New Delhi: The term ‘e-bike’ is often used to describe any bicycle with Bluetooth connectivity, a smartphone app, GPS tracking, or a colour display. But Volkswagen has entered the market with two new models that feature a rear-view camera, radar and connected rider equipment.
Developed and produced by bicycle manufacturer n+ under licence from the German carmaker, deliveries of the Volkswagen Sport and Volkswagen Crossover are planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The e-bikes use a Smart View system, which includes a camera mounted at the rear that sends a live view to a display near the handlebars, allowing riders to monitor traffic behind them without repeatedly turning their heads. The bikes also use radar-based technology to identify vehicles approaching from behind or entering potential blind spots. Volkswagen and n+ describe the system as part of a wider safety ecosystem designed to address the vulnerability of cyclists in mixed traffic.
Safety comes at a cost
Both models use Yamaha’s PW-X3 mid-drive motor, rated at 250 W and capable of producing up to 85 N·m of torque. Pedal assistance is provided up to 25 km per hour, a limit commonly used for bicycle classification in several markets. The standard battery has a capacity of 490 Wh, with a claimed range of up to 162 km under suitable conditions.
The Volkswagen Sport is a road-oriented model, while the Crossover is aimed at greater versatility. The latter includes a rear cargo tray that can also accommodate turn-signal lighting. An optional range extender is intended for users who need additional distance between charges. Despite being bicycles, both models are relatively heavy: the Sport weighs about 27.5 kg and the Crossover, around 28 kg.
The technology comes at a substantial price. The Sport is listed at £3,999 in the UK, while the Crossover costs £4,349. Smart Glasses and a Smart Helmet are sold separately at £499 each. The helmet is designed to support crash detection, while the glasses can provide information through a heads-up display.
The Volkswagen e-bike’s biggest challenge may be persuading buyers that advanced safety features justify a premium normally associated with high-end bicycles. It remains to be seen whether riders find car-inspired technology to be useful rather than unnecessarily expensive.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
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