smart dealers in the respective markets. The ebike can then also be serviced by any smart dealer or bicycle specialist.
Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg recently traded in their F1 wheels for something slightly less zippy but equally as cutting-edge. The MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 drivers are the world’s first owners of the new smart ebike, which will be launched on the market in April 2012. Schumacher and Rosberg received their futuristic ebikes at the last test day in Barcelona before the start of the season.
Handing over the ebikes at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona smart boss Dr. Annette Winkler said “Just like a Formula 1 race car, the smart ebike is perfectly tailored to the needs of its rider. The whole smart team is really pleased and proud that Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will now be using their smart ebikes to get around the paddock and beyond.”
Accepting the ebike Michael Schumacher said with a twinkle in his eye “Just like KERS on our race cars the electric motor on the ebike provides extra thrust. This means that we are also among the front-runners in the drivers’ paddock.” And Nico Rosberg added “Formula 1 means enjoying high tech – and that’s certainly the case with the smart ebike. The smart ebike is the coolest form of cycling.”
The smart ebike will initially be available in two colour variants: in crystal white with electric green accent trim parts and in matt dark grey with flame orange accent trim parts. The price is attractive – for example, in Germany it starts at €2849 (incl. VAT). With an unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards that are demonstrated by the extremely efficient and high-performance drive package and high-quality components, the smart ebike has an exceptional position and guarantees dynamic, safe and fun cycling.
As a pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle) the smart ebike is strictly speaking a hybrid vehicle: the electric motor switches on as soon as the rider starts pedaling. Muscle power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a lubricant-free, durable and quiet belt drive in place of a conventional bicycle chain.
It is official, the smart ebike is going into series production. With this step smart as a pioneer of local emission-free electric mobility is expanding its e-product portfolio. A near-series version of the smart ebike will be on display at the “Eurobike” show in Friedrichshafen, August 31st – September 3rd, 2011) and at the Frankfurt Motor Show (13 – 25 September 2011). The smart ebike is being developed and built in cooperation with the renowned e-bike manufacturer GRACE, based near Berlin. The ebike will be launched in the first half of 2012 and will initially be marketed by dealers in Europe and North America.
smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler says “The smart ebike is a true smart – but on two wheels. It’s not just an extremely well designed bicycle that is sure to draw admiring glances in the city – it’s also really practical and child’s play to ride. Anyone can zip through town on it with or without exerting themselves – depending on their fitness level and as the mood takes them. And it’s even easier to find a parking space than with the smart fortwo.”
Power-assisted mobility on two wheels is in. According to the association of the two-wheeler industry (ZIV) sales figures in Germany alone rose from 70,000 in 2007 to 200,000 in 2010. In 2018 the ZIV predicts that e-bikes will make up 15 percent of all bicycle sales in Germany. And in Europe as a whole sales are booming even more. In 2007 approximately 200,000 people opted for an electric bicycle and according to the ZIV by 2009 this figure had already risen to 500,000. And in 2010 around 700,000 e-bikes were sold throughout Europe – a plus of 40 percent compared with the previous year.
With an unconventional design in line with the style of the brand, functions appropriate for city use and high technology standards that are demonstrated by the extremely efficient and high-performance drive package among other features, the smart ebike has an exceptional position.
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. The smart ebike is the logical product of this experience and complements the smart fortwo extremely well. We listened to what people wanted from a perfect city bike and then came up with some clever solutions such as the integrated USB port for smartphones or energy recuperation during braking. The smart ebike is a real high-tech product and its price of less than €2,900 in Germany will make it a very attractive option.”
Distinctive design with the characteristic smart signature
The smart ebike created by the smart designers boasts a clear design idiom and an independent appearance. It clearly breaks with conventional bicycle design with attractive integration of the components of the electric drive. The main components such as the frame, battery housing, handlebars, lights or mudguards have been designed and developed specifically for smart.
The two-material and two-colour concept is also typically smart. The plastic battery housing forms a striking contrast to the aluminium frame of the smart ebike and the dynamic look is rounded off by 26 inch wheels. The headlamp and rear light feature LED technology.
Efficient and powerful electric drive
smart’s high technological standards are manifested in the extremely efficient and high-performance drive package. As a pedelec(Pedal Electric Cycle) the smart ebike is strictly speaking a hybrid vehicle: the electric motor – a maintenance-free and brushless rear-wheel hub motor from BionX – switches on as soon as the rider starts pedalling as with a normal bicycle.Muscle power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a durable and quiet belt drive. An integrated three-speed gear hub provides for comfortable gear changing.
