Feeling Intelligent? Smart Develops an Electric Bike

Smart ebike

The car brand Smart, which developed the iconic “smart car” that has gained popularity over the years as an environmentally friendly option, has introduced its next move in the car and sustainability market of today. Coined as “two for four: a good trade,” this Daimler AG company has developed a Smart electric bike which is now available in select locations in Europe and will soon be in the United States as well.

This e-bike is sleek and stylish in appearance. Nothing says “go green” like the Smart e-bike’s lime green seat, rims, and hand grips, all complemented by a white frame. Overall, it’s a visual masterpiece. In terms of functionality, this bike is equipped with a 200 watt electric motor and a 423 watts-per-hour rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can travel as far as 100 km (approximately 62 miles for us U.S. folk) in a single charge.

Smart ebike
The Smart Electric Bike is sleek yet practical | Graphic from a screenshot of smart.com

The Smart electric bike is runs on a combination of physical exertion and electricity, which is determined by a four-power switch to establish how much electrical power the rider will use. Users are able to either charge the battery via a normal electrical socket, or they have the ability to charge it while they ride. When riders brake, the energy exerted from braking is then converted back into electrical energy and stored back in the battery. This contributes to the sustainability component; users can control when and where they charge the battery, contributing to the ultimate cost and environmental benefits of owning this bike. Another sustainable feature includes the carbon belt drive that contains no oil, which transmits the power from the rider peddling.

The bike comes built in with a smartphone dock right on the handle bars, allowing the rider to attach their smartphone to easily navigate the streets. Between the structural, functional, and technological aspects, Smart seems to have thought of it all when it comes to this e-bike.

Only two questions remain: when will it be available in the U.S., and how will it impact the nation? Will people take the initiative and make the switch from a car to this e-bike? The Smart electric bike comes out priced at around $4,000, included taxes when converting from Euros, so although it is a splurge considering it’s a bike, it does yield significant benefits cost and environmental wise.

Of course, a product like this still has its drawbacks. It is an ideal invention for small cities and suburban areas, where many people only drive several miles a day to get from place to place. However, if this e-bike is going to become more popular in urban areas, every major city needs to take steps towards making their roads more bike-friendly. While here in Boston people use the bike lane at all hours of the day, not every city has this luxury. Only time will tell how this Smart electric bike will hold up in the United States.

About Aria Ruggiero

Aria is a Junior in CAS studying Psychology. She enjoys writing and photographing for the Quad, as well as having an unhealthy obsession with guacamole, blazers, and the Yankees.

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