Price on request Orderable from RehaCare 2026
(23 Sept 2026)
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Smart Free

Smart Free

The 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 we deliberately offer 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.

The crank unit can be folded in for transport. Without a chain, the handbike stays more compact and cleaner when loading: no derailleur that can get out of adjustment, no oily parts.

Special feature

Chainless PERS drive (handbike-by-wire)

At the centre is a generative crank unit: cranking generates electricity that powers the wheel hub motor via the battery. No chainring, no chain, no derailleur. The PERS technology comes from our technology partner CIXI. We are the first provider to transfer it to handbikes.

Folded into almost any car boot

For transport, the control head is folded in – one movement, no tools, no dismantling. This way the Smart Free fits crosswise into almost any boot and, depending on the vehicle, still leaves room for the wheelchair and luggage. Without a chain, loading also stays clean.

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.

Deliberately compact with 16 inch

With the Smart Free we deliberately offer a compact and low-maintenance handbike. 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.

Extending the range

A second battery can be mounted in parallel for twice the range. This is made possible by the absence of the chain.

Climbing ability

We tested the Smart Free on our local mountain, the Hornisgrinde at 1164 metres, and on the Klotzberg in Bühlertal with a good 300 metres of ascent. It managed both climbs without any trouble. The special part: the rider contributes nothing physically. Without a chain there is no mechanical connection from muscle power to the wheel – the motor climbs the mountain on its own. The power for that comes from the geared motor with 85 Nm of torque.

Minimalist look

Without a chain, derailleur and shifter cables, the Smart Free stays strikingly tidy. The controls sit directly on the display, which makes for a compact and clearly arranged control unit on the crank.

High-quality components

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.

Quick adjustment of the control head

The control head can be adjusted in height, angle and distance in just a few movements – and folded forward just as quickly. As no chain has to be tensioned, the adjustment takes one movement and no tools. Coupling and transferring into the wheelchair also become easier.

From wheelchair to tricycle

With the power assist device the two castors of the wheelchair are lifted, which significantly improves the off-road capability. No matter whether cobblestones, gravel paths, uneven or muddy paths, these nightmare-causing conditions are no longer an obstacle!

Handbike as sports and leisure equipment

Handbikes have a significant benefit for their riders. Due to the different movements that occur while riding, muscles can be built up and physical coordination can be trained.

Product images

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Basic equipment

The information depends on the model and equipment and can therefore vary. You will receive binding information when ordering or in the offer.

Further equipment options can be found under the menu items Special equipment and Individualization.

Data sheet

Type Electric handbike
Drive type Wheel hub motor and hand crank with PERS drive (pedelec)
Engine 250 watt rated motor power, 800 watt peak power The peak power of an electric motor is the maximum power that can be achieved for a short time, while the rated continuous power describes the lower power that can be called up permanently.
Sensor Torque measurement
Technically maximum speed Motor assistance up to 25 km/h The technical maximum speed is a general guide value for international sales. The legal and other regulatory requirements (e.g. MDR, payers, national road laws) in the respective country are decisive for the final maximum speed. They take precedence and can determine the permissible maximum speed differently. From 27 km/h the motor brakes automatically to protect the system components. Rolling faster than 35 km/h can damage components – even with the system switched off, because the wheel hub motor inevitably generates current.
Standard battery 48 V, 14.6 Ah (700 Wh)
Charger 54.6 V 2.0 A
Shifting Digital shifting with 5 power levels and 5 cadence levels
Display Color display
Wheel size 16 inch
Tyres Schwalbe Pick-Up 2.15 × 16″
Break Motor brake with recuperation, hydraulic lever brake (Magura MT5), mechanical brake with parking function Stricker handbikes and power assist devices are always equipped with two brakes. If only one brake type is available, it is duplicated, e.g. with two brake callipers on one disc brake. In addition, at least one of the existing brakes is lockable to park the handbike or power assist device. This ensures full safety.
Brake lever On the crank, right as standard – optionally left
Transport weight From 23 kg without weights and battery
Max. user weight Standard load up to 120 kg user load. More than 120 kg is possible on request.

Equipment

Drive

Illustration may differ.

Wheel hub motor

The wheel hub motor is a form of drive that is installed directly in the wheel. Compared to a mid-motor, there are fewer mechanical components that require maintenance and wear out.

PERS drive - chainless control head

The generative crank unit - the control head - picks up the crank movement and generates electricity that powers the wheel hub motor via the battery. Motor power and pedalling resistance can be controlled separately, creating an individually adjustable riding profile.

Illustration may differ.

Adjustable crank unit

The control head is individually adjustable in height, angle and distance and can be folded in for transport. The axle distance can be changed by yourself at any time within a range of 82 to 96 cm – with the chainless drive there is no chain that would have to be extended.

Reverse gear

By moving the cranks backwards, the Smart Free reverses in a controlled manner.

Motor brake with recuperation

The wear-free motor brake brakes electrically and recovers energy in the process. This increases the range and protects the brake pads.

Illustration may differ.

Hydraulic lever brake

A hydraulic lever brake is available for stronger braking manoeuvres – a high-quality Magura MT5 as standard, with anti-kink springs and an additional protective conduit around the hydraulic line. The brake lever is located on the crank, on the right as standard and optionally on the left.

