E-BIKES AND IOT – HOW E-BIKES ARE BECOMING DIGITAL THANKS TO THE INTERNET OF THINGS


A bicycle whose components communicate with a cloud and exchange data – completely independently. What at first sounds like a vision from a science fiction film has long since become reality. The Internet of Things (IoT) is also rapidly changing the world of bicycles. But what is the Internet of Things? And how does it ensure that an e-bike becomes a digital means of transport? Read this blog article to find out more.

FROM MECHANICAL TO ELECTRIC BICYCLES

Electric bicycles equipped with lithium-ion batteries and LCD displays. When Karl Freiherr von Drais invented the bicycle a little over 200 years ago, he probably could not have imagined in his wildest dreams what technological development his « running machine», as he originally named the new device, would go through. Although the basic principle of the bicycle has not changed to this day, technically it has little in common with the original invention.

Especially with the introduction of electric components, the bicycle has undergone a revolution. What began with electric bicycle lighting and electric bicycle computers culminated in the development of mass-capable e-bikes in the 2000s. Today, almost half of all new bicycles sold are electric bicycles and have electric motors, batteries and numerous other electronic parts.

THE E-BIKE AND THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)

But that’s not all: The e-bike has also undergone a revolution in recent years. As in many other areas of our society, the Internet of Things, or IoT for short, has now also made its way into e-bike technology. The result of this development makes the vision of the future described at the beginning seem even more abstract: connected, intelligent e-bikes in which the components can communicate with each other digitally and communicate with external servers or data storage systems or clouds.

But what is the Internet of Things? The definition of the IoT is relatively simple: Basically, it is a system of physical devices and sensors connected to each other via data networks – either directly or via a central server. For example, a smartphone, a smartwatch and a fitness tracker can communicate with each other. But it is also possible to connect physical devices with digital services, which is why the term Internet of Things is used in the first place.

FROM AUTOMATIC UPDATES TO TROUBLESHOOTING

Connecting e-bikes via the IoT makes it possible for different components of a bicycle to communicate with each other and be provided with data centrally via a server. The result of these connections is a multitude of functions, with no limits to the imagination. This means software updates can be carried out conveniently via the app, as the pedelec and the respective app can communicate with each other. Tire pressure sensors ensure that a warning appears on the e-bike display when the pressure in a tire decreases – similar to a car. And instead of a lock, you simply use the locking function in your e-bike app, which sends the corresponding lock command to the e-bike.

This variety of networked functions can also be seen in the FIT e-bikes: Data is exchanged and individual settings on the e-bike can be made directly via the app. It’s not without reason that the FIT e-bike app has now become a secret on-board computer. The following list shows just how diverse the IoT world at FIT is:

  • All information about the e-bike and its components is collected in the app.
  • Setting motor options is controlled via the app instead of changing them via the e-bike display.
  • Connection to the komoot app for route planning is possible.
  • Tire pressure sensors can be integrated. Here, too, data is exchanged with the e-bike display and the app.
  • If a user so desires, the smartphone can replace the display completely.
  • The app also shows the e-bike’s location at all times and allows you to navigate to the location.
  • The app also acts as a digital key and locks or unlocks the e-bike.
  • When the alarm is turned on and the e-bike is moved, a push message is sent to the app.
  • Additional functions can be purchased via the app, which keeps the e-bike up to date for longer.
  • The app can also be used to contact customers directly, so that customers' needs can be better recorded.

FIT Rendering Reifendrucksensoren
FIT Rendering E-bike Tracker

WHAT IS THE TECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INTERNET OF THINGS ON E-BIKES?

So the list of functions that the Internet of Things makes possible on electric bicycles is long. But how does all this work? This question brings us to the technical side of IoT functions. From a technical point of view, every e-bike equipped with the FIT system could have an IoT module. Due to space constraints, installation is currently only possible in Bulls e-bikes with a Brose motor (as of January 2023). This module is always connected to the cloud, so it can always send and receive data.

The cloud is also an essential component of the IoT system. With FIT, for example, all data is collected in the cloud. This includes online storage solutions that provide software updates, data, etc. so that data can be exchanged between bicycles, apps, etc. You don’t need a cable for the update, you just need a wireless connection. Even specialist dealers don't need any special software for maintenance, but can access the data from anywhere. For consumers, the cloud also has another decisive advantage: it enables bicycle companies to bring their updates to the market quickly and centrally. If new software is available, it is available directly in the cloud, for example.

WHERE WILL THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE IOT ON BICYCLES LEAD IN THE LONG TERM?

The e-bike is increasingly turning into a mobility solution – and the Internet of Things plays a decisive role in this. This is also illustrated by a look at possible developments that could make their way to connected e-bikes in the future: More security features such as blind spot cameras, better ABS systems and improved anti-theft protection functions are expected in the coming years, especially for urban traffic. In the sporting field, the e-MTB could become closer to the conventional MTB – no display, more integration – with the digital functions controlled directly via the app. In the long term, the vision could go even further, namely towards a fully connected bicycle that takes care of maintenance and repairs independently, knows the best route and provides its rider with assistance if necessary. Sounds a bit like science fiction, doesn’t it?

Find out which apps are already established on the market and make riding more fun in the following blog post:

The five best e-bike apps

14.02.2023