GM Readies E-Bikes

General Motors Co. plans to introduce a pair of electrified bicycles next year.

Riders can operate the bikes in full electric mode, pedal assist or manually.

Both e-bikes are compact, and one can be folded into a very small size when not in use. GM’s own staff created the proprietary electric propulsion system used by both bikes. Both designs feature rechargeable front and rear LED lights. 

GM says the project blends its electrification engineering know-how, design expertise and automotive-grade testing with input from experts in the bike industry.

The carmaker is holding a public contest to name the new e-bike brand. The winner will receive $10,000 and nine others will each receive $1,000.

Ford and several other carmakers and suppliers also are developing e-bikes.

GM hasn’t specified if it will sell the bicycles directly to consumers or market them through a bike-sharing venture. More than 100,000 bicycles were available in U.S. ride-sharing fleets at the end of last year, according to the National Assn. of City Transportation Officials.