Volkswagen's first eBikes arrive with an integrated rear camera and radar to detect cars

Volkswagen has presented its first range of electric bicycles (under official license), a project developed by the specialized company n+ that brings some of the most common technologies from modern automobiles to eBikes. The new family consists of two models and a connected accessory ecosystem that includes a rear camera with an integrated monitor, radar to detect vehicles, smart lighting, a connected helmet, and glasses with an integrated display.

Volkswagen enters the eBike market with an unprecedented bet: rear camera, radar, turn signals, and glasses with Head-Up Display

Although they carry the Volkswagen logo, the bicycles have not been designed or manufactured directly by the German manufacturer. Their development is handled by n+, a company known for producing electric bicycles under license for major brands and also responsible for the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 eBike range.

RECOMENDADO

Volkswagen CEO warns: "Cars will only have an urban future if bicycles have enough space"

Pogacar takes revenge on Vingegaard and dominates in Le Lioran, Evenepoel comes back at the end and sneaks into the overall podium

Maximum lightness and technology to survive the summer: we tested the Castelli Climber’s A/C with the Superleggera shorts

The spectacular Cervélo S5 of Vingegaard for the Tour: single chainring and only 6.8 kg

Pidcock insists on competing in the Red Bull Rampage and explains why he doesn't like Grand Tours

New Canyon Lux Trail 2027: lighter, longer travel, and a completely renewed geometry

The approach of Volkswagen and n+ moves away from the usual race to offer more power or greater autonomy. In this case, the goal has been to incorporate automotive-inspired safety solutions into an electric bicycle to improve environmental perception and make the cyclist more visible in urban traffic.

The most striking element of this technological set is Smart View, a system that combines a high-definition rear camera with radar capable of detecting the approach of vehicles. The image captured by the camera is displayed on a screen integrated into the handlebars so that the user can monitor traffic coming from behind without taking their eyes off the road or turning their head. At the same time, the radar alerts when it detects vehicles approaching from the rear, a solution conceptually similar to devices like Garmin Varia, but completely integrated into the bicycle.

Another of the innovations is Smart Lights. An integrated LED strip along the top tube of the frame increases the visibility of the bicycle during the day and modifies its operation according to the cyclist's maneuvers. When braking, the lighting changes to red to warn vehicles behind, while during turns it lights up amber to indicate the direction the user is going to take. However, the company itself warns that this signaling system is not approved for use on public roads in some countries, including Germany and France.

The proposal is completed with the Smart Helmet, a helmet connected via Bluetooth to the bicycle that synchronizes its lighting with the frame lights to repeat braking and turning signals. Additionally, it incorporates an accelerometer that detects a possible fall and can automatically send an emergency message to contacts previously configured by the user.

The most advanced technological accessory is the Smart Glasses. These glasses integrate a Head-Up Display system that projects information directly into the cyclist's field of vision without the need to consult any additional screen. Among the data they can display are navigation instructions, alerts generated by the radar about vehicles approaching from behind, and various route information. According to n+, the system has been developed by engineers with experience in creating Head-Up Displays for military aviation pilots.

Peter Jost, head of Volkswagen Accessories, Lifestyle & Licensing Business, explains that “technologies like these are common in the automotive world. Seeing how they arrive at an electric bicycle demonstrates how they can evolve and adapt in a useful way to other means of transport”.

The range initially consists of two models. The Volkswagen eBike Sport is priced at €3,999, while the Volkswagen eBike Crossover costs €4,349. The accessories Smart Helmet and Smart Glasses are sold separately at a price of €499.

The launch coincides with a particularly complex moment for Volkswagen, immersed in a significant global restructuring process. Nevertheless, the company is expanding its presence in the electric mobility sector with a proposal that seeks to differentiate itself from the rest of the market by incorporating assistance and safety systems into bicycles that have so far been much more common in the automotive industry.