Nireeka electric bike: good-looking, affordable and smart

Bicycles have been around since the early 1800’s. And though these have evolved into motorcycles, the basic idea stays alive and has its own industry, separate from its motored counterparts. A frame with two wheels, pedals and brakes. This tried and true concept is going nowhere. Or is it?

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The introduction of electric bikes may very well be the next big thing for this industry. One thing about bicycles is that they tend to be an affordable option, though. Most current electric bikes are a bit over-priced. This is why we thought covering the Nireeka was a given.

Nireeka can be had for as low as $799, for those who back the Indiegogo campaign. But wait – that is supposed to be affordable? Well, considering what you get, it is. The bicycle is made of carbon fiber, making it lighter and stronger than its aluminum competitors.

A good-quality carbon fiber bike can cost much more than $799. And this is no ordinary bicycle; it is electric and smart. The battery-powered electric motor has a top speed of 20 mph and can go for 50 miles on a single charge.

Helping you avoid exercise is not the only cool thing the Nireeka bike does. It is actually pretty smart when connected to the Android (or iOS) app. The app includes a speedometer, light controls, battery monitoring and GPS navigation. The user can also change riding modes, with the option to ride fully electric, with pedal assist or getting no help at all. 

How much help you get from the electric motor will depend on your settings, but the bike does have a really cool feature. It can work along with your smartwatch to see how your heart rate is doing. If it goes too high the bike will automatically increase the level of pedaling aid.

Other features include automatic lights, a USB charger for phones, mobile holder, an anti-theft system, trip computer, blind spot radar and more. Does that $799 starting price sound bad now?