The Smart Ebike is one of a handful of new electric bike offerings from established automobile companies, in this case Mercedes Benz Smart. In the same way that Ford partnered with Pedego to create the Supercruiser, Smart chose to partner with BionX for their drive system and consulted the famous German designer Kalle Nicolai to create an iconic frame. This bike performs very well, is made with durable components from SRAM, Magura and Ergon and is nearly silent to operate. While it’s not the lightest weight ebike at 57.5 pounds, it does keep battery and motor weight low and balanced and is priced fairly well given the brand support and complete package (fenders, LED lights, regenerative braking).
Driving this electric bicycle is a 350 watt gearless direct drive hub motor from BionX. It’s compact, durable and very quiet (because it doesn’t rely on gears). It’s a proven design that BionX has been refining to be increasingly durable and light weight with each iteration. What’s so unique about this specific model is the internal three speed SRAM I-Motion 3 hub built right into the motor! Think of it this way… at the core of the metal cylinder is an internally geared hub that you use to change gears when pedaling and then orbiting that hub is an array of magnets that are driven forward by the electromagnetic stater. It’s a gearless motor with a geared hub inside. The benefit is that gears stay clean, require less maintenance and there is more room for a belt drive system vs. a chain. In this case, the belt drive is an ultra tuff carbon design from Gates. With this system you don’t need to worry about rust and you also get a quieter pedaling experience (which compliments the silent motor operation perfectly). Don’t worry though, the bike does come with a bell for those moments when you DO want to be heard ;)
The battery pack powering this bike offers an impressive 48 volts of power with 8.8 amp hours of capacity. That’s above average for most ebikes I’ve tested and it makes accelerating and climbing easier. The battery pack is custom designed to follow the curves of the frame and can be charged on or off the bike which is convenient for topping off at work or if you live upstairs but park the bike in a garage at street level. When BionX was working with Smart to develop this bike they also created a feature called Deep Sleep that senses if battery is getting low or hasn’t been used. When activated (after 2 months of inactivity or 2 weeks if the battery is lower than 10%) it completely shuts the pack down to avoid damage, prolonging its life.
In addition to powering the motor, the battery on the Smart electric bike also powers a nice backlit display that shows you speed, distance and battery capacity as well as a front and rear LED light. The wires are all run through the frame on this bike which makes for a clean aesthetic and they have even added a USB outlet below the light so you can plug your phone or other smart device in to charge when riding! They really did things right here in my opinion and the clean design compliments the quiet riding experience and beautiful paint job (which comes in white and green or gray and orange). In addition to the standard BionX display mentioned earlier (which is removable for safe storage) there is also an optional smart phone mount and ANT+ dongle that lets you mate an Android or iOS smart phone with the bike for more stats. It worked really well during my tests and could come in handy for GPS mapping your way around the city but otherwise I’d just rely on the standard display. I realize my iPhone screen didn’t look too bright in the video but it worked alright in real life, having two screens looks a bit goofy but they function well and the mount is pretty flexible (accommodating 3.5″ to 4.3″ screens with vertical or horizontal orientation).
There’s a lot to say about this ebike but the funny thing is, I haven’t been able to find it very easily in the USA as of July 2014? Smart has launched it in Europe with lower end specs (250 watt motor and 15mph top speed) and presumably are preparing to launch here before 2015. You really get a refined experience here and the optional cargo rack, matching panniers and jacket and optional suspension fork make it pretty versatile. The price is a bit higher but I think it’s justfied and I trust both Smart and BionX. Depending on your height the Medium-only frame size could be a limiter but the seat is fairly adjustable. The angled top tube and 26″ tires make it easy to mount and stand over for people who aren’t as tall. This would be a perfect electric bike for city or neighborhood riding. Even though it looks futuristic, the electric drive systems all blend in and operate quietly which means you won’t scare away wildlife on paved bike trails or attract unwanted attention. Smart has done a great job and even though it’s a first-generation product the drive system is very well tested.
