Both the SMARTbike 2 UE and the e-SMARTbike 2 UE SWAP will be available this month in the German cities of Leipzig and Leverkusen, and the Polish city of Wrocław.
To inform product development, nextbike conducted a European-wide survey amongst users and clients which found key demanded features to be: high-quality, a long service life and simplicity.
“When developing our bikes, it is crucial not to stand still, but to always be one step ahead,” nextbike CEO Sebastian Popp told Zag Daily. “How do we achieve this? By asking specific questions, observing closely, documenting carefully, and learning continuously. This enables us to continuously develop our models and precisely identify and meet the needs of our users.”
For a longer service life, the e-bikes come with a slim, robust frame and are integrated with front and rear lights, reflectors, and parking lights for maximum visibility in traffic. The handlebar cockpit – designed to be vandal-proof – protects the bike’s cables, and networked locking systems and Framelock aims to offer double protection against bike theft. Both models also have puncture-proof pneumatic tires, a height-adjustable ergonomic saddle and a phoneholder.
On performance, the e-SMARTbike 2 UE SWAP is equipped with all the same features as the SMARTbike 2 UE as well as an exchangeable battery integrated into the frame. The mid-motor gives a service life of up to 40,000 kilometres and the e-bikes are available with two battery options: 500Wh and 700Wh. The 700Wh battery powers a range of up to 120 kilometres.
Nextbike is also using more advanced GPS technology – the Advanced Global Navigation Satellite System – which combines data from several systems to enable more precise positioning.
Both bike models were subject to extended stress tests at the Zedler-Institut, which specialises in testing bikes and bike components.
The launch of the new models comes weeks after nextbike recorded 51 million rides in 2024 – a new record for the operator.
Author: Sela Musa