Volkswagen is bringing some high-tech car features to a new line of electric bikes, including an optional pair of smart glasses.
The German automaker recently unveiled two premium Volkswagen-branded e-bikes developed by n+, a bike company that has previously partnered with Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 team.
The companies say the bikes were designed with the same “safety-first philosophy” as a modern passenger vehicle and come packed with tech more commonly found in cars like radar, a rearview camera, blind-spot alerts and turn signals.
These e-bikes arrive as automakers and startups are showing growing interest in smaller and cheaper electric vehicles designed for shorter trips. But Volkswagen’s smart bikes are surprisingly loaded with more safety features than many of the alternatives.
The bikes’ main feature is the Smart View system, which pairs a rear-facing camera with a screen mounted between the bikes’ handlebars. It also uses radar to provide blind-spot alerts, helping riders to stay aware of approaching traffic without having to take their eyes off the road.
The bikes also feature an LED strip integrated into the frame’s top tube that acts as a high-visibility daytime running light. It glows red when the rider brakes and amber to signal a turn.
Beyond those standard features, Volkswagen and n+ are also offering some optional safety gear.
The first is a smart helmet that connects to the bike over Bluetooth and uses high-visibility LEDs that synched to the bike’s brake and turn signals. The helmet also includes a built-in accelerometer that can detect a possible crash and automatically send a text message to the rider’s emergency contacts.
And finally, riders can grab a pair of smart glasses with a heads-up display that puts navigation directions, blind-spot warnings, and other ride information directly within their field of vision.
“[T]echnologies like these are most commonly known from the automotive world. Seeing them make their way onto an e-bike demonstrates how technologies can evolve and be adapted in meaningful ways,” said Peter Jost, CEO of Volkswagen Accessories, Lifestyle & Licenses, in a press release.
The smart e-bikes come in two models. The Sport model is designed with agility in mind, while the Crossover model is built for comfort and includes a rear cargo tray.
Both bikes offer pedal assistance up to 25 kilometers per hour (about 15.5 mph) and have a maximum estimated range of 160 kilometers (99 miles). The actual range will vary depending on factors like terrain, wind, tire pressure, and rider weight. Battery extenders are available for both models
The Sport model starts at $3,999, while the Crossover starts at $4,349. The optional smart helmet costs $399, and the smart glasses will set customers back another $499.
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