Iweech S+: The Electric Bicycle with Artificial Intelligence

Marseille’s connected bike Iweech returns in a new version, still with its unique style featuring 24-inch wheels, but now with artificial intelligence.

The urban electric bike seems to be caught between two worlds. There’s the classic bike, limited to just a battery and electric motor, and the connected one offering features worthy of the 21st century. Iweech appears to want to create a third category.

The small company Bellatrix is based in Marseille, created by Pascal Lafourcade and Christophe Sauvan through the enterprise. The two founders brought diverse experience and perspectives to their Iweech e-bike.

The goal? Primarily, to get car and motorcycle drivers onto bikes, as a matter of progress and environmental concern. But the major difference is offering an electric bike that adapts its assistance based on the route and the rider.

An innovative technological approach

Recall that a basic electric assist bike is simple. Whether it uses torque or rotation sensors, pedaling is necessary to activate the electric motor. The only adjustable actions are limiting torque through various modes, depending on preference or needs. Other brands attempt some innovative approaches.

For example, Vanmoof, where its comprehensive (perhaps too much) app allows adjusting gear ratios or programming assistance depending on the type of ride. However, these settings must be configured in advance, as the bike lacks a screen or buttons.

The philosophy of Iweech is precisely to limit interactions and functions to focus on the essentials. By removing modes and without a screen, how can it be even better than a technological electric bike? Artificial intelligence. AI integrates with the cycle to automatically adjust the level of assistance and evolves over time.

Iweech combines automatic transmission and intelligence

First, the new Enviolo Heavy Duty variator gear system—designed for high torque or cargo bikes—performs its role in simplifying the experience. It is mounted on the rear hub, no longer inside the motor unit like on the S model, and retains a carbon belt. This automatic transmission adjusts the “hardness” of pedaling according to the rider’s mechanical force. In essence, if you pedal gently on flat terrain, the gear ratio extends, providing moderate power. Climbing, the ratio shortens, and the Brose-T motor delivers its full 90 Nm torque.

The added value of the Iweech S+ is its AI to manage daily commutes, say from home to work. The bike can analyze how you pedal on flat, downhill, or uphill sections, where you exert more muscular force, etc. Gradually, it will provide the right pedaling resistance and assistance within a tenth of a second.

Extended range thanks to AI

This also ensures autonomy. Although the 499.4 Wh capacity is substantial for an electric bike, Iweech optimizes its consumption with AI. Recognizing parts where you can pedal unassisted or with minimal power, the e-bike does not unnecessarily drain its battery. From a standard range of 70 kilometers, the bike claims up to 190 kilometers on similar routes with AI assistance.

Without this, the previous version was energy-intensive. Understandable, as it includes GPS chips, 4G, NFC, and Wi-Fi for constant location tracking, continuously calculating its possible range based on remaining energy. It’s not visible on the bike, but the Iweech app provides real-time estimates of what distance you can reach, even in round-trip mode.

Note that this bike is built for an active riding position, with the body leaning forward. Aside from good maneuverability and balanced mass distribution, this encourages a sporty ride, requiring more pedaling effort. It becomes clearer why the bike can approach 200 km, as riders push their limits to maximize performance. It’s quite impressive, considering the weight increases from 18.5 to 20.5 kg.

Is the Iweech expensive?

Unfortunately, the new Iweech S+ version is not cheap. The first model was quite affordable relative to its features. At €3,490, with its assembly in France, a 90 Nm motor, a large removable battery near 500 Wh, anti-theft system, and geolocation, the “S” was very reasonably priced.

Now, the Iweech S+ costs €4,190. This reflects the new variator transmission system and the AI included. It still retains all the features of the smaller model, including the rotating stem useful for parking the bike without occupying space.

Despite the price, ambitions are high. After selling 650 bikes in 18 months, Iweech aims to sell 9,000 units by 2023, with exports across Europe.

Also read: Reevo, the electric bike with wheel spokes and tires without air