Mercedes-backed e-bikes are the 'perfect weekend toy'

As transport companies race to cut emissions in their products, a new range of e-cycles with an integrated digital dashboard could help promote self-locomotion while providing more power and stability.

Luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with N+ Bikes to bring the kind of digital tech reserved for autonomous vehicles to cycling enthusiasts, which the firm described as "the most sought-after luxury item of 2022."

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The digital dashboard of the bicycle comes with pedal assist technology which will help the rider maintain a safe speed for the current conditions through assistance from an electric motor while also allowing riders to travel at a higher speed in general.

It can track speed, battery life, range, power settings, an odometer, security and estimated time of journey.

Armandi Hajdini from Mercedes-Benz's Collierville branch referred to the e-bike as "the ultimate weekend toy".

“Nothing says you’ve made it like a Benz," he added, hinting the team hope to instil a luxury status to the range, aided by the fact that some of the models are only available in limited quantities.

N+ Bikes told Industry Europe the bikes launched in North America, Asia Pacific and select international markets on April 15, with European rollout expected for May.

The bikes contain no loose wiring as it is all taped under the seat tube. The designers appear to have opted for a mountain bike design, likely due to its versatility. However, the bike's frame is thicker to accommodate the extra space needed.

Despite this, they are still lightweight, which should allow for the rider to maintain control. In addition, hydraulic disc breaks provide increased stopping power in both wet and dry conditions, the company claims.

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Cutting emissions in the transport sector will be a difficult task. Shortages continue to hamper electric vehicle manufacturing, and the promotion of bicycles could take more cars off the road. In addition, bicycles cause far less weathering on the roads than cars, which could be a major factor for sustainability.

E-bikes have become a major hot topic in transport in recent years with many new startups formed in order to promote cycling as an alternative to driving or using public transport and many newer towns and cities are beginning to incorporate cycle lanes into their planning.

N+ claims the bike's top speed is around 45 km/h (25 mph) and that the battery is around 30% larger than typical e-bikes.

The bikes should be able to travel around 99 km (62 miles) on a single battery charge, which can be removed for replacement or recharging with the press of a button.

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