smart ebike – orange edition, comfort edition and black edition

All three variants boast exclusive colours, clearly upgraded features and very attractive prices.

DTM drivers in the Mercedes team now also have a sporty and efficient way of getting around in the paddock. The new smart ebike editions were presented to the racing drivers at the DTM race in the Oschersleben Motorsport Arena. For the first time the smart brand is presenting three editions based on the smart ebike – the orange edition, comfort edition and black edition. All three variants boast exclusive colours, clearly upgraded features and very attractive prices.

smart ebike black edition

smart ebike black edition

“Making great vehicles a little bit more special – that’s the fascination of the DTM. smart has now done the same thing with the three ebike editions”, Mercedes AMG DTM pilot Paul Di Resta said with a wink as he accepted the ebikes. “Special vehicles are always a pleasure to drive – with four wheels on the racing track and two wheels in the paddock!”

The smart ebike orange edition has been available since the end of March. With its eye-catching paintwork in flame orange, saddle in black/flame orange and accent trim parts in flame orange (e.g. on the bottom brackets, bell and handlebars) the ebike is a real design highlight. At €2,499[1] the price of the ebike is also very attractive.

Like the standard model, the smart ebike comfort edition is available in the two colour variants crystal white with electric green accent trim parts or matt dark grey with flame orange accent trim parts. The standard features have been clearly upgraded: the suspension fork, comfort saddle and the high handlebars make this smart ebike edition particularly comfortable to ride. The smart ebike luggage rack with expander enables luggage to be conveniently transported. The smart ebike comfort edition with its extensive equipment package will go on sale in June at a price of €2,899. The smart ebike suspension fork and the smart ebike luggage rack with expander are also standard features of the sporty smart ebike black edition that will be available from June. The most striking feature of the edition with a price tag of €2,899 is the exclusive colouring: the frame in matt black contrasts with the accent trim parts in flame orange and the saddle in black/flame orange.

smart ebike orange edition

smart ebike orange edition

Unconventional and perfect for the city: the smart ebike

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. 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.

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 vehicle: the electric motor – a maintenance-free 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 lubricant-free, durable and quiet belt drive. An integrated three-speed gear hub enables simple gear changing.

smart ebike comfort edition

smart ebike comfort edition

The rider of the smart ebike chooses the power assistance from the electric motor to their support muscle power by pressing a button on the handlebars. 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 cost advantages and benefitting the environment. The wheel hub motor becomes 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.

Mercedes-Benz and smart Receive a String of High-Class Design Awards

Mercedes-Benz and smart build the most exciting vehicles, a sentement shared at the 2012 Green GOOD DESIGN Awards

From the smart fortwo to the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake and on to their concept vehicles, there is no question that Mercedes-Benz and smart build the most exciting vehicles. This is no longer just my opinion but also the conclusion suggested by the “2012 Green GOOD DESIGN” awards. The “Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design” has paid tribute to the one-off Mercedes-Benz BIOME and smart forvision vehicles, as well as the smart ebike. The jury praised the exceptionally environmentally-friendly and sustainable designs of these vehicles in particular. In the “Automotive Brand Contest 2012” meanwhile – held by the German Design Council – Mercedes-Benz has made it onto the list of winners no less than 16 times.

Hundreds of products from numerous countries were put to the vote for the “2012 Green GOOD DESIGN” award. A jury comprising some of the world’s leading design experts crowned the one-off Mercedes-Benz Biome and smart forvision vehicles as winners, along with the smart ebike, awarding them the internationally renowned prize – ranked among the oldest and most famous awards for designers. In addition to their design, the vehicles were primarily assessed in terms of such criteria as energy efficiency, recycling and sustainability.

