Today in TechNext generation Smart car family includes a Smart bike
The Mercedez-Benz SmartForTwo plug-in electric car is getting a major revamp this year, and the third generation will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The newest version of the tiny two-seat car will boast a motor with 47 HP nominal output and a peak of 73 HP, a top speed of 75 mph (up from 62 in the current car), and an increased range of 87 miles (up from 71).
New to the Smart line-up for 2012 will be the Smart Ebike, a plug-in electric bicycle, which will also be unveiled in Frankfurt. It uses a 250-watt brushless electric hub motor mounted within the 26-inch rear wheel to supplement the power produced by pedaling. Three gears and four power levels let riders choose how much effort they expend and how much the bike provides.
Bells and whistles for the gadget-lovers include LED front and rear lights and an infotainment system with a USB port. There are plans in the works to develop an iPhone app which would let users monitor battery power and range. There's no word yet on the price of this futuristic bike, but the smart money's on a fairly hefty price tag. No doubt, however, many bicycle commuters will find the novelty and environmentally friendliness well worth the cost!
[via Gizmag, Motor Ward, Auto Week]
Post by Katherine Gray
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