Smart E-Bike-Future of The Electric Vehicle?

Written by Nick Nau 07.06.11

smart-e-bike-e-scooter

The Smart E-Bike-Lately, transportation using electricity has been a hot topic. Automobile companies have been making their own versions of electric cars for years, as well as concept cars which energy source is solely dependent on electricity. As emissions and fossil fuel issues mount, electric cars are becoming more in vogue and the public wants more! While this can be considered a boon for electric vehicles, it doesn't end there. Nowadays, electric scooters and electric motorcycles have been joining the fun, so to speak.
Automobile and motorcycle manufacturers such as BMW, Honda, and Piaggio have been coming up with concepts running in 2 or 3 wheels that are powered by electric motors. We'll never know where this will end up, but it surely looks like the start of a new turf war between these motorcycle manufacturer greats.

smart-ebike-scooterNot to be outdone, Smart comes out with their own innovative concept. During the Paris Auto Show, smart, GmbH unveiled together with their e-scooter concept the e-bike. The Smart e-bike, made in collaboration with GRACE, a German electric bike manufacturer, is an electric pedal-assist bicycle. This bike, made from aluminum alloy similar to that used on the Smart cars, weighs in at 48 pounds including the battery pack.

It is powered by a 250 watt hub motor located and integrated with the rear wheel. Capable of providing four levels of hybrid power, the electric system is integrated with the rider's own input.

Powered by a lithium-ion battery located above the pedal crankcase, the range of the bicycle is 20 to 40 miles, depending on what mode of assistance is used by the rider. When pressing the brakes, the electric motor acts in reverse polarity to charge the batteries, further increasing its range. Within 2 to 3 hours, the battery can be fully recharged using a regular household outlet.

The rider provides input to the e-bike using a belt drive pulley instead of the usual chain drive. An advantage of this setup is that according to smart, the belt requires no maintenance. For night riding, LED lamps for both the front and rear are installed.

There are reasons why this electric vehicle concept by smart is both significant and viable. First of all, you get the benefits of a conventional bicycle. It is an effective mode of transportation as well as a great way to keep your body in shape. In addition, it creates no harmful emissions. But the electric motor is something that makes it stand out.

The electric motor assists the rider in propelling the bicycle in cases where the rider needs extra help powering the bike. This is useful when going uphill or when the rider is simply tired. It also has a major advantage over other electric vehicles because even when the battery runs out, you will never be stuck in the middle of nowhere. All you have to do is to pedal your way back home or to the nearest recharging station.

While there is no word yet if it would ever make it to production, the Smart E-bike is a unique and intriguing concept for the future. It combines the versatility of the bicycle with the benefits of an electric vehicle.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 24 January 2012 01:43
 

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