Acer, a brand traditionally associated with PCs and laptops, has made a surprising move into the e-bike market with the release of the ebii SmartBike. This innovative urban commuter promises a tech-infused ride, featuring AI capabilities and smart connectivity. Here’s our hands-on review of this futuristic e-bike.
First Impressions:
The ebii is undeniably sleek. Its compact build and single-sided fork scream “city commuter,” and the minimalist design feels right at home in an urban environment. However, with only one frame size (suitable for riders between 1.45 and 1.85 meters), taller riders might feel a bit cramped.
Tech on Two Wheels:
This is where the ebii truly shines. The AI-powered ebiAssist feature is the star of the show. It learns your pedaling style and adjusts power output based on terrain, aiming to deliver the perfect amount of assist without breaking a sweat (or the bank – the ebii boasts an impressive 110km range on a single charge). With a 48V, 250W hub motor, the ebii delivers up to 40 Nm of peak torque, assisting speeds up to 25 km/h.
Riding the ebii is smooth and intuitive. The AI adaptation means you get just the right amount of assistance without constant manual adjustments. The bike’s stability and the smart safety features provide confidence even in busy urban environments. The LED dot-matrix display on the handlebars is a handy feature, showing essential ride data at a glance.
Safety is a major focus too. The ebii comes loaded with features like a collision detection radar, auto lights, and even app-based crash detection. Plus, the airless tires and carbon belt drive minimize maintenance hassles.
Smart Features
Acer has packed the ebii with an array of smart features:
- Safety Sensors: Rear collision warning radar and integrated lights that activate automatically in low light conditions enhance safety.
- Airless Tyres: The puncture-proof, multi-layer foam tires ensure you never have to worry about flats.
- Maintenance: A carbon belt drive eliminates the need for lubrication, keeping maintenance minimal.
- Battery Life: The 460W Li-ion battery offers up to 110 km of range and doubles as a portable charger. It fully charges in about 2.5 hours.
- Security: Bluetooth-enabled locking system and GPS tracking provide peace of mind against theft.
Connectivity
The ebiiGO companion app is central to the ebii experience. It allows riders to:
- Monitor battery life and remaining travel time.
- Select riding modes: Eco, My ebii, and Boost.
- Track suggested routes and speed.
- Lock and unlock the bike automatically when the paired smartphone is nearby or leaves the area.
- Receive alerts for collision detection and crash notifications.
App Dependence:
The EbebiiGO iGo companion app is your key to unlocking the ebii’s full potential. It lets you lock/unlock the bike, track rides, and even choose between power modes (Eco, My ebii, and Boost). While the app connectivity is convenient, it also creates a bit of a reliance – features like locking and route planning require your phone to be handy.
What We Think
The Acer ebii is a compelling option for tech-savvy urban riders seeking a low-maintenance, feature-rich e-bike. The AI-powered shifting and anti-theft features are innovative, but the single size and app dependence might be drawbacks for some. If you prioritize cutting-edge tech and a comfortable city ride, the ebii is worth a look. Just be prepared to wait a bit – the European launch isn’t until September (as of May 2024).
