The Stricker Smart Free stands for a new form of handbike riding. It is the world’s first handbike that works completely without a chain, belt or derailleur. Instead of a mechanical power transmission, the Smart Free relies on handbike-by-wire with the chainless PERS drive system (Pedaling Energy Recovery System) of our technology partner CIXI. Together with CIXI, we have parameterised their system for the requirements of the handbike industry – tuned to cranking with the arms instead of pedalling with the legs. As a pioneer among handbike manufacturers, we are the first to integrate this technology into a production handbike.
The crank movement is picked up by a generator and transmitted electrically to the wheel hub motor via the battery. Precise torque measurement ensures intuitive control of power and speed, creating a natural, direct riding feel even without a mechanical connection.
The assistance can be adjusted individually: motor power and pedalling resistance are controlled separately and can be tuned precisely to your own needs via crank frequency (RPM) and crank force (power) – for sporty as well as everyday challenges. This results in finely adjustable riding profiles, precisely matched to the physical requirements of the user.
A particular advantage of the chainless technology is intuitive reversing: by moving the cranks backwards, the Smart Free reverses in a controlled manner.
With the Smart Free Stricker deliberately offers a compact and low-maintenance handbike. That is why it stays with the 16-inch wheel as the only size – there will be no 20-inch version either. The small wheel keeps the attachment short, and it fits the claim of getting by with as few wearing parts as possible.
The system also offers a well-thought-out safety concept with three braking functions. The wear-free motor brake with recuperation brakes electrically and recovers energy in the process. A hydraulic lever brake is also available for stronger braking manoeuvres. A mechanical brake with its own brake calliper provides fail-safety – it works independently of the hydraulic brake circuit – and can be locked for parking.
Key Features
Reverse Gear: By moving the cranks backwards, the Smart Free reverses in a controlled manner – ideal for manoeuvring in everyday life.
Recuperation: The wear-free motor brake brakes electrically and recovers energy in the process. This increases the range and protects the brake pads.
Reduced Wear: Without a chain and derailleur, the very parts that used to need the most servicing and replacing on a handbike are gone. And if braking is always done electrically, by turning the cranks backwards, no brake wear occurs at all.
Compact 16″ Wheel: The 16-inch wheel keeps the attachment short and makes the Smart Free a compact handbike suited to everyday use.
Range: The Smart Free can achieve a range of up to 60 km. Even with an empty battery, riding on level ground remains possible in limited emergency operation. The intelligent control automatically adjusts the assistance level when energy runs low. Anyone who generally rides a lot can equip the Smart Free with a second battery.
Braking: Braking is handled as standard by a Magura MT5, a four-piston brake from mountain biking. We have additionally protected the hydraulic line: anti-kink springs at the transitions and a protective conduit around the line itself.
Adjustable Crank Height: Crank height and axle distance can be adjusted at any time by yourself: the crank unit is pulled out, which sets the axle distance anywhere between 82 and 96 cm. A fixed axle length no longer has to be specified when ordering.
