In the
last article, we remembered the history of electric bicycles - from the first prototypes to our days. There we began a story about what technologies are used to create modern models. In continuation of this topic we will talk about how electric bicycles change and how they change the world around.
/ Airwheel R5How do electric bikes change
The design of electric bikes has not changed much since the first years of the sales boom. Then there were made several important improvements in the system of pedaling and power - they are still relevant. Now developers have several main areas of work.
1. Improving batteries
A year ago, electric bicycles
accounted for about 10% of the total battery cell market. By 2020, this figure could triple. To prevent shortages, manufacturers are seeking to increase battery life. Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Samsung
are working in this direction. Together, they create a new material for power sources - solid electrolyte. It can not only prolong battery life, but also significantly increase battery capacity and safety. Another development
is represented by BMZ - “mega-battery”, which can potentially last up to 12 years.
The range of travel worries manufacturers and buyers no less than the battery life cycle. In October last year, an electric bike from the company Delfast set a world record for the longest race on one full charge - 368 km in 17 hours. In March, it became known that this model
enters the mass market . However, it costs several times more expensive than ordinary electric bicycles with a range of trips of 30-40 km.
Another vector of development of the power supply system is battery charging speed. Toshiba is working on this issue. Its SCiB battery
uses niobium-titanium oxide as an anode material. The company claims that after six minutes of charging, electric vehicles will be able to drive 320 km. This distance is three times the capacity of a standard lithium-ion battery.
Electric bicycles are in themselves an eco-friendly mode of transport. There are initiatives that develop this idea. Already there are charging stations
powered by solar energy . Startup Kvaern this year
introduced its bike with a charging station, which is also based on a solar battery.
The industry is also concerned about the compactness of batteries and their additional features. Modern bikes already
offer small, easily replaceable batteries, with which you can also charge smartphones and tablets.
2. Increased patency
Mountain bike rides are a sporting discipline with a
long history . Models with electric drives are primarily popular in urban environments, but they are also actively adapted to rough terrain.
Electric bicycles , suitable for both asphalt and off-road, rely on wide wheels, tires with tread, shock absorbers and gearbox, adapted to the climbs.
According to the head of Eurobike Pivot, which is engaged in the development of cycling, "in the European market, no one recognizes the brand of mountain bikes without an electric bike in the collection."
A new challenge for developers - to make a universal electric bike for any terrain features. So, at the International Consumer Electronics Show CES last year
showed an electric bike that can handle almost any landscape. The introductory video showed a ride along the sandy shore.
Some companies go even further. Last October, the New Zealand company Manta5
demonstrated the “water electric bike”. It can cross lakes and rivers. The device has a 400 W motor and a pedal system.
3. Smart components
The popularity of electric bicycles in Europe and the United States coincided with the widespread use of smartphones. In the previous article we already mentioned several models that support feedback with mobile devices and have their own onboard systems. It helps in navigation, diagnosing problems, setting the speed limit mode, receiving alerts and so on.
For example,
the Airwheel application informs the user about movement speed, distance traveled, battery charge, voltage and amperage, allows you to control the lights, headlights and block the device. It also stores information on previous routes and the exact location of the bike. From the app, you can access technical support and calibrate some models of Airwheel bikes.
/ Airwheel E6The next step is bikes with artificial intelligence. Yamaha recently
announced a "smart" bike that recognizes driver gestures and supports unmanned driving. Similar technologies can migrate to the series of electric bicycles of this manufacturer.
We also
talked about a wheel that turns an ordinary bicycle into an electric bike. Soon this device
will be able to work in conjunction with the assistant Google Assistant. Then, using voice commands, it will be possible to set the wheel in motion and control it.
Last year, BMW
introduced the concept of future bike lanes specifically for electric models. For managing traffic on such roads, a system using artificial intelligence algorithms will be responsible - it will be able to “connect” with the transport and take care that the bikes do not develop too high speed.
4. Appearance
As electric bikes
become a popular form of urban transport, their compactness is becoming increasingly important. The design of many modern models
allows you to store and transport a bicycle in folded form. In addition, bicycles are becoming lighter due to the materials of the frame and reducing the weight of the batteries.
Model Airwheel E3, for example, can be folded and put away in a small travel bag. So it can be easily transported in transport - the bike weighs only 12.5 kg - and is stored at home. The bike folds and unfolds in several movements. Despite its compactness and relatively small weight, the aluminum alloy frame withstands a load of 100 kg.
Another trend is “imitation” of a regular bicycle. Electric bikes
appear on the market that cannot be distinguished from models without battery and engine - manufacturers hide all attributes of electric vehicles under the seat or disguise themselves as a bottle of water.
Manufacturers are trying to change the usual steering system. Not so long ago, the Swiss inventor
demonstrated the electric bike, controlled by a joystick.
How electric bikes change the world
In the last article we
talked about China - there electric bicycles have become
extremely popular . As a result, they
had a significant impact on the urban environment and the transport system. When almost every sixth citizen of China
got his own electric bicycle, the market for their rental and sharing began to actively
form in the country.
Startups like Hellobike allow you to take an electric bike from special stations for a while, and then return it to another station so that someone else can use it. With the growing popularity of electric bicycles, the idea
penetrated into Europe, where the system of exchanging ordinary bicycles has
existed for half a century. She later reached the United States. Now residents of the state of California are the
most active users of electric bikes in the country thanks to sharing services.
/ Wikimedia / Coyau / CCStudies
confirm that electric bikes can become a real competitor to cars (where weather conditions allow). In this case, the choice in favor of electric bikes solves a number of transport and environmental problems. Therefore, the authorities of some countries
offer subsidies and strongly encourage the purchase of electric vehicles. The ecosystem is developing: there are new charging stations, and some companies are even
willing to pay people for charging their bicycle batteries at home.
Electric bicycles make their way through the sport, they
want to be allowed to go to the mountain bike races. Such races may take place as early as next year - and then it will radically
change the discipline . Rides on electric bikes are arranged now. For example, the Mini Enduro event in the UK
allowed the participation of racers in electric vehicles. Enthusiasts
arrange other races on the type of motorcycle is not the first year.
Racing and riding electric bikes is called the “chance for less trained / less active” cyclists. In a sense, this is true - in some cases, electric bicycles can “return to the saddle” even to those who seemed to say goodbye to sports forever. For example, a resident of the United States was
banned from riding a bicycle after suffering a heart attack. The electric drive allowed him to return to his hobby. In modern models,
you can adjust the drive mode - turn off and turn on the electric traction, select the combined mode. This allows you to reduce the load as needed and to comply with medical indications. Therefore, in European cities you can
find more and