Mercedes-Benz BIOME grows organically

The one-off Mercedes-Benz BIOME concept is the revolutionary vision of a vehicle which, taking its inspiration from nature, is fully integrated into the ecosystem, from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life. The Mercedes-Benz BIOME grows in a completely organic environment from seeds grown in a nursery. Out on the road the car emits pure oxygen, and at the end of its lifespan it can be simply composted or used as building material

smart forvision stands for energy efficiency

The smart forvision is also a one-off vehicle concept which combines a futuristic design with technologies relating to energy efficiency, lightweight design and temperature management. One particular eye-catching feature is its roof made of transparent organic solar cells. It allows light to pass through and at the same time generates energy which is used to power the multimedia components as well as the fans which assist with climate management in the vehicle interior.

smart ebike – unconventional, high-performance “pedelec”

smart ebike

smart eBike

The smart ebike boasts an unconventional design in line with the style of the popular brand as well as functions appropriate for city use. These come courtesy of high-quality components such as the hydraulic disc brakes, LED light with daytime driving light function and also an exceptionally high-performance drive system with a completely maintenance and oil-free carbon toothed belt. For infotainment there is also a USB connection. The smart ebike is already available, with prices in Germany starting at 2849 euros (including VAT).

Automotive Brand Award 2012

The international expert jury of the German Design Council was faced with selecting the winners of the “Automotive Brand Award 2012” from among no less than 350 submitted suggestions. The Mercedes-Benz brand fared particularly well, with its products making it onto the list of winners no less than 16 times. A particular highlight picked out as the “Best of the Best” was the near-series one-off Concept Style Coupé vehicle. It provides a glimpse of the next member of the new compact car family from Mercedes-Benz. The four-door style rebel “sets the benchmark for avantgarde design in the executive segment”, according to Gorden Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “Its breathtaking proportions, sinewy fluid surfaces and sculptural lines are the physical expression of our dynamic design idiom.”

Other awards for excellent design were also picked up for both the exterior and interior of the new A-Class, the SL-Class, the CLS Shooting Brake and the interior of the B-Class. The German Design Council also crowned a number of concept vehicles as winners, including the Mercedes-Benz F125, smart for-us, smart forvision and the standard version of the smart ebike.

mercedes-benz concept style coupe

Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupe

Worthy of a special mention by the design experts were the innovative headlamps of the Concept Style Coupé. They are reminiscent of the ever wary, almost intimidating eyes of a predatory animal. In standby mode they shine red. The indicators are another special feature: when activated, the individual elements light up one after another in a “Mexican wave” effect.

Additional innovations from Mercedes-Benz which collected awards include the DICE sculpture, the Digital Drive Style app and the Mercedes-Benz diamond grille:

  • the DICE (Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience) sculpture provides a vision of the interactive, intuitive and at the same time safe operating experience in premium automobiles of the future
  • the Digital Drive Style app enables the driver to access the main content on his iPhone® conveniently and safely via the large vehicle display and the controller – including Siri voice control
  • With the progressive diamond grille and its innovative pins, the Mercedes-Benz A-Class is redefining the radiator grille

Silveretta E-Car Rallye Hosts 7 of Daimler’s Finest Eco Engines

The third Silvretta E-Car Rallye in Austria is a stress test for electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell cars and electric motorbikes

The third Silvretta E-Car Rallye in Austria is a stress test for electric cars, hydrogen fuel cell cars and electric motorbikes. The 300-mile, three day course winds up and down the Alpine mountain roads around Montafon, Austria, that include grades of more than 15 degrees.

As in past years, Daimler will again have the most vehicles at the starting line, with a total of seven battery and fuel cell-powered electric cars. The event will take place at Montafon, Austria, from July 5–7 2012. All the Daimler vehicles will cope easily with the tougher conditions of this year’s rallye, including longer distances, large height differentials and even steeper gradients than before. Furthermore, the smart ebike is going to travel parts of the Silvretta rallye route, as well.

For the first time, the Daimler entrants will include two brand-new smart fortwo electric drive cars. This model has been commercially available since mid-June 2012, making Daimler the first German automaker to launch a series-produced all-electric car on the market. They will be competing alongside their tried and proven counterparts: two Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL vehicles, two Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL vehicles and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL electric super-sports car, scheduled for market launch in 2013. It will be driven by Karl Wendlinger, a former Formula One driver and now an AMG brand ambassador.

