Cars and Drivers
The Ford E-Bike: An Interesting Urban Solution, but No Replacement for a Car
Published:
Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) recently introduced its third electric bike, called the MoDe:Flex, as part of the company’s Smart Mobility initiative. This represents a follow-up to the two earlier models, the MoDe:Me and the MoDe:Pro, introduced in March, according to the company website.
Overall, Ford’s e-bike series represents a solution to a very urban problem: the long commute. It offers urban dwellers an easier and more eco-friendly way to traverse the city landscape. The MoDe:Pro can do the same thing for the commercial pizza or package delivery person. The e-bike lies at an interesting intersection between transportation and technology.
On that note, the e-bike connects “seamlessly” with an app that supplies the rider with information regarding factors affecting the commute, such as weather, current parking costs and traffic patterns. In addition, it provides “health and fitness information.”
The MoDe:Link software designed for smartwatches provides compelling hardware interactivity for the rider. It causes the handlebars to vibrate before coming to a pothole. The smartwatch also alerts the rider by beeping, according to Ford’s website.
ALSO READ: Ford Says It Wants to Change the Way the World Moves
The e-bike can be folded and placed on charge within a Ford vehicle, making it an easy complement to owning a Ford. With that said, the e-bike was never intended to replace a car or a truck, even in urban areas.
The e-bike would be most feasible for the urban commuter who travels only a few blocks to get to work or the commuter train and when driving a car or truck would only slow things down. In contrast, distance and speed limitations of the e-bike simply will not work for the rural commuter who needs to travel 30 to 50 miles to work.
Thomson/First Call has the mean analyst target price pegged at $17.35 per share, representing a 14% increase from its current stock price, as of this writing.
Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?
Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.
Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.
Have questions about retirement or personal finance? Email us at [email protected]!
By emailing your questions to 24/7 Wall St., you agree to have them published anonymously on a673b.bigscoots-temp.com.
By submitting your story, you understand and agree that we may use your story, or versions of it, in all media and platforms, including via third parties.
Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.