Smart ebike, on an electric bike to discover the hidden secrets of Milan

One of the best aspects of two wheels is the possibility of exploring hidden places, never seen before. Maybe even a stone's throw from home, but unknown. You don't even necessarily need to have a real motorbike, as the Smart e-bike. La electric bicycle of the German brand debuted at Paris Motor Show 2010 and since then it has spread thanks to its pleasant design and its truly commendable functionality, as we have been able to verify ourselves. On the occasion of the Salone del Mobile in Milan, in fact, Smart has decided to set up until April 14th at the Fabbrica del Vapore di Milano, in via Procaccini 4 (MM2 Porta Garibaldi), a station where you can experience a fascinating itinerary in hidden Milan on this truly comfortable and interesting two-wheeler.

Let's start immediately with the technical data: the Smart ebike is a Pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle), or what in the world of bicycles could be defined as a hybrid vehicle. It doesn't just work with electricity, but rather provides pedaling assistance, allowing you to reach truly remarkable speeds with minimal effort. Officially the ebike can reach a maximum of 25 km/h, thus making it exempt from any license (even if with a little effort and a free road a few more kilometers we managed to do it and without any particular sports training). The BionX electric scooter, maintenance-free, it is mounted on the wheel hub and starts independently when pedaling. At that point the cyclist can choose the travel modes. There are nine in total: we start from the "average" one, which can be viewed through a monochrome screen positioned on the handlebars. This is a very simple and unaided ride, with the resistance adjustable on three levels directly from the handlebars. There are then four levels of help and four of energy recovery, which can also be selected from the handlebar without having to stop. With the help at the maximum level (4) the speed reached effortlessly is truly impressive and you have to manage the brakes well, which are particularly reactive. Energy recovery, however, It works almost like a Formula 1 KERS. The battery is partially recharged by pedalling, more or less hard, and by braking. Depending on the style of the cyclist and the road, the Smart ebike can go up to an autonomy of 100 km thanks to its 423 Wh lithium ion battery. The battery can still be recharged within 5-6 hours to a common household outlet.

The technological contents are also noteworthy: not only the ebike recalls the design of the brand's cars, but it even has a built-in USB socket so you can connect your smartphone, using GPS navigator and all the software that can be used for training (we guarantee that in recovery mode you make a lot of effort and even with the help of pedaling some calories go away without problems).

As mentioned, until April 14th it will be possible, starting from the Fabbrica del Vapore, to experience the same itinerary that we tried around Milan, discovering the “Best Kept Secrets” Milanese. There are 10 stages, starting from Merchant's Lodge near Piazza del Duomo and reaching the Cascina Cuccagna, a small corner of eco-sustainable paradise born near the busy Piazzale Lodi, yet quiet and full of food and non-food options. In short, a real discovery. The writer has arrived close to home to discover fascinating and pleasant places that are still unknown.

If, however, you are interested in the bicycle itself, the Smart ebike is on sale in Smart Centers at the price of €2.899.