Electric cars traversing the Montafon mountains

The three-day rallye through the mountainous landscape of the Montafon area is not a speed contest – instead, the victor will be the driver displaying the greatest degree of uniformity and skill. The overall distance of the course is more than 330 kilometres, around 30 kilometres longer than last year. The sections are also significantly more demanding than before. The task is to negotiate the various sections, including gradients of up to 15.2 percent and height differentials of as much as 4759 metres during a day, with incredible accuracy: the teams are expected to complete a series of trials in exactly the right time, to within a hundredth of a second, with penalties for faster or slower times. And because they are driving silent electric cars with zero local emissions, the competitors will enjoy the added benefits of clear mountain air free of emissions or noise pollution – surely the best possible way to experience the scenic mountain landscape in Austria’s Vorarlberg and Tyrol regions!

Mercedes-Benz and smart electric cars

The third Silvretta E-Car Rallye enables Daimler to showcase the world of future mobility, with its wide spectrum of electric cars powered by batteries or fuel cells, already operating reliably in everyday road transport conditions.

The participation of the new smart fortwo electric drive car in the Silvretta event will show that the new vehicle is now more than a superb inner-city car. Its enhanced power ratings provide more dynamic performance qualities and excellent acceleration, equally useful at traffic lights in Berlin as on a steep climb in the Montafon mountains. Its range of 145 kilometres, maximum power of 55 kW and top speed of 125 km/h make the new smart fortwo electric drive even more fun to drive than its predecessor. It should be noted that the previous model was already an impressive performer, with a range of 135 km, 30 kW output and a top speed of 100 km/h.

The competitors in the e-rallye will again include two Mercedes-Benz A-Class E-CELL cars. This model offers space, flexibility and comfort, all with zero local emissions. Its range of more than 200 kilometres makes it ideal for local emissions-free driving, both in the city and on the open road. It is powered with a quiet, locally emissions-free electric motor with an output of 70 kW (95 hp). The A-Class E-CELL is fully ready for series production, and is already available to selected customers.

Another vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-CELL. This car has already proved its readiness for series production and suitability for everyday use, for example in the F-CELL World Drive event in 2011. The fuel-cell powered vehicle runs on hydrogen, with a 100-kW electric motor offering dynamic performance qualities equivalent to those of a 136-hp, 2.0-litre petrol engine model. The B-Class F-CELL has a range of around 400 kilometres per tank of fuel.

Another highlight back at this year’s event is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL. The performance of this outstanding concept model over the twists and turns of the Alpine rallye course will prove once and for all that thrilling and dynamic automotive performance can go hand in hand with electric propulsion. The fascinating gullwing design, now with a high-tech emissions-free powerplant developing a maximum output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 newton metres, is the standout pioneer in the super sports car market segment. The man at the wheel of the SLS AMG E-CELL will be well up to the task: as a former Formula One driver and a native-born Austrian, Karl Wendlinger knows all about fast cars and the mountainous route traversed by the Silvretta E-Car Rallye.

Two-wheeled electric mobility with the smart ebike

Not all of the electric vehicles in the Montafon mountains this year will be on four wheels. Daimler will also have the new smart ebike on board, to travel part of the route of the Silvretta E-Car Rallye, up hill and down dale, in tandem with the cars. The new member of the smart family successfully puts the characteristic smart on two wheels: everyday functionality, distinctive smart design and high-tech excellence, as illustrated by the outstandingly powerful and efficient drive concept. The pedelec (pedal electrical cycle) combines the comfort of a motorised bicycle with the ease of handling of a bicycle. These bikes can be operated in EU countries without a driver’s licence or insurance sticker, since the electric motor provides support up to a speed of 25 km/h. The smart ebike is fitted with a 423-Wh lithium-ion battery, and has a continuous power rating of 250 W and a torque of 35 Nm.

smart fortwo electric drive and ebike Clothing and Accessory Collection

smart's unconventional style, design and functionality have been brought together in the new smart electric drive collection

smart is known for its unconventional style, and now the same unconventional style, trendy design and high level of functionality have been brought together in the new smart electric drive collection.