DHS
10 years agoSpot on, and thorough, Court! My experience with 1000+ Km on the SMART electric bike is all good – zero problems. Changed out the stock pedals and seat to suit me better otherwise perfecto. Buyers should be sure to get the optional left handlebar mounted assist/regen switch for convenience and safety – keeps both hands on the grips at all times. If memory serves SMART offers a higher handlebar option for taller riders and/or those wishing a more upright stance – remember headwinds are much less of an issue. I believe there’s also a comfort seat option. Enjoy the ride!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoThanks! Always great to hear about those extras and I’m glad the SMART ebike has been working great for you. I’m just excited to see more of these in the wild… right now it seems like very few dealers have them.
ReplyIsmael
10 years agoWhere to buy it in the US .?
ReplyArt
10 years agoHi Court, this review is from riding and trying this smart bike yourself!?
ReplyCheers
Court Rye
10 years agoI’m not really sure Ismael, I called several Mercedes Benz / Smart dealerships around the country and none had it. They each knew about the bike and one even had a demo model but they sold it when someone expressed interest (they were not supposed to yet). In order to do the test ride shown in the video here I had to go to Canada. Maybe the bike will be available in Fall 2014? I cannot say for sure.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoYep, I am the one in the video review above. This review was shot and written by me based on trying the bike in person at the BionX headquarters in Canada. I haven’t been able to find the Smart eBike anywhere else since then but I was told it should be coming to some dealers before end of year 2014.
ReplyHonor
10 years agoI’ve been looking at this bike ever since I heard of it. Would love to add it to my Smart Collection. If it’s not available by Fall 2014 I will be buying a different brand since I will be needing a college bike and cannot wait further.
ReplyNMSA
9 years agoLet me know if you are still interested in the Smart Ebike
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoMy best advice is to call the major dealerships in Manhattan and Los Angeles for information. I think they get it before the other dealers and may be able to help you with a custom order or at least more info on availability. Good luck! There are lots of other great ebikes if this one doesn’t work out :)
ReplyBike On
10 years agoIf you have to get a Bionx system, this is the one I would want. Great review Court! 48V, belt drive with integrated hub. Shock fork option. Very well integrated fender/lights, removeable battery.
Question: Do the Bionx hubs have more cogging, when coasting at speed, than the Easy Motion hubs? This one is ahead of the game, imo.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHey Dan! Thanks, I agree that the Smart Ebike is doing a lot right and really puts the BionX system to work. I love the integrated three speed hub INSIDE the motor… just awesome. Regarding your question, yes, all BionX gearless direct-drive motors have more cogging than an Easy Motion geared 350 watt hub. The geared Dapu hub that Easy Motion uses is not direct-drive, it freewheels when coasting so there’s virtually no drag. The BionX motors by comparison offer regenerative braking but do experience cogging as demonstrated in some of the other review videos including this one for the D-Series.
Replynorbert kraus
10 years agoexcellent information and comparisons you make are very useful. Could you pleas tell me, where in Canada I could buy the Smart Ebike. Where can I find a distribuidor. I´m from Peru and I will be traveling to canada soon and want to buy a Smart Ebike. Regards, Norbert
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Norbert! I would love to help you find the Smart Ebike in Canada… or the US… or anywhere! I really struggled to get this review (drove to the BionX headquarters near Toronto where they had a demo). If I were you I’d call Mercedez/Smart dealers in advance and see if they can get one in for you. I’m not sure what the deal is with this ebike… seems like it was mostly available in Europe and not the US.
ReplyMark
10 years agoCan you sent a link for the app. I cant find it :)
Thanks
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Mark, it appears that the app is no longer available in the US or any other geography I searched for. I found several reference links while searching Google and even this page which shows the app and tries to link to the iTunes store but then you get a message about how “the item you requested is not currently available”. I’m really sorry, this is a huge bummer… do you own the Smart Ebike? I’ll reach out to the company to see what’s up and whether they are dropping support or something.
ReplyMark
10 years agoHi Court, yes i do own the smart Ebike and decided to buy because of the design, and based on your review. It’s almost impossible to buy to here in Europe, but managed to find one slightly used in Germany (I’m from Denmark). I have reached out to Smart/Mercedes many times both directly and and through social medias, but no response. So I really appreciate for you trying contacting them also. So if I should leave a final comment on this bike. “Fantastic Bike, not so great support”….