The strengths of the ebike include its agile performance: the rider of the smart ebike decides how much power he wants the 250 watt electric motor to deliver to support his muscle power by pressing a button on the handlebar. There is a choice of four power levels with the fourth and highest level providing maximum pushing power. Depending on the power level selected and the manner of cycling a battery charge can last for more than 100 kilometres.
With more than 400 Wh the lithium-ion battery is one of the most powerful batteries in the competitive environment. It has been attractively integrated on the smart ebike and is housed on the lower bar in the frame triangle under a plastic housing. The portable battery can be charged either at a normal socket or whilst riding with the latter offering advantages in terms of cost and the environment. The wheel hub motor becomes as a generator when the rider brakes. The braking energy is recuperated, i.e. it is converted into electrical energy and stored in the smart ebike’s lithium-ion battery.
High-quality components guarantee dynamic, safe and fun cycling. For example, MT4 disc brakes from Magura are fitted at the front and rear. The fully integrated brakes interrupt the power supply to the motor during braking, stop its propulsion power and reverse the polarity so that it becomes a generator for recuperation of braking energy.
The smart ebike also features state-of-the-art infotainment: a USB interface is a standard feature and enables various mobile end devices to be connected with the help of a versatile cradle. There are even plans to develop a special app for the iPhone which would allow smart ebike riders to use their iPhone as an information centre, for example to call up information on the charging status and range.
Simple operation and highly functional
Straightforward operation, a low weight, excellent ergonomics and a practical stowage space concept all contribute to making the smart ebike fun to ride. As a pedelec the smart ebike combines the comfort of a motorised two-wheeler with the easy handling of a bicycle. In EU countries neither a driving licence nor a licence plate are required as the electric motor of a pedelec only assists propulsion up to a speed of 25 km/h. This is also a clear advantage in terms of safety.
Charge management is just as simple: the battery can either be charged right on the ebike or it can be easily removed for charging at an indoor socket and then reinserted.
Thanks to different variants for the handlebars and seatpost the smart ebike can be adjusted to fit riders of different heights – a simple and efficient solution that is typically smart. A rear rack and further stowage options will be offered, for example, trendy and highly functional bags in the smart design tailored to the rack system are currently being developed.
Expert partner from the two-wheeler industry
smart is developing and producing the new smart ebike in close cooperation with the e-bike manufacturer GRACE based near Berlin. Three years ago marketing specialist Michael Hecken and mountain bike legend Karl-Heinz Nicolai got together to produce particularly innovative and high quality e-bikes. The smart ebike is therefore “Made in Germany” and will be produced in premium quality.
The highly anticipated Geneva Motor Show is right around the corner, and in an effort to build even more anticipation for the event, auto makers are releasing teasers of what we can expect. smart is no exception, as they’ve just launched new photos of the electric smart forspeed concept ahead of its Geneva Motor Show debut.
The smart forspeed, a zero-emission roadster, will complete smart’s electric vehicle line-up, which currently includes a bicycle and scooter. According to smart, the forspeed roadster will reach speeds up to 75 mph with a rear-mounted 40 bhp electric motor and a 7bhp overboost function. The electricity for the engine is stored in a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 16.5 kWh, and the range should be 84 miles. As for charging, the smart forspeed concept will plug into a normal 220 volt socket, with a quick charge in about 45 minutes.
In terms of its outer design, the smart forspeed features a high-gloss finish, wind deflectors with integrated solar cells to power the on-board electrics, and a honeycomb grill. Steffen Kohl, Head of Design for Mercedes-Benz, was quoted saying the smart forspeed has a “unique and electric look, but is still recognisable as a smart”.
The interior of the car offers a minimalist design similar to what you would see on a boat, with a notable addition being a smart phone housing that can be tilted 90 degrees to face the driver. Adding a touch of luxury to the smart’s interior are leather door pulls, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob. The boost switch to unleash the… wait for it… 7bhp… is located in the center console.
Dr. Annette Winkler, head of smart, says the forspeed is not planned as a limited series. “We have to be profitable with smart so it won’t make production,” she said. But she added, “Elements of the car will be carried over into future projects.”
A big thanks to our good friend Markus for the photos.
UPDATE: More photos and details can be found by clicking here.