Mercedes' Smart e-bike
In what it hopes will change the future of the humble bicycle, Mercedes has announced the Smart e-bike marks a change for electric bicycles.
Debuting at the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) this weekend, Mercedes’ Smart range now has a very sleek bicycle with the addition of its super-efficient and revolutionary (no pun intended) design that will do away with the bicycle chain.
With the Smart e-bike, the traditional oiled chain will be replaced by a single rubber belt that will be driven by a BionX electric rear engine which, for anyone who has had their clothes destroyed by oil, will come as welcome news.
Remote charging
With its three-speed hub gear system, the bicycle will have a top speed of 25km/h when powered by the electric motor.
Thankfully, when the bicycle hits the market, users won’t be expected to haul their bike into the office or home to charge it but can detach the lithium battery from its holder and charge it remotely.
According to the specifications on its website, the battery will give a guaranteed range of up to 100km and a full charge will take about five hours.
Irish users might have to wait that little bit longer to get their hands on the bike, as the first models will only be available in the US at an eye-popping US$2,950.