The stylish and weatherproof smart ebike jacket is the perfect item of clothing for zipping through town on the new smart ebike. The basic colour of the women’s jacket is “crystal white”, with “energy green” adding fresh accents on the seams, zipper and cords. The men’s version combines “matt dark grey” with accents in “flame orange”. The jacket made of 100 percent polyurethane (PU) is breathable, has a wind-stopper function and withstands a water column of at least 5000 millimetres. The hood can be stowed in the collar. The smart ebike functional jacket is available in the sizes XS, S, M, L, XL (women) and S, M, L, XL, XXL (men).

With the smart ebike helmet cyclists play it safe. And they also cut a fine figure. It is available in two colour variants with a sporty design: crystal white/energy green and matt dark grey/flame orange. The helmet produced by cooperation partner Uvex is available in the sizes XS/S (head circumference: 52-57 cm) and M/L (57-62 cm).

With its innovative and attractive design the smart ebike folding lock is typically smart. It features the smart ebike logo and a green ebike pictogram. Thanks to the innovative link construction the lock folds to a compact size. It is quick to use, has a low weight and offers a high level of protection. A practical bag protects the 90 cm lock from dirt.

With the smart ebike shoulder bag that has a detachable padded laptop compartment new media is always at hand. Made of water-repellent material, the bag is robust and hard-wearing. The basic colour white is combined with “energy green” prints. Dimensions: approx. 40 x 34 x 15 cm.

From the autumn an aluminium luggage rack will extend transport options on the ebike. Small items can be stowed in its integrated net pockets. In addition, waterproof panniers are available that have space for A4 documents and notebooks up to 15″ in size. The panniers available in crystal white/energy green and matt dark grey/flame orange also boast numerous inside compartments and a padded, anti-slip shoulder strap. The panniers are made by our cooperation partner Ortlieb.

Further accessories for the ebike will be available from the autumn. These will include a smartphone holder, high and comfortable handlebars, two different angled seatposts and two saddles in crystal white/energy green and matt dark grey/flame orange.

But not only are there lots of trendy accessories for the smart ebike – fans of the smart fortwo electric drive can also choose their favourites from a large assortment. For example, a pin enables them to show that they support cutting-edge electric mobility.

The smart electric drive T-shirt also demonstrates clear commitment to the brand and the model. Here, the new smart fortwo electric drive can be seen as a green outline on the white T-shirt – even at night because the print on the front and rear is reflective. The breathable T-shirt made of 100% polyester is available in the sizes S, M, L, XL and XXL.

The new smart electric drive solar charger is an innovative and environmentally-friendly way of charging smartphones. Mobile end devices are docked there via a USB connection. Further practical accessories include a USB stick (4 GB) made of hard rubber in the shape of a smart fortwo electric drive and a key ring with the new electric smart as a shopping trolley chip.

And for the youngest fans of zero-emission mobility there is the kids’ electric car in an electric drive design in the colours crystal white/energy green. The car is approximately one metre long. The body is made of plastic and the chassis is made of metal. Battery and charger are included in the scope of supply.

smart ebike wins Best of the Best Red Dot Design Award

As a pedal electric cycle, the smart ebike is a hybrid with an electric motor that switches on as soon as the rider starts pedaling

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.

Schumacher and Rosberg Are World’s First smart ebike Owners

As a pedal electric cycle, the smart ebike is a hybrid vehicle because the electric motor switches on as soon as you start pedaling

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.

2012 Detroit Auto Show Hosts the World Premiere of the smart for-us

The smart "for-us" turns the automotive world upside down, challenging ideas about what today's urban pickup might look like

The smart “for-us” will no doubt turn heads at this years Detroit Auto Show,(North American International Auto Show at Detroit’s Cobo Center, open to the public January 14-22, 2012) challenging visitor’s ideas about what today’s urban pick-up might look like.  smart CEO Dr. Annette Winkler says, “We at smart love pickups – if they are small on the outside, large on the inside, very safe and extremely comfortable. With the smart for-us, a petrol station is no longer needed.”  After seeing the smart for-us in person for the first time, smart has done an amazing job reinventing the pick-up and the way we look at pick-ups.

For the first time, the smart for-us translates the practical load layout of a pickup to the reality of 21st century urban traffic. With its small outside dimensions, it could almost go unnoticed in the bed of a typical American pickup. Under the body, it’s anything but ordinary: the for-us is agile and lively to drive, with state-of-the-art all-electric power from a 55- kilowatt magneto-electric motor.

