Volkswagen is taking technology developed for its cars onto two wheels with a new range of premium e-bikes featuring radar-assisted awareness, rear-view cameras, connected smart wearables and automotive-inspired lighting.
Developed by n+ under licence from Volkswagen, the new e-bike range has been designed around a simple premise: what if electric bicycles adopted the same preventative safety philosophy as modern passenger vehicles?
Rather than focusing solely on motor power and battery capacity, the Volkswagen-licensed e-bikes introduce an integrated ecosystem of technologies intended to improve rider awareness, visibility and communication with other road users.
At the centre of the system is Smart View, a radar-assisted rear-view camera that provides cyclists with a live view of traffic behind them without requiring them to look over their shoulder. Integrated into the handlebars, the high-definition display also works with radar sensors to alert riders when vehicles enter their blind spot.
The bikes also introduce Smart Lights, bringing automotive-style signalling to micromobility. A full-length LED light strip built into the top tube functions as a daytime running light while changing colour to indicate braking and turning, making cyclists’ intentions more visible to motorists and pedestrians.
The connected safety ecosystem extends beyond the bicycle itself through a dedicated Volkswagen Smart Helmet. Synced via Bluetooth, the helmet mirrors the bike’s lighting system with illuminated brake and turn signals while incorporating an accelerometer capable of detecting a crash and automatically sending an emergency text message to designated contacts.
Complementing the system are Volkswagen Smart Glasses, which bring heads-up display technology to cycling. Developed by engineers behind fighter pilot HUD systems, the glasses project navigation, blind-spot alerts and ride information directly into the rider’s field of vision, allowing cyclists to keep their eyes on the road while accessing key information.
Although designed to work with the Volkswagen e-bike range, the smart glasses can also be used independently for activities including motorcycling and other outdoor sports.
Peter Jost, CEO of Volkswagen Accessories, Lifestyle & Licensing Business, said:
“Technologies 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.”
The new range reflects Volkswagen’s broader approach to urban mobility, transferring decades of automotive design and safety thinking into the rapidly growing micromobility sector.
As cities become increasingly congested and more commuters turn to electric bicycles, n+ believes intelligent vision systems, connected wearables and behavioural lighting could help reduce accidents by improving communication between cyclists and motorists.
The Volkswagen-licensed e-bike range is now available through selected retail partners and at
smart-bike.net
