Crazy design, lots of sensors and AI: the new e-bike from Acer

The Digitec and Galaxus editorial team will be reporting on site from IFA 2023 in Berlin. You can find all the news and background information published so far in our overview:

Read correctly: Acer no longer only builds laptops, monitors, projectors and PCs, but also e-bikes. This is not the computer specialist's first foray into the two-wheeler sector. In spring, Acer launched two e-scooters on the market, which are also available in our shop.

E-scooters (standing)

Acer Series 3

20 km/h, 30 km, 250 W

10

E-scooters (standing)

−21%

only 1 item on saleonly 1 piece on sale

EUR432,61 was EUR549,–

Acer Series 5

20 km/h, 50 km, 350 W

16

Small wheels, low weight

The e-scooters are quite conventional compared to the new e-bike. The Ebii already looks unusual. The fairly wide 20-inch wheels are as small as a children's bike. The frame is dominated by a massive centre strut - and should be usable up to a height of 185 centimetres. It is also striking that the front wheel is only held by a single-arm fork.

What is also immediately noticeable: I can easily lift the bike up when I first see it at the IFA in Berlin. At 16 kilograms, it's pretty light for a bike with a battery and motor. Unfortunately, I can't ride it yet as it's only a prototype. The Ebii is due to be launched on the market in autumn and will probably not be available in Switzerland until 2024.

Bike learns how you ride

Acer is selling the new product as a manoeuvrable and uncomplicated bike for the city. The battery, which provides pedal assistance for up to 110 kilometres, can be charged in just two and a half hours. You don't have to shift gears, the resistance and motor power are adjusted automatically. Acer promises that this fine-tuning is continuously adjusted. And via the app. The software should learn the rider's riding profile over time.

The app is also the central link between man and machine. It automatically connects to the Ebii and also unlocks the bike. If you walk away, it is also locked properly and can no longer be rolled (only carried away). There is an alarm function and you can locate a bike at any time via GPS and navigate it directly in the app.

Sensor recognises approaching vehicles

Collision detection is a new feature. Sensors in the bike notify the rider when other vehicles are approaching from behind. At the same time, a flashing rear light alerts the rider that a bike is approaching.

Ebii is expected to cost around 2,000 francs. For this you get a lot of technology, but you have to make some compromises when it comes to comfort. The bike has no suspension and the Air Fom wheels are rather stiff. Instead of an air tube, they have a foam interior and are supposed to be maintenance-free. It's also a shame that you can't fold the bike up.

But Acer has cleverly focussed on urban traffic, where the lightweight and compact design, safety features and fully automatic system are probably more important than particularly good suspension.