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoThanks for sharing your feedback, I reached out to the CEO of BionX and his lead support rep and technology trainer. They replied and said they would look into this and try to help. I think one of them actually has the software on his phone but that might not mean he is able to transfer it, I’ve offered to host the files on EBR if we can get them.
ReplyRobin
9 years agoJust an update. I’ve had my SMART ebike for some months now and it’s been great. However, here in the UK support for the product from Mercedes Benz is almost non-existent. I have since discovered this is because the bike is actually manufactured by Grace Bikes in Berlin. Not such a bad thing as Grace bikes are really awesome!
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHmm, that’s really interesting Robin! I think I remember hearing something about the design of the SMART eBike being from German designer Kalle Nicolai who is also connected with Grace. I’m glad you are enjoying the bike but sorry to hear that support has been lackluster :/ I heard about some other individuals struggling to get the app and have not been able to find it myself (I even reached out to BionX for help since it uses their drive system). If you have the app, don’t delete it ;)
ReplyJerry Dunton
9 years agoAny update on how I can purchase a Smartbike? Any specifics would be appreciated. Jerry
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Jerry! Honestly… I’d give up on this ebike, doesn’t seem like any shops carry it and I’ve heard the app isn’t available anymore so you won’t have access to some of the neat features shown in the review. I was very excited to see this bike and drove to Canada (which was the only place I could find one) at BionX headquarters but it seems like Smart and some other car companies just make these cool models as proof of concept without really selling many or supporting them :/
ReplyJerry Dunton
9 years agoI think you are right….just seems so sad with all the engineering and tremendous resources they have put into this great Smart Bike! With the growth and demand in ebikes, they are missing the market.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoYeah… at big companies who might have a different primary focus I can understand like something like this could be “experimental” or just get lost in the shuffle. I was pretty surprised how difficult it was to find, I called lots of Smart dealers in the US and only one of them even knew what I was talking about.
ReplyJerry Dunton
9 years agoI see your point but I just do not want to give-up….in fact take a look at this Smart e-bike promotion going on right now in England:
http://uk.smart.com/uk/en/index/smart-electric-bike.html
This is encouraging that it may make it to the USA…the market is getting really hot for the bike. Regardless, I am determined to import one of the larger wattage Smart bikes very soon.
ReplyJerry
Court Rye
9 years agoAwesome! I hope it works out and I’d love to see Smart update the app and make it easier to get their stuff (int he UK, US and elsewhere). The site you shared looks great! I checked the Wayback Machine and it appears that the last time they tok a snapshot was in May of 2015… so that could be a signal that it hasn’t been updated for a while :/
ReplyMike Jones
9 years agoJerry Dunton this bike is not legal to sale in the US so Daimler/MB can’t sale them to the public and that is why you can’t find it here. If you are interested in purchasing one I might can advise you on obtaining one.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoInteresting, can you please explain and cite why the Smart Ebike might not be legal to sell in the US Mike? As far as I can tell, it uses a standard BionX drive system available on many other ebikes including those from OHM which definitely are legal to sell in the US and Canada. This system abides by the Class 2 electric bike standard traveling under 20 mph with torque sensing pedal assist and throttle operation. If this is an internal company block or there is some other reason you suspect for it being halted in the US I invite you to be more specific and clear so as not to promote misinformation. I definitely appreciate your input and feedback here but want to be as accurate as possible :)
Jerry Dunton
9 years agoWell I almost bought one from the Smart dealer in Vancouver but then got to thinking about the lack of support, service and what I really wanted the bike for which is road and off-road. I tested the “Haibike” 29’r Hardtail with the Bosch center hub system and I am convinced this is the right bike for me. It really is amazing in so many ways and to be honest with you, I now believe the center hub is the future and the rear hub is more for city and entry level bikes. Jerry
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoSounds like you made a good call… I really like the Bosch system and the 29er is awesome because it’s one of the most affordable in the Haibike line and works great for trail but also around town given the larger diameter wheels and solid rear end (so you can add a rack etc.) awesome! Hope you enjoy it if you go that route ;)
ReplyMike Jones
9 years agoCourt Rye I know that they have several bikes here in the US, but they are not able to be sold to the public, but they will be available to employees. We just took 2 out of the box since they have been sitting in a warehouse for over 2 years. So you will see several in the Atlanta area that are sold to us. I have included why Daimler/ Mercedes are not able to sale in the US.
