The MoDe:Me and MoDe:Pro are both prototypes and are intended to be used in cities clogged up with traffic. Both bikes are foldable and can be taken on commuter trains and used to finish a journey, or stored in the back of a car or van.
This isn’t Ford’s first foray into electric bikes, nor is it unusual for a car company. The likes of Audi, BMW, Kia, Mercedes and Peugeot have all either launched electric bikes or shown concepts. Ford’s latest attempt is different in attempting to combine an electric bike with a smartphone app that also encourages people to drive or take a train.
The MoDe:Link companion app looks for bike-friendly roads and hazards when plotting a route and can provide information on parking costs, weather and nearby charging stations. Ford explained that the app could be used to work out the best route for journeys taken in cities, which could involve driving to a train station, taking the electric bike on the train and then finishing the journey on the bike.