Illustration may differ.

Mechanical brake with parking function

A mechanical brake with its own brake calliper provides fail-safety: it works independently of the hydraulic brake circuit and still brakes if the latter should ever fail. In addition, it can be locked and secures the handbike when parking.

Electronic

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System voltage 48 volt

The handbike is supplied with 48 volt system voltage.

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48 V battery 14.6 Ah

48 volt lithium-ion battery with 700 watt hours, 14.6 Ah.

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Charger

The charger charges the battery with 54.6 V and 2.0 A.

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Torque measurement

The torque measurement detects the muscle power applied to the crank and controls power and speed precisely and intuitively.

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Color display

The modern color display provides a tidy readout with information on speed, assistance level as well as battery level and mileage.

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Front light

An LED lamp on the front illuminates the road. It is powered by the system voltage and therefore does not need to be charged separately.

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Rear light

The rear light is mounted on the back of the wheelchair. The light is powered by a button cell and is switched on and off via a switch on the rear light.

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CIXI IoT system

The Smart Free is connected to the CIXI IoT system, which makes remote servicing and updates possible. An app from CIXI that lets you connect to your own handbike will be released shortly.

Frame and coupling

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Stricker clamping system

With our specially developed Stricker clamping system, our handbikes and power assist devices can be attached quickly and easily to any wheelchair - usually without adapters or modifications to the wheelchair. A change of wheelchair or owner can therefore take place easily and within a very short time.

The various adjustment options of the frame in conjunction with the clamp allow attachment to countless frame shapes, profiles and angles.

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Stricker frame

The frame on the Stricker handbikes and power assist devices, which is made of fine bicycle steel with a chrome-molybdenum alloy, can be adapted to all needs thanks to the various adjustment options. The frame also allows adaptation with the Stricker clamping system to almost all wheelchairs, even without adapters or modifications.

Wheel

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16 inch wheel

The 16 inch wheel is relatively compact, but still offers enough riding comfort. The Smart Free is only available with the 16 inch wheel.

Colors

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Matte black

A convincing matte black is always timeless and suitable for every occasion. The matte black matches every color on the wheelchair.

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Matte platinum grey

A matte platinum grey looks technical and restrained. The light grey tone stays subtle and defers to the wheelchair instead of demanding attention itself.

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Blue

Blue appears restrained, cool and objective.

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Red

Red is a passionate color that always puts itself in the center.

Special equipment

Stricker handbikes and power assist devices can be adapted to a wide variety of needs thanks to our large range of equipment options and accessories. On this page you will get a small overview of common equipment options for this model series.

Further equipment options and accessories suitable for the model series can be found in the respective offer form.

Common options

Weights on the fork

The weights are mounted in pairs on the fork parallel to the wheel Our weights are attached via the comfortable and always expandable KLICKfix system. This allows the weights to be attached and removed in just a few simple steps. The driving behaviour of your handbike can thus be adapted to the respective situation entirely without tools. . One weight is attached to each side. This type of weight attachment ensures maximum traction of the wheel.

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Waldkilo luggage rack

The "Waldkilo" luggage rack creates storage space for luggage and at the same time provides more traction on the wheel with its own weight. Further information can be found under Waldkilo luggage rack.

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KLICKfix mount and accessories

The KLICKfix system allows accessories such as baskets and bags to be attached and changed in just a few simple steps and entirely without tools. Suitable accessories can be found under Baskets and luggage rack.

The KLICKfix mount for the Smart Free is currently being revised. This may cause delays with orders at the moment.

Double batteries in parallel mounting

For maximum range, the Smart Free can be equipped with two batteries mounted in parallel. This is made possible by the chainless drive: at the front, neither chain nor chainring take up space.

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Cranks in different widths and lengths

Two cranks are available for the Smart Free: the Stricker bullhorn crank as standard, or the short crank with two hole positions for the Ergo grip. These two positions adjust grip distance and leverage to body size and shoulder mobility.

Individualization

Stricker handbikes and traction devices can be customized. In addition to obvious customization options such as the seat width and the resulting frame size, there are also other ways to personalize the companion. On this page you will get an impression about the individualization possibilities of the product.

Available colors and coatings can be found on the colors and coatings page. All RAL special colours are available at an extra charge.

Colors

Illustration can deviate.

Frame color

On the frame, all the tubes can be colored in any color.

Installation

Our videos help with unpacking and with fitting the handbike to the wheelchair. They show the steps in the order in which they come up.

Further unpacking and installation help under Service & Media.

Unpacking

In our unpacking video we show you step by step how to unpack a Stricker handbike or power add-on and reverse any actions taken to transport it.

Fitting to the wheelchair

In this video we show you step by step how to adapt a Stricker handbike to your wheelchair.

Documents

Are you looking for the right documents? We have collected a suitable selection of documents and information under the following links.

General Downloads under downloads.

Unpacking and installation guide under Help & Media.

Certificates under About us.

If you need further documents, we will be happy to help you personally. You can reach us via the contact form or by phone during our opening hours.

Documents for dealers

For dealers and distributors, our images are also available in full size and high resolution for all purposes. Whether on the web or as a print template. Contact us directly to get access to records, pictures, documents and more. We look forward to receiving your request.