Recently, at the September Interbike-2013 in Las Vegas, three big players in the E-bike market provided test-rides on production models of their E-bikes that were intended to retail in the USA, and they had a 28-MPH top-speed when in Pedal-Assist-Sensor (PAS) mode…they are Specialized, Currie, and Stromer.
Previously, the US federal laws seemed to only allow a top-speed of 20-MPH (and a street power-limit of 750W / one-HP) for street-legal E-bikes. However, sharp lawyers have been looking for a way to legally allow a higher top-speed. Specialized, Currie, and Stromer are all very large international bicycle manufacturers, so something that might make their dealers vulnerable to lawsuits is something that they would never do without some type of solidly-researched legal ground to stand on.
The peculiar point of the US-configured systems that are now being promoted is that; the rider can only use a throttle up to 20-MPH, however…if you pedal, the PAS will power up the E-bike all the way to 28-MPH
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoThat sounds about right Mike! I saw that in September 2015 legislation was passed in California in particular that offers Class 1 to all trails, Class 2 to most paths and Class 3 (the speed-pedelecs) access to many paths and streets all without license or insurance. This was more of a gray area before.
ReplyPieter de Vries Lentsch
9 years agoAt first glance I thought there wasn’t any review of the Smart Ebike on this site, but now I found out that there is, thanks! I own a special luxury edition of the Smart with fork suspension, cargo rack and color (black edition with orange accents). I am very positive about it, although I replaced the pedals and mounted seat suspension, so it is pretty comfortable to ride now. As with other people commenting on the availability of the bike I am very puzzled by the apparent laziness of Smart/Daimler-Benz in marketing, selling, distributing and servicing this bike, also in Europe. I hardly see any other Smart Ebikes on the road here in the Netherlands. Moreover I bought my bike in Germany because it was 400 euros cheaper(!) than in the Netherlands, which is also a very curious thing. On the other hand the bike stays more exclusive of course but I hope not that the scarcity of the bike will affect the continuation of servicing because of the possible disappearance of the bike from the market in the near future.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Pieter! I’m glad you’re enjoying the Smart Ebike, I felt like the design was very beautiful and the unique hub motor + internal gearing system was very cool and compact. The motor and battery are produced by BionX so you should have some support but the battery design is a bit unique. It’s difficult to say what will become of this bike but the version you got sounds excellent, I really appreciate suspension and the cargo racks I saw in the marketing materials were very sleek and matched the colors :)
ReplyR.Blankevoort
9 years agoI also live in the Netherlands and own the bike for almost 2 years. the only cons is the light 3 speed sram gearing the candance is to high on higher speeds. now ive biked around 1500km on it. 1000km the first year. due to bad weather last summer. Would be great to plan trips with other dutch(maybe Belgium) and German Smart ebike owners.
ReplyMike Jones
9 years agoWell they are selling the ones they brought over to the US to employees so I know I’m buying one for myself but I’m trying to purchase two so I might be able to sell that one to someone if interested. Well I guess it also depends on what paperwork they make us a sign since the bikes are not legally able to be sold to the public here in the US only to employees.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHmm… Thanks for the background Mike, I hope you enjoy the bike and I’d love to hear if they have any advice about the app? I’ve tried finding it in the App store for my iPhone but it seems to have been dropped or missing? This could limit how you use the bike if you get one and aren’t able to get the app anymore :/
ReplyMike Jones
9 years agoI will let you know. I asked if they will be offered before Christmas and I was told yes. They are just setting a price and i I guess the rules to selling them. Just hope I can get two so I can sale the other one.
