At the North American International Auto Show, also referred to as the Detroit Auto Show, Daimler’s smart ebike concept bike was on display. We wrote about the bike last fall when electric car manufacturer smart planned to display it at the 2010 Paris Auto Show. We thought it was worth showing again now that we got to take a look at it, and find out more details.
It’s a striking bike. The simple modified triangle design looks futuristic. While it looks light, it weighs in at approximately 50 lbs. With a full charge, the bike has about a 50 mile range though that varies on how much you use the electricity versus pedaling. There’s four modes of electric assist that seem to kick in as needed rather than controlled by the rider. At 50 lbs. I can see wanting the assist more often than on any of my current bikes, especially when faced with a hill. You recharge the battery slightly when you brake, so you can squeeze a few more miles to a ride if you’re strategic.
The ebike is still concept, and while the company wants to put it into production there’s no word on when that might happen. Just about all the components are custom including the seat and wheels. The wheel set is cut from individual blocks of aluminum, and therefore are one piece. This is unconventional, costly, and likely to change before the bike makes it into production. On the concept design, it sure looks beautiful. The rear wheel has the electric motor built into the hub. Hidden inside are the gears and engine. The battery is incased in the down tube.
An electric motor combined with a belt drive makes for a very quiet ride. The belt drive was selected to minimize noise, which is not uncommon for an electric bike. It also minimizes maintenance, especially when a chain could cause wear where it comes into contact with the motor.
Another gearhead choice for the bike is hydraulic disc brakes. With these, the braking system is further from the ground and less likely to pick up crud that spreads to the electric motor. The hydraulic disc brakes also give the rider more stopping power and lower maintenance. Smart ebike also uses low-rolling resistant tires, which minimize wasted energy.
While there is a physical bike being trotted around at auto shows and other events, it remains concept. If it were to come to market as it’s designed currently, the cost would compete with some of the less expensive cars on the market. If it makes it into production it may have the same look, but many of the components will likely be swapped out or brought down to less expensive to produce components. Smart, for instance, can find an existing wheel set that suits its needs though it won’t be all one piece.
smart ebike on Daimler