A connected electric bicycle combines rear-traffic detection, camera vision, smart lighting, and wearable alerts to improve rider awareness in heavy traffic.
n+ unveils a new Volkswagen Smart eBike, bringing radar-based traffic detection and connected safety technologies from automotive applications to electric bicycles. Developed and produced by N+ under licence from Volkswagen, the eBike will feature Smart View, a radar-activated rear-view camera system designed to detect approaching traffic and alert riders without requiring them to look over their shoulders.
The key features are:
- 70-metre rear traffic detection range
- Full-colour handlebar-integrated display
- Radar-triggered adaptive lighting
- MicroOLED heads-up display
- IP67-rated connected smart helmet
Smart View combines a radar sensor mounted in the rear mudguard with a high-resolution, full-colour display integrated into the handlebar. The radar monitors traffic up to 70 metres behind the rider, identifying vehicles and other road users approaching at higher speeds. The camera simultaneously provides a live rear-facing video feed.
The handlebar display can operate as a dashboard, a continuous rear-camera screen, or an Auto Mode. In Auto Mode, the display switches to the rear-camera view when the radar detects approaching traffic. An orange alert bar or blind-spot warning provides an additional indication of the approaching road user.
The radar system is also connected to the eBike’s full-length LED lighting. The side-mounted LED strips operate as marker lights during normal riding and become brighter when approaching traffic is detected. The lighting system also provides turn and braking indications, working with the integrated rear brake and tail lamp and illuminated Volkswagen emblems.
Safety information can extend beyond the bicycle through Smart Glasses, which use a microOLED heads-up display to show radar-based blind-spot alerts, turn-by-turn Google Maps navigation and ride information. The glasses connect to the eBike via Bluetooth and weigh about 47 grams.
The Smart Helmet adds another layer of visibility and rider protection. It incorporates more than 500 lumens of front, rear and side lighting and can mirror the eBike’s braking and turn signals. It uses MIPS technology and is certified to NTA 8776 for higher-speed eBike riding. Built-in crash detection can alert emergency contacts with the rider’s location following a serious impact. The helmet also carries an IP67 rating and a 1,350mAh battery.
