Ford has announced that it is the latest car manufacturer to venture into the world of e-bike prototypes.
Ford’s ‘Smart Mobility Plan’ used the stage at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress this week to showcase its move into electric bikes. The designs unveiled are part of exploring the use of e-bikes, alongside cars and public transport, to aid easier urban commutes, say Ford.
Both bike designs are the result of ideas submitted by Ford employees world-wide. The company ‘challenge’ yielded 100 prototype ideas, with the MoDe:Me and MoDe:Pro e-bikes making it to prototype production.
Ford say the Dahon-built MoDe:Me e-bike is a folder designed for commuters to take on public transport, while the MoDe:Pro e-bike, built by Ford, is more intended for couriers and other commercial services.
Both e-bikes are equipped with a 200-watt motor, 9-amp-hour battery and provide assistance up to 25 km/h.
An iPhone compatible journey planning app, also at prototype stage, identifies suitable routes and hazards, as well as delivering navigation prompts through vibrating handlebars. A further safety feature is a rear-facing ultrasonic sensor, alerting the cyclist when a vehicle is overtaking.
“Changing the way we think, collaborate and behave is essential to ensuring freedom of movement of both people and economies,” said Barb Samardzich, chief operating officer, Ford of Europe. “The Ford Smart Mobility plan supports our commitment to innovation and is aimed specifically at developing smarter transportation systems that take the worry and anxiety out of journey planning and improve the quality of life in busy cities.”
Ford’s experiment continues with their ‘Info Cycle’ research – which will gather data via a sensor box on bike frames – to increase their understanding of how both ordinary cycles and e-bikes are used in different urban areas. Their objective being to ‘improve safety for cyclists, as well as exploring improved mapping, smart journey planning and community-based services.’
