Electric cars will likely be the future for many buyers within the next few years. But many people’s first experience with an electric vehicle might not be a car, but possibly be an electric bicycle. In fact, according to market research, the e-bike segment pedaled its way up to $23.89 billion dollars in 2020 and is expected to reach $47.68 billion by 2026. If you’re fortunate, you might be amongst the few speeding past traffic upon something as sleek and luxurious as a n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team eBike soon.
Just like its electric auto counterpart, n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team eBikes designers carefully considered where to mount the power unit and battery, placing batteries in the center of the bike’s seat tube for 50/50 distribution, maximizing balance. \\\ Photo: Matt Ben Stone
Just like their Formula E racing counterparts, the n+ Mercedes-Benz bicycles are engineered to maximize “performance, handling and agility” with the same confidence for anyone setting out on the road on two wheels instead of four. The handsome framed design doesn’t scream “electric” like some of its counterparts, but the design communicates speed with a solidly angled silhouette.
The German automaker turned to the expertise of bicycle manufacturer n+ to realize these aspirations in a trio of designs. Shown above is the $3,200 n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team eBike edition. \\\ Photo: Matt Ben Stone
Available as an entry Team City Racer eBike with step through frame, mid-tier E Team eBike, or top end Silver Arrows eBike editions, each electric assisted two-wheeler is outfitted with a lightweight Aluminum 6061 frame, Gates CDX Carbon Belt Drive in lieu of a traditional chain, and stop-on-a-dime Tektro Hydraulic Disc brakes.
Photo: Matt Ben Stone
Photo: Matt Ben Stone
The sum of parts results in 18kg/40lbs of total weight (20kg for the dual battery Silver Arrows eBike model), maximizing each model’s single or dual 36v/7ah Cell 252wh battery assisted range starting from 28 miles, 37 miles, or more than 62 miles for the top tier Silver Arrows. Top speed permitted is 20mph in the United States, and a more modest 15mph “for most countries.”
The mid-tier n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team eBike features a constant variable transmission and 65 Nm / 250 W mid drive motor, with a 45 Nm / 250 W rear drive motor for the City Racer eBike and 75 Nm / 250 W mid drive motor for its Silver Arrows counterpart.
In lieu of a traditional bicycle chain, a Gates Carbon Belt Drive not only aids riders for smoother and immediate pedal/motor-assisted acceleration, they’re extremely durable and nearly maintenance-free.
If you’ve ever driven a car with brake-assist technology, you have some sense of its eBike equivalent – pedal assist technology. As a rider exerts more effort, the power-assist system ramps up to match cadence and pedal output. As the rider slows down or comes to a stop, so too will the eBike power assistance match in effort.
It should come as no surprise the top tier n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team Silver Arrows eBike carries a very MB-like price tag – $4,500, to be exact. But the n+ Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E Team City Racer eBike is available for a more attainable $1,990 – a price certainly more within reach than any of the automotive brand’s luxurious 4-wheel options.
