NEW YORK (BRAIN) — General Motors has announced plans to sell two e-bike models next year.
The automotive giant will offer a folding model and compact model that will feature rechargeable front and rear lights and connected features inspired by GM's OnStar system. The company said the bikes will include a proprietary drive system and "are a result of the revolutionary, flexible electrification technologies that enable the General Motors team to dream beyond the traditional vehicle and give consumers freedom of movement in dense urban commuting environments."
The company also is conducting a contest to name the new bike line with a $10,000 prize for the best name.
A company representative said it will not be releasing information about the bikes' pricing, distribution or manufacturing plans.
General Motors was working with Canada's BionX last year to design and manufacture a mid-drive system for a folding e-bike. A purchase agreement fell apart when BionX projected higher-than-expected production costs. BionX filed for receivership in February; this spring GM retrieved some production tooling and inventory from BionX's facilty in Canada.