The smart for-us has plenty of room for two people and behind them two slits in the cargo bed for the front wheels of two smart ebikes. Electric bikes are range-extending in two respects; The convenient docking station in the cargo bed ensures that the ebike batteries are always charged, and from a trip into town to a nature preserve outing, the smart ebikes enable smart for-us passengers to reach destinations that are out of bounds for cars – for example, park trails and restricted zones in cities.

a sassy, powerful design

Even a first glance at the design study reveals a new capability, yet the for-us remains true to the smart brand – surprising, sassy and capable. With its high-contrast tridion safety cell, the for-us is the epitome of smart. At the same time, the for-us pickup makes a powerful design statement, playing on the macho image of conventional mega-pickups. It greets viewers with a friendly, confident face and with a convex, sensuous body shape. The bold look, complete with a smart emblem on the grille and an underride guard that finishes off the front end, is complemented by body panels which are high-gloss metallic white, while the tridion safety cell has a contrasting textured grey finish.

ready to reach mountain bike terrain

The for-us sits about two inches higher than a production smart fortwo, suggesting it’s ready for off-road driving, for example, to reach mountain bike terrain. At the same time, its extremely short front and rear overhangs make it relatively small overall. When its power tailgate opens, the cargo floor retracts 11 inches, making the three-foot cargo area easy to access.

Its wheelbase is 97.7 inches, about two feet longer than the well-known fortwo. Overall, the for-us is 139.6 inches in length, nearly three feet longer than the fortwo, and to emphasize its sturdy look, the track is two inches wider. The smart for-us rolls on Michelin 235 / 55 R18 off-road tires mounted on three-spoke wheels with eye-catching fold-out wing nuts that serve to loosen the wheel nuts.

Its parallelogram front and rear lights are striking, with outer rings that serve as turn signals and a row of rod-shaped LEDS for daytime running lights. The arrow-shaped lights are reminiscent of drops streaming across an airplane window as it takes off. The modular tail lights can even be opened, revealing storage space for the charging cable or water bottles.

an interior that’s stylish, functional and uncomplicated

Inside, the cockpit design boasts aerodynamic design for exceptional interior ventilation, with taut surfaces in mother-of-pearl white contrasting with brushed aluminum working parts. Stylish yet uncomplicated, the two seats in the concept car are perfectly smart – highly functional and easy to customize. Open in the middle, the seat shells are covered with an easily removable yellow fabric, giving them a hammock-like seating feel. The soft yellow seat covers include a deep embossed silver hexagon pattern that emphasizes the car’s dynamic look. Instead of a conventional rear-view mirror, an integrated video camera displays the area behind the car on a smart phone that’s mounted on a special bracket above the dash.

zero-emission driving fun

The electric drive of the smart for-us is based on the new fortwo electric drive model, which will launch in the fall of 2012. Thanks to its 55-kilowatt magneto-electric motor, the smart for-us is nimble and lively to drive.

With 96 pound-feet of torque, the for-us boasts powerful, responsive acceleration and a top speed well over 80 mph. Its state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 17.6 kilowatt-hours of electric power. The battery can be recharged from 20 to 80 percent in only 3½ hours, and a full charge takes no more than eight hours.

also the debut of the smart ebike

The world premiere of the smart for-us concept pickup also marks the debut of the smart ebikes displayed on its cargo bed. As expected, the ebikes are unconventional in design, with high-technology, high-performance parts such as Magura MT4 disc brakes and a USB connector for infotainment devices.

Strictly speaking, the smart ebike is a hybrid – as soon as the rider begins to pedal, a Bionx rear-wheel hub motor begins to help out. The 250-watt brushless, maintenance-free motor can provide a choice of four power levels, and its battery can last for more than 60 miles. Pedal power is transmitted to the rear wheel by a quiet, durable belt drive, while a threespeed gear hub provides simple gear changes.

smart ebike Confirmed for Sale in 2012

The ebike will be launched in the first half of 2012 and will initially be marketed by dealers in Europe and North America

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.