Electric assist will help you tame those hills
Not yet available in Canada, the Smart ebike is a bit heavy compared to regular street bikes and carries a hefty price tag as well
There is a choice of four power levels with the fourth level providing maximum pushing power, capable of propelling the metal steed to a maximum speed of 25 km/ h.
Don’t expect to do wheelies with the Smart ebike, but it will wheel you up that daunting hill climb with ease. The so- called pedelec ( Pedal Electric Cycle) is a hybrid: the electric motor — a maintenance- free rear- wheel hub motor from Bionx — switches on as soon as the rider starts pedalling. Muscle power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a lubricant- free, durable and quiet belt drive and an integrated three- speed gear hub enables simple gear changing.
The rider decides how much power he wants the electric motor to deliver to support his pedalling power by pressing a button on the handlebar. There is a choice of four power levels with the fourth level providing maximum pushing power, capable of propelling the metal steed to a maximum speed of 25 km/ h.
Depending on the power level selected and the cycling prowess of the rider, the lithium- ion battery charge can last for up to 100 kilometres. The battery recharges overnight via a regular household power source and while freewheeling and braking on the road.
Smart’s parent company Mercedes wheeled out a bunch of the batteryassisted pedal bikes at a recent car launch attended by yours truly.
At 26 kilos, it’s a little on the heavy side to sub for the average weekend leisure bike. However, it could be a commuter solution for those of us less inclined to want to build up a sweat before clocking on.
That is, of course, if its hefty price tag doesn’t cause you to break out in a sweat. It sells for 2,849 euros across the Atlantic, which is about $ 3,600. Though no Canadian price has been fixed, I hear it will sell for around $ 2,500 when it arrives in the fall — still a chunk of dough.
Mind you, my bike- mad male heir thinks nothing of dropping that amount on each of the many twowheelers that hang from his bachelor pad ceiling.
And the ebike probably has as many whistles as his push bikes do: Hydraulic disc brakes from Magura, LED light with a daytime running light function and 26” wheels fitted with Continental Ecocontact Plus puncture- resistant tires.
It also features state- of- the- art infotainment: A USB port comes as standard and enables various accessories and add- on devices to be supplied with electricity.
With the help of an iphone app, developed for Smart, the smartphone becomes an information centre.
A trendy smart ebike collection is also available, including a helmet and bags featuring the smart design.
Apparently, we will get a few to test around these parts in a few months — can’t wait.