Volkswagen has put its name on a line of electric bicycles that promises to bring the same safety philosophy as passenger cars to urban cycling. The e-bikes are not exactly manufactured by the German automaker, but were developed by n+, a Düsseldorf company specializing in premium bikes, which produces the models under license from the Volkswagen brand.
There are two initial models, the Sport (aimed at agile riding) and the Crossover (focused on comfort and autonomy). What draws attention is not the mechanical sheet, but the technology package called ecosystem by n+.
The central item is Smart View, a radar-activated reversing camera system. Integrated into the handlebars like a car cockpit, the high-definition camera shows in real time what is approaching from behind, without the driver having to turn his head. The radar also triggers blind spot alerts when a vehicle approaches.
The Smart Lights are another highlight: an LED strip runs along the frame and works as a daytime running light, lighting up red when braking and amber when indicating turning, imitating the brake lights and turn signals of cars. According to the manufacturer, the lighting design is inspired by the visual language of Volkswagen cars. According to n+ itself, this type of LED behavioral signage is not legal in some countries, such as Germany and France.
There are also two connected accessories, such as the Smart Helmet, a Bluetooth-paired helmet that repeats brake and turn signal signals and features an accelerometer that, according to the company, detects falls and sends text messages to emergency contacts. Smart Glasses, on the other hand, are glasses with a head-up display, in the style of windshields with car projections: they show navigation, blind spot alerts and pedaling data in the field of vision, triggered by an intentional movement of the eyes.
Although the n+ may sound unknown to those who follow the world of cars more, the company has already signed bicycles for Ford (with Bronco and Mustang editions), Mercedes-AMG of Formula 1 and McLaren. According to its founder, Damian Cook, automakers look to the company for its ability to adapt the identity of vehicles to two wheels.
The mechanical part is on account of a 250 W Yamaha central motor, with automatic mode that reduces or reinforces the assistance according to the terrain. The assisted speed goes up to 25 km/h and the autonomy reaches 160 km, according to the manufacturer. There’s also an 85 dB alarm and Apple Find My integration.
Price and availability in Brazil are yet to be confirmed. On the official website, the bikes appear on pre-sale abroad, with a Smart View package valued at US$ 699 offered as a courtesy when booking in advance. The product is manufactured by N Plus North America and distributed in Europe by Hamburg-based N Plus Europe.
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