ReplyRenato
8 years agoHey Mike, Were you able to purchase the bike? just one, or two? I’m really interested in this bike, so let me know. thanks
ReplyMauricio
9 years agoHello! I just bought the Smart ebike, bit i will like to know where to buy the Mounting Bracket and ANT+ Wireless Dongle for Smart Phone? Regards!!
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Mauricio! Great questions here… I wish I could point you to a reputable dealer but honestly, I don’t know any in the US or Canada? This ebike has been very difficult to locate and I noticed that their smartphone app is no longer in the iTunes store or Android (at least for the US). Where are you located? Maybe the dealer could help you find the accessories and upgrades, it’s an awesome electric bike and I hope you’re able to let it reach it’s full potential!
Reply9 years ago
It looks like production has been halted on this, here’s a link to a Mercedes/Smart blog with an update.
“the Smart ebike which was unveiled in 2012 has now reached its end of lifecycle, the product was stopped…To complete our electrical product portfolio we hold a small electric vehicle and so-called ‘last mile concepts’ for urban transport”
I’ve also posted the link in the Smart Ebike forum. I recently picked up a deeply discounted demo model and have been very impressed with it. I also own a Stromer, and while the Smart lacks the power of the Stromer, it is in some ways a more satisfying ride.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoThanks for the update and the link! Wow, it’s amazing that the bike has already been around for three years… Too bad they seem to have removed the app? Maybe it was a liability thing given the changing nature of mobile devices and long term support requirement. Still, the bike hardware wasn’t changing so maybe they could have left it up as legacy so people could try to get it working or maybe open source it?
ReplyWandB
9 years agoStopped reading everything, but there were several comments wondering where to get one of these bikes. We live in Victoria BC, Canada and our local Mercedes/Smart Car dealer had these in October, 2015. Sold 5 in one day and we got one! Call the Parts Dept of Three Point Motors in Victoria, 1 250 385-6737. We love the bike and use it to go everywhere.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoThanks for the tip! It’s a unique and really well made electric bike, hope you enjoy it :)
ReplyDoug
9 years agoMercedes has stopped manufacturing this bike. English translation of the above link is in the Smart ebike forum.
ReplyDoug
9 years agoI don’t think that it’s a coincidence that Smart pulled the plug right after Grace bikes went into receivership as I’ve read that much of the production was done by Grace. I picked up a demo model as well and it’s a great ride. I’m really hoping there’s a way to keep it alive after the current battery wears out…
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoYeah, the battery design is very unique compared to most other BionX kits… I’d also love to find a way to get the app that originally worked with the Smart Ebike because it seems like it is no longer in the Android Google Play store or the Apple Store :/
ReplyMDS
9 years agoI do have a Smart ebike that is still in the box as part of a promotion, but because of the legal requirements I will not use it but prefer to sell it. if anyone is interested in buying it please send me an email to the listed email address and we can discuss price and delivery. Thanks.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoAwesome! Your email is hidden from view here for privacy but if anyone responds to you the site will let you know about it. Another good resource for selling your ebike is the “for sale” section of the electric bike forum. These Smart bikes are really unique, I wish you luck passing it along :)
ReplyDave
9 years agoHi, I am interested in this bike. Where abouts are you located? One quick question though. I read that this is a one sized bike. Medium size? What size is that suitable for? I am 6’2″… just hope that would fit? Also…. is there a weight limit? Thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Dave! I believe the Smart Ebike was only available in one “medium-ish” size and had smaller 26″ wheels so given your height it might not be the best solution. It’s also very difficult to find and the app is no longer available so some functionality I showed in the video review is not achievable. If I were you I’d consider an OHM electric bike because they use the same BionX drive system and offer great support and a number of frame sizes :D
NMB
9 years agoI have a Smart ebike if anyone is interested.
Dave
9 years agoThat’s unfortunate….. but thanks for the info!
