The makers of those little electric cars, Smart Cars, that fit in even the smallest parking space and go for miles on an electric charge are ready to introduce an even smaller mode of smart transportation. The Smart ebike has a four-level electric boost that charges as you brake. The ebike’s design is a solid frame with clean lines. The aluminum frame and all the bike’s components weigh in around 22 kilograms, making it a lightweight contender among electric bikes. Smart’s parent company Daimler went so far as to construct the frame so it suspends the rear wheel by large, sturdy aluminum profiles to eliminate struts that are typical for a similar bike. It also conceals the Bowden wires and cables so they don’t impede on the streamlined design.
Design elements lend way to technology on this ebike. The two-wheeler uses a belt drive instead of a chain, which minimizes maintenance and makes for a quieter ride. The belt drive demands a particular shape of the rear triangle. On this bike the geometry allows for a rear extension of one side of the triangle, which allows for the belt, a continuous loop, to be installed. Traditional frames require a cut somewhere in the rear triangle to outfit the bike.
The hybrid drive, which combines power from muscle and electric motor, is a 250-watt “booster” brushless direct current wheel hub motor. It’s integrated in the rear wheel. The propulsion current is stored in a compact lithium-ion battery with voltage of 36 volts and a capacity of 9.6 Ah. Find the battery pack housed above the pedal crankcase on the frame and concealed by frame paneling. The battery charges fully in about two- to three-hours, and plugs into a regular electrical outlet. Of course you also charge the battery stores when you brake.
Four levels of boost gives more power to the rider. Decide how much power you want to assist your pedal action and the electric drive will support muscle power with the press of a button on the handlebar. Depending on the level of assistance, the bike has a range per battery charge of 30, 50, 70, or 90 kilometers. The front and rear wheels are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes. The rear wheel is electric by use of the resistance of the wheel hub motor.
A smartphone can double as a cycle computer on the ebike. A cradle mount on the headset makes it easy to connect and actually charge your phone while riding. The smartphone is also a starter and immobilizer for the bike, protecting against theft. It also functions as a speedometer and heart rate monitor, among other functions.
Electric bikes, while they take some of the physical attributes out of biking, do get riders on the bike. Some commuters will ride impressive distances to work or shop instead of traveling the distance in a car.
Daimler’s Smart division plans to show the ebike at the 2010 Paris Motor Show.
via [BikeRadar]