With a unique design and ubiquitous connectivity, the Acer ebii compact electric bike will be the first in a massive offensive for the Taiwanese giant. First spins of the wheel and discovery of the application.
Acer electric bikes? Yes, it may seem weird at first, but not that much. Because you should know that the Taiwanese giant has already set foot in urban mobility, via its ES and Predator electric scooters.
And it is not the first electronics player to interfere in the world of cycling: Xiaomi is an illustrious example, with its folding VAE or its multiple electric scooters. For its part, Acer has clear ambitions to “become a major player in mobility”since with its machines, its objective is to achieve 30% of turnover excluding PC.
A unique design for this compact electric bike
Acer presented its ebii prototype in March 2023, and returned to Paris this week to present us with an almost final version of its model. This electric bike belongs to the compact category, where the Winora Radius and Eovolt are already referenced.
The Acer ebii takes a tangent with a much more modern design, inspired by the Xiaomi Folding Bike but also by Honbike, and the world of folding bikes – it doesn’t necessarily mean that. It therefore offers a frame composed of a single low bar to facilitate stepping over, and which is striking with its massive appearance due to the integrated battery. The latter is removed with a key, from an opening towards the bottom.
The rest of the structure is also original, with the stays very close to the bases at the rear. And what about the single-sided fork? It’s a rare thing, like the Lefty type from Canyon or “La City” from Motion Engineering, which leaves access to the front engine. On the other hand, the weight is considerable, at 23.5 kg, which makes it not very transportable. However, it remains short (1.58 m long) and is accessible for sizes ranging from 1.45 to 1.85 m thanks to its unique size.
First rides on the Acer ebii
Yes, a front engine is clearly obsolete in 2023. However, taking this bike in hand on the small indoor track that Acer opened up for us, the feeling is totally different. After trying several bikes of the same type, such as the Neomouv Efolding, we did not have this feeling of a motor discharging all its power from the start of pedaling.
The ebii is equipped with a torque sensor which adjusts the assistance according to pedaling, and the feeling is very natural, similar to that of a mid-motor. Thanks to a belt and a single-speed function, the assistance is very progressive, and even quite lively in Boost mode thanks to the 40 Nm of torque.
The front motor is by Acer // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Driving feels natural and provides good performance // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
The transmission is by belt and single speed // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Hydraulic disc brakes // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
The battery is removable // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
It even serves as a powerbank // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Like the bike, the engine is also not sourced from industry standard components. It was developed by Acer in collaboration with its subsidiary MPS, which also took care of the 460 Wh battery (48 V x 9.6 Ah). The latter is equipped with USB-C ports and therefore plays the role of “powerbank” like the Lemmo One, for devices such as a PC or a smartphone.
It is impossible to judge the range based on the few hundred meters traveled indoors; however, the Acer ebii estimates autonomy around 100 km. Full recharge in 2.5 hours is done via a 4A charger.
A personalized driving mode
The autonomy varies according to the two modes, Eco or Boost, but also according to another mode called “Myebii”. The heart of this electric bike is not necessarily the design, but rather the technology. By starting the bike and creating their account on the Acer app, the user answers a few questions. These responses allow you to direct yourself to a personalized profile, among numerous pre-recorded profiles.
For example, if you indicate that you are more inclined to exert effort uphill, the profile will become more sporty, and therefore more efficient than for a more “lazy” person wanting maximum assistance.
So, when you enter a route, the application provides you with an estimate of the loss of autonomy. This estimate is calculated via Google Maps data, and this is valid for both base modes as well as Myebii’s custom mode. We therefore find certain features similar to those offered by the Iweech 24 S+ and, in part, by the Cowboy bikes in this aspect.
Connection to cycling // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
The home screen // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Estimated autonomy depending on the mode // Source: M.Lauraux for Frandroid
Recorded routes // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
The geolocation function // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Unlike the first model cited, and despite Acer’s claim regarding integrated AI, the ebii bike does not learn from its rider’s habits over time and does not adjust the profile accordingly. That said, it is possible to save routes for regular trips, such as commuting or to your favorite restaurant. In addition, the VAE integrates a location function, similar to Apple Find My, useful in the event of loss in a crowded parking lot. We don’t know more about this at the moment.
A complete and almost definitive Acer ebii application
We were able to observe all this live thanks to a version of the application which is already very advanced, although it still presents some slowness. These could be attributed to indoor reception, but overall it’s very successful for a product that won’t be available for a few months.
The opportunity was also to test the other features, such as the counter acting as a screen, because the Acer ebii does not have one. Well, almost, since the display with Vanmoof S3-style diodes on the stem – with speed and small, very approximate mode or gauge change animations – is quite limited (but nice).
You can therefore consult your speed, the distance traveled, the watts supplied by the motor, the battery level, and even the time (a detail often forgotten on many bicycle screens!). A second display is intended for navigation, with directions via Google Maps or geographic position.
Locking, radar and multi-color lighting
Once parked, the bike can be automatically locked when you walk away with your smartphone. In the event of a theft attempt, the Acer ebii emits a loud alarm and sends a notification via the application. However, although the electric assistance is blocked, the bike remains mobile. You will therefore always need to use one or more locks to truly secure your mount.
Above the fire, a radar // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
You can add an auto lock and an alarm // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
Motion notification // Source: Matthieu Lauraux for Frandroid
More anecdotally, it is possible to personalize the lighting of your electric bike. The side strip can be of different colors, even multi-colored, and offers six different animations while driving. The ring of light at the front can also be animated – but it cannot flash – just like the rear light.
The latter is also equipped with a radar. And yes, the Acer ebii follows Garmin’s example, for example, with an audible signal when a vehicle approaches. Detection would work up to 110 meters, and a display on the app will be available with alert points.
An expensive Acer ebii but repairable everywhere
Very technological, connected and stylish, the Acer ebii truly presents itself as a showcase for the Taiwanese brand. He will charge a lot for his charms, since the price is given between 3,500 and 4,000 euros. We are thus familiar with German compact electric bikes like the Cube, Kalkhoff or Winora, which often have more efficient motors and larger batteries. The bill may also increase, with mudguards not provided, a handlebar bag, as well as rear, front and even central luggage racks.
In any case, wear components such as tires, brakes, pedals or belts must be maintained by bicycle dealers. The latter will be responsible for distribution, because Acer will not sell the bike online. The application also includes a clever diagnosis, visible in a few seconds, in order to quickly identify a fault in one of the electronic components.
Replacement parts will likely be delivered quickly, since Acer has centers in Europe, including one in Angers specializing in the repair of self-service electric scooters.
Launch in March 2024
To determine whether the Acer ebii justifies this high price, a future test will be necessary. The release of the bike is scheduled for March 2024, at best. At that point, we will be able to evaluate the comfort offered by the 20-inch Airfom foam tires – which, it should be noted, are without suspension – as well as the braking quality and agility of this e-bike.
As for more affordable models, Acer is preparing surprises and plans to unveil a complete range of electric bikes sometime next year. To be continued, therefore!