Replydaniela
9 years agoi want to buy e bile , but i dont speak hebrew, i live in israel in tel aviv. i just know that i like bike ( in hebrew it is called אופניים חשמליים ). pleas, can sombody, davice me what to buy ? i dont understand in that issu.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Daniela! I also don’t speak Hebrew but learned recently that one company I have reviewed does sell electric Bikes in Israel and they are called Magnum and have a second brand called Leisger but neither seems to offer a folding ebike… at least that I have seen in the USA. Feel free to ask around for more help in the EBR Forums Q&A section.
Reply9 years ago
I do speak Hebrew, those two words you wrote, are just the Hebrew plural for Electric Bikes. If you’re still looking for one, first determine what you’ll be using it for? Is it for city/commute or off road use? or do you want dual purpose? The type of bike you need, will dictate the price and model/style that is best for you, as well as the comfort features and suspension necessary to make your cycling most enjoyable. Lots of luck, enjoy your new Ebike :)
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoAwesome reply, thank you so much!
Jeff Merklinger
9 years agoMy Smart bike was stolen this week and I think I found the LAST ebike for sale from a dealership. (I’m in Canada). If you REALLY want a Smart bike I found 3 on Kijiji. 1 white in Toronto and 2 grey in Quebec. I hope this helps and that some of the people on this forum get one. It’s the best thing I have ever bought!
In regards to service, I crashed a week after I bought the first one and called the dealership where I bought it. Mercedes-Benz Oakville sent a car to pick me up where I crashed, drove me home and took the bike for repairs. That’s pretty damn good service! Prospective owners need to be aware that this bike costs $135/hr to service! Have fun everyone!
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoThanks for sharing your enthusiasm for the bike and helping people to find some of the last ones available Jeff! Enjoy your riding and be safe out there :)
ReplyJeff Merklinger
9 years agoNo excuses man! If you can get to Orillia Canada for BionX interview you can get to Toronto to pick up the white one. This bike is a piece of art.
Nick
8 years agoI have a Smart bike for sale if anyone is interested. Brand new condition – 20 mph max. Please send email.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Nick! Thanks for sharing, feel free to also post in the EBR forums For Sale section here.
ReplyRAÚL Horacio
8 years agoFavor quisiera saber dónde puedo comprarla en Argentina o en su defecto en Chile o Uruguay. Gracias
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoCreo que se puede tener algunas bicicletas enviado a usted de los Estados Unidos, algunos comerciantes venden a nivel internacional. Tal vez intente ponerse en contacto directamente con la compañía? En este caso, creo que la moto se interrumpe lo que es posible que desee encontrar lo que solía, revisar los foros de venta sección aquí.
Replywayne hopkins
8 years agoI own a smart ebike and find the great and when it comes to hills they are a doodle.
ReplyThe only probe is the weight of the ebike its very heavy to lift up stairs as I have first floor flat.
Court Rye
8 years agoHey Wayne! Glad you’re enjoying the bike… it’s one of the coolest looking, most integrated one’s I’ve ever reviewed! But yeah, it does weigh a bit more which could be difficult if you have stairs. I believe the battery is removable (which could reduce or reposition weight) but if you have to take two trips, the pack or bike could get damaged, forgotten or tampered with as you take the first part up so it’s not a perfect solution. Ebikes are getting lighter all the time so maybe in the future you’ll be able to upgrade to a lighter one!
ReplyOldfatgeezerwithdodgyhips
8 years agoI would like to share my experience of owning a Smart ebike (White/green). I bought it when I just couldn’t ride a normal bike because of acute osteo-arthritis. First time I rode it away from the Mercedes dealer in Manchester I was giggling like a schoolgirl all the way home… This bike has transformed my life..at a time when I thought I would never again feel the joy of cycling…
It is faultless in its design and still gets admiring comments 4 years later. The ride is very quiet, but without suspension can be jarring on trails and poor quality roads…the saddle was obviously not designed for the size of bottom I have, but after a few weeks the soreness abated. I weigh over 15 stone and mostly just whack the power up to 4 (the highest level) – so I very rarely get over 20 miles range ( the highest I ever got was 24.5 miles), but that’s about my limit also.
