Taipei Cycle: "The world’s first intelligent commuter bike"

Darfon Electronics Corporation and Vanmoof are showing what they’re calling ‘the world’s first intelligent commuter bike’ at Taipei Cycle.

We first reported on this bike last year when it was in the final stages of development, but now we’ve had the chance to see it for ourselves.

The bike features a 250W front hub motor with a smart power control that works via a torque sensor. It automatically adjusts the bike’s electric power after monitoring your cycling output.

You get a touchpad dashboard at the front end of the top tube while a GPS/GPRS tracking system will help you retrieve the bike should it ever be stolen. 'What does the touchpad dashboard do?' we hear you ask. 'Hmm…' is our short term response, we couldn't find any info on that at the show, our guess is though that it'll show you basic telemetry: speed, disance, etc along with battery charge life, and runtime info. If it's really intelligent there will be a GPS mapping display - although how visible all that is going to be at the front of your top tube is open to debate.

The integrated battery offers a range of 40-70km (25-44 miles) depending on the level of power assistance you select. The integrated 204Wh battery will recharge in four hours.

The bike is made from anodized aluminium and comes with mechanical disc brakes.

As you'd expect on a Vanmoof ront and rear lights are integrated into the frame and the chain is fully enclosed.

For more info go to Vanmoof’s website.