Smart has teamed up with German electric bicycle manufacturer GRACE to produce the Smart ebike a 'pedalec' or Pedal Electric Cycle. A near production example will be on display at the Eurobike show in Friedrichshafen and the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The bike is Smart's attempt to tap into the expanding market for electric cycles. Across Europe 700,000 people bought e-bikes in 2010, compared with 500,000 in 2009.

Drive comes from a 250-watt (about 0.34bhp) electric motor, which kicks in when the rider starts pedalling. The rider can choose between four levels of assistance but EU rules mean the motor cuts out at speeds over 15mph.

Electricity is stored in a 400Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged from the mains or by the cycle's on-board regenerative braking system. The ebike also includes a USB interface for smart phones with plans to develop an iPhone app to provide charge status and range information.

Other features of the bike include integrated lights, disc brakes and belt rather than chain drive.

Smart will be bringing the ebike to the UK in 2012 and prices will be confirmed closer to the launch date. Frankfurt Motor Show.

John Lambert - 22 Aug 2011