Ford has announced that it's driving forward with its smart bike technology, which it showed off at MWC 2015 in Barcelona.
The MoDe:Flex bike is a slightly upgraded version of the MoDe:Me and MoDe:Pro models shown off at MWC, which signals the companies move from "research" to "implementation" – whatever that means.
For the uninitiated, the MoDe cycles use a host of connected technology to suit the demands on riding in modern cities, is part of the car giant's Smart Mobility initiative.
The MoDe:Flex uses hybrid battery power to assist users up hills, and biometric sensors to keep an eye on your vitals. Excitingly, it can combine these two features into a "no sweat mode", which kicks in when the bike determines you're working out too hard on your way to work, so you can arrive in style.
New features for MoDe:Flex include an early warning system for potholes, which can be dangerous for cyclists.
The MoDe:Flex is fully smartphone compatible, and can guide you on bike friendly routes and avoid traffic. What's more, it folds down to a minimal profile so it can be put into the back of cars – the idea is that commuters can drive to the edge of cities then jump on the bike to avoid congestion.
While most of this was revealed back at the beginning of 2015 on the previous models, Ford has announced new wearable integration with its latest smart bike.
The Ford MoDe:Link app feature means it can integrate with a new smartwatch app.
"The wearable device also provides safety notifications. Hazards, such as potholes ahead, are signalled through vibrating handlebars, plus the smartwatch alerts the rider and beeps," said a Ford spokesman.
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James is the co-founder of Wareable, and he has been a technology journalist for 15 years.
He started his career at Future Publishing, James became the features editor of T3 Magazine and T3.com and was a regular contributor to TechRadar – before leaving Future Publishing to found Wareable in 2014.
James has been at the helm of Wareable since 2014 and has become one of the leading experts in wearable technologies globally. He has reviewed, tested, and covered pretty much every wearable on the market, and is passionate about the evolving industry, and wearables helping people achieve healthier and happier lives.