Volkswagen has just unveiled a new electric two-wheeler, which it calls the “world’s first smart ebike.” It was made in collaboration with n+, a familiar name in tech-filled bicycles; the pair, however, didn’t stop with the bike.
They went ahead and made an accompanying helmet and eyewear, both of which have been equipped with software-based safety features. We’ll get to those in a bit, but first, let’s discuss the eBike itself.
Arguably, its most important feature is the “smart view” display between the handlebars. With it, riders can see what’s directly behind them via a rear-facing camera—it will engage when the radar picks up an approaching vehicle. When there’s nothing behind, the display will show the bike’s speed and energy status.
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Next are the lighting fixtures built into the bike’s frame. There’s a main headlight mounted on the handle, a light bar throughout the top tube, and Volkswagen logos that illuminate the front and rear. And as with a car, the secondary lights will turn red when braking and blink when turning.
Lastly, the eBike is equipped with a Yamaha mid-drive motor that automatically adjusts to the rider’s speed and the current road conditions. Volkswagen says it should operate as if it has a conventional automatic transmission. The motor has 85Nm of torque and can reach a top speed of 25kph.
In terms of range, the standard 0.49kWh battery is advertised with a 120km riding range, but the eBike can be optioned with an additional 0.81kWh pack that will extend the distance to 260km.
Now, on to the accessories. The Smart Helmet features a similar lighting system to the bike, with brake lights and turning signals. It’s also crash-sensitive and will automatically send a notification to an emergency contact in the event of an accident.
The set is not complete without the Smart Glasses (yes, Volkswagen named all of these products ‘Smart’). They act as a head-up display, aiding the rider with navigation and other important information. The eyewear is properly integrated with Google Maps and features an eight-hour battery life.
This might be the coolest bike we’ve seen in a while, but it will cost a pretty penny. Over in Europe, the eBike starts at €3,999 (around P282,000), while the helmet and bike will cost €499 (around P35,000) each. And let’s be honest, you’ll need to get the whole set with this one.
