Get the scoop on the E-bike frenzy at CES 2024: ChatGPT and Apple AirTags gain popularity
Electric bicycle manufacturers showcased innovative features such as ChatGPT at CES 2024, capitalizing on the growing demand for a refreshing ride without the hassle of perspiration. According to market tracker Statista, global sales of “e-bikes” reached a staggering 44 million units last year, with projections indicating a surge to over 77 million units by 2030. Notably, e-bike sales are surpassing those of electric cars, as evidenced by data and presentations from companies unveiling their latest models at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which concludes in Las Vegas on Friday.
“Bikes are fun,” said Futurum Group research director Olivier Blanchard, a self-confessed cyclist.
“There’s something about the freedom of being on a bicycle, feeling the sun and wind on your skin in the open air.”
And with e-bikes, that experience comes from knowing you don’t have to pedal up a hard hill or use a lot of energy if you’re tired.
China’s Urtopia grabbed attention at this year’s AI-obsessed CES by introducing an electric bike with built-in ChatGPT chatbot capabilities.
Riders can speak to a smartphone-sized control panel mounted in the center of the handlebars and ask it to find things like a fun one-day bike tour around Las Vegas.
The bike can also be asked to map the rider’s route, with the right or left handlebar grip vibrating to indicate which way to turn so they can keep their eyes on the road.
“I don’t think the world needs another normal e-bike,” Urtopia CEO Bo Zhang said of his company’s latest model.
“Everything is connected, everything is smart. It’s definitely the future.”
China-based scooter maker Okai also started making electric bikes after seeing the trend pick up in Europe as cities began to reopen after the Covid-19 shutdowns, Jia Ren said at the company’s CES booth.
People wanted the convenience and cost savings of getting around cities by bike, and were opposed to public transport because of Covid concerns, Ren said.
He added that e-bikes are particularly popular with younger people who are used to the mode of transportation and “the older crowd” who want to stay active but may be dealing with aging issues such as knee problems.
“E-bikes allow people to be relaxed and lazy,” Ren said.
“A traditional cyclist has to pedal all the time to keep going.”
No worries
U.S. regulations limit an e-bike’s top speed to 20 miles per hour (32 kilometers per hour), which is close to the typical speed limit on city streets.
Sporty e-bike models at CES featured carbon fiber frames to reduce weight and battery systems designed to maximize range.
Some bikes had a robust construction for rough terrain or heavy loads, and had bags and racks for groceries, briefcases, or other items.
Okai’s was built with hidden spots behind the battery to find Apple AirTags or other small tracking devices if they are stolen.
E-bikes are also a cheap and easy way to get around compared to owning a car.
“You don’t need a car to do everything you need to do,” Blanchard said.
“If there’s a scary hill or I’m overwhelmed or I just don’t want to get to work or come home sweaty, I can just let the bike do the work.”
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