Acer Ebii AI-Powered Bicycle Awarded

At Acer, we certainly expected to see the Ebii rewarded for its innovative AI-driven technology more than for its unconventional design!

The Acer Ebii received the Good Design Award 2023 during the Good Design Awards presented in Japan since 1957, recognizing companies and creators who develop “empowering designs” that contribute socially and push the boundaries of design possibilities. The Acer Ebii e-bike leverages AI-powered technology that adapts energy usage based on road conditions and user preferences.

Small and clever?

Before judging the relevance of the solution offered by Acer to everyday mobility, let’s take a closer look at this Ebii since it’s its design that has just been awarded. Its sleek, even minimalist style, is trendy. Minimalism being a sign of quality nowadays. Your eye is immediately drawn to the front fork with a single arm, then to the front wheel where a 250 W electric motor with 40 Nm torque is housed. The small 20-inch wheels are also in line with urban bikes’ needs for compactness and agility to weave between obstacles. However, beware of comfort… especially since it lacks suspension.

At the other end of the aluminum frame, with a cube-like appearance, the pedal system features a belt transmission. A smart choice to avoid derailment issues or grease splatter on your pants when raining. Speaking of rain, the fenders will not come standard but are available as an option. Another common cyclist issue is punctures. Here, the Acer Ebii ditches inner tubes in favor of tires filled with a foam called Air Foam. A cool idea, but we’ll need to see the real results during further testing, as the absence of air and suspension (+ small wheels) could quickly cause discomfort in daily use.

Artificial intelligence — but real?

Let’s finish our overview with the battery, the heart of the system. Made with lithium-ion and with a capacity of 460 Wh, it fits under the frame (recharge time: 2.5 hours). It features multicolored LEDs that signal the cyclist on the road and project a luminous footprint on the ground to alert drivers when overtaking. Well thought out.

Equipped with all this, the Acer Ebii weighs only 16 kg. A very reasonable weight for an electric bike whose assistance is legally limited to 25 km/h. The Taiwanese company promises a revolution in energy management through its dedicated EbiiAssist app, which adapts to your pedaling style and preferences. The AI is said to learn the rider’s habits over time, while also taking into account the route info entered beforehand in the app. On the handlebars, the cyclist won’t need to manage anything — no speed adjustments or power variations; the computer will handle it all.

While the electric range is estimated at 110 km, the manufacturer emphasizes that this depends on many parameters. Starting with your body build… Nice! But also your ability to assist the bike physically. If your trip exceeds the remaining energy in the battery, the app will decide, based on terrain difficulty (climbing, descending, etc.), where to deliver assistance. Looks great on paper, to be confirmed with more thorough testing.

Ultra-advanced Acer connectivity

Since everything will be managed via your smartphone, the Ebii will be constantly connected to you. Theft alert notifications, automatic unlocking when within its immediate perimeter, Bluetooth app, GPS positioning, etc. This high level of integration could, conversely, deter some consumers seeking a certain level of digital disconnection in their bike experience.

The remaining sensitive topic (very strongly): the price. It is expected to be around 2000 euros (before government aid), compared to the new benchmark in the ultra-compact urban bike market, the Decathlon E Fold 500 folding bike priced at €1099.

Is it a sign of intelligence (here not artificial) to venture into such a competitive cycling segment with a product as eccentric as the Acer Ebii? Breaking conventions is a risk that could pay off. The future will tell. Or not.

Also read: Towards mandatory ABS on electric bikes?