Volkswagen has partnered with premium e-bike manufacturer n+ to introduce a groundbreaking range of electric bicycles that seamlessly integrate automotive-inspired safety technologies. This collaboration has resulted in the development of the Volkswagen Sport eBike and the Volkswagen Crossover eBike, both designed to enhance rider safety and awareness on urban roads.
Smart View System: A New Era in Cycling Safety
At the heart of these innovative e-bikes lies the Smart View system, a pioneering feature that combines a high-definition rear-facing camera with radar-assisted traffic monitoring. This system provides riders with real-time visual feedback of the road behind them, displayed directly on a handlebar-mounted screen. Additionally, radar sensors alert cyclists to vehicles approaching from behind, effectively reducing the need to turn their heads and allowing for safer lane changes and turns. (carscoops.com)
Enhanced Visibility with Integrated Lighting
Both models are equipped with a full-length LED light strip integrated into the frame, serving as a daytime running light. This lighting system changes behavior based on the rider’s actions: it glows red when braking and flashes amber to indicate turns, providing clear visual cues to other road users about the cyclist’s intentions. (carscoops.com)
Connected Accessories for Comprehensive Safety
Volkswagen and n+ have also developed a suite of connected accessories to further enhance rider safety:
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Smart Helmet: This helmet synchronizes with the bike’s lighting system and includes illuminated elements. It also features crash detection technology capable of notifying emergency contacts in the event of an accident. (carscoops.com)
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Smart Glasses: These glasses work alongside the bike’s camera and radar systems to project navigation instructions, traffic alerts, and ride information directly into the rider’s field of view, offering a heads-up display experience. (carscoops.com)
Model Variations and Pricing
The Volkswagen Sport eBike and Crossover eBike are tailored to different riding preferences:
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Sport eBike: Features a conventional diamond frame with a rigid aluminum fork and 2.2-inch urban tires, maintaining a lean profile. (designboom.com)
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Crossover eBike: Offers a step-through frame with 100 mm of front suspension, a rear rack, and wider tires, catering to riders seeking versatility and cargo capacity. (designboom.com)
Both models are powered by a Yamaha PW-X3 motor, providing 250 W of nominal power and 85 Nm of torque, with support up to 25 km/h. They come equipped with a removable 490-Wh battery, offering a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 162 km. An optional 814-Wh battery can extend the range by an additional 269 km. The Sport eBike is priced at €3,999, while the Crossover eBike is available for €4,349. (nimms-rad.de)
Availability
Pre-orders for these innovative e-bikes are currently open, with deliveries expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, pending successful EU certification. (nimms-rad.de)
Volkswagen’s venture into the e-bike market signifies a significant step towards integrating advanced automotive safety features into urban cycling, aiming to make e-bikes a more appealing and secure alternative to traditional transportation methods.