Electric bikes are in vogue right now. Electric vehicle (EV) maker smart just announced that it had begun shipping out the first versions of its new e-bike to customers who pre-ordered.

Now another German automaker is touting its own rival to smart’s e-bike.

image via Audi

Audi has just unveiled its Wörthersee e-bike. Like smart’s bike, the Audi model is a high performance product but the technology is even more impressive.

The sleek futuristic design is constructed from ultra-light carbon-fiber and the frame weighs only 3.5 lb. The same carbon fiber-reinforced polymer is used for the 26″ wheels.

Riders can alternate between pedaling or switch to electric. This bike is at the real high end of performance, however. Since the electric motor can reach speeds unassisted of up to 30 mph. If the rider pedals at the same time the speed can rise up to 50 mph.

The rider controls the power from the electric motor via a twist grip on the handlebars and the speed can be configured using the bike’s onboard computer.

The on-board computer is located in the frame top tube and operated using a touchscreen. The computer performs a range of functions: it provides riding mode selection, records trick sequences and allows for adjustment of various e-bike functions such as electric pedaling assistance and lighting. The display shows road speed, distance covered, state of battery charge, energy consumption and the road gradient.

The bike’s electric motor is a permanent magnet synchronous machine and is located at the lowest point on the frame. The motor, which has a peak output of 2.3 kilowatts, drives the bottom bracket shaft directly. The complete bicycle weighs only 46 lb. According to Audi the bike’s power-weight ratio of 19.8 lb per kilowatt, is a record for electric bikes.

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