Ford Shows Off e-Bike Prototypes in Barcelona
Back in February, it was revealed that Ford had filed a patent in August 2013 for a motor vehicle [that] includes a body configured to house a removable frame, a spare wheel, a removable headrest, and a jack.” Not long after the original report broke cover, Ford brought another bike-related innovation to Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The Handle on Mobility project was announced on Monday as the latest experiment in the Ford Smart Mobility plan, accompanied by the reveal of the prototype MoDe:Me and MoDe:Pro e-bikes. Both e-bikes come equipped with a 200-watt motor and 9-amp-hour battery for electric pedal assist that allows for speeds of up to 25 km/h (15 mph), as well as a rear-facing ultrasonic sensor that lets riders know when they are about to be overtaken through vibrations in the handlebar.
MoDe:Me
“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.”
The bikes are intended for use by commuters (MoDe:Me) and couriers (MoDe:Pro), and both interact with the MoDe:Link app, which is compatible with iPhone 6 and offers features such as navigation, smart routing, and SYNC compatibility.
“There are so many ways to get around a city, but what is really needed is a way to connect all of these transport options together,” said Ken Washington, vice president, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “Being able to seamlessly move between cars, buses, trains and e-bikes and react to changing traffic situations can make a big difference both for commuters and for those delivering goods, services and healthcare.”
MoDe:Pro
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.