I was so sad to hear the production run has finished, just when I was hoping that Smart would develop a more powerful battery… I can’t help thinking that’s a bit short sighted when ebike are rapidly becoming more and more popular. Enjoyed reading all of this blog, so thanks to all…now time to get out on the bike…
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoYour testimonial made me and my girlfriend smile. Thanks for sharing your love of the Smart Ebike and your different experiences with comfort and range. Enjoy the ride and be safe friend :)
Replychris
8 years agoI read your review of the Smart bike and decided to buy a new old stock 2013 model off Ebay. The bike is a little small for me, but I love the quiet way it runs and the solid feel it has. My area is very hilly and on downhill sections I run it in full regen mode. This saves me from using the brakes and I can even pedal downhill if I want.
I just want to thank Court for all of his dedication to the electric bike world. There are many E-bike choices and I appreciate your hard work to explain what is out there.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHey Chris! Happy I could help, this is a really special ebike in my opinion and it’s neat to hear stories from people who are still enjoying them (or getting a brand new one!) even after a couple years since they were being produced :D
ReplyJohn Adams
7 years agoWere you able to find a replacement battery for the smart ebike? There is a used one on sale in my area, but I do not want to buy unless I know I can get a new battery.
ReplyNarda Besems
4 years agoWould you have any idea where to buy cables for this bike? One of the cables as well as the plug plug is broken!! Haven’t been able to find one anywhere…
John Adams
7 years agoHi Court, I watched your great review and the bike looks really amazing. I have found one used Smart ebike in good condition, but I am wondering how I could replace the battery and carbon chain when the time comes. Should I in general be worried about other support aspects? Any help from you (or other Smart ebike owners in the forum) will be appreciated. Thanks.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi John! Good questions… and yes, I’d be a little concerned about battery replacement because it’s so custom. The belt drive shouldn’t be an issue because Gates is in business and you can just take the rear wheel off, put a new belt on, tighten the horizontal dropout and be fine. BionX is still in business (and owned by a very large car company in Canada called Magna) but I cannot say how many spare Smart Ebike batteries they have to sell and the bike is now out of production. There are however, some battery repacking services that exist like Rechargeable Power Energy in Las Vegas, NV that can do this for some packs. I heard that they may struggle with BionX packs, could be worth checking first or using as a way to ask for a lower price on the Smart Ebike.
ReplyJohn Adams
7 years agoThanks Court. This is indeed great feedback. I will check with Rechargeable Power Energy in Las Vegas. I have also been watching your reviews like a Netflix binge, they are kind of addictive :-) One comment I would have is that given ebikes are in general pricy if you can consider adding serviceability factor (especially finding and replacing batteries) that would be great. A lot of these companies are smaller startups and may not be around or have parts in stock for a long time for their older bikes. Thanks a lot again for all these great reviews.
David Hanks
5 years agoMy Gates carbon belt (118T) has broken and I’m told Gates no longer make them! Suggestions re sourcing a new belt for my Smart eBike would be appreciated. It is 50CM long and 1CM wide and 11mm between the teeth. Thank you. David Hanks, Cheltenham, Glos UK
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi David! Did you contact Gates directly? Perhaps they have some stock of the older models laying around somewhere? Bummer that they aren’t still making them… ironic since durability is one of the big selling points for a carbon belt drive vs. a chain. If they last so long that the product goes out of production, and there’s no suitable alternative, that’s a bummer! I think Gates has a HQ location in Denver, Colorado. Reach out and let me know if you run into a wall, I might be able to help you connect with someone there ;)
ReplyAsif
5 years agoIf the battery shuts off after 2 month of inactivity then how can I again make it alive again?
ReplyCourt
5 years agoHi Asif, I believe that turning on the battery or the bike, or possibly plugging the pack into a charger, should wake the battery pack up. It’s not designed to “die” after two months, just go into a hibernation mode to protect the cell chemistry. Are you having trouble with your own battery pack? Perhaps I can help if so, let me know your situation :)
Replymaurice peters
4 years agoWaar vind ik de uitleg over foutmeldingen.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoIk weet het niet zeker. Deze ebike is vrij oud en ik denk niet dat hij meer verkocht wordt. Misschien kun je het hier in de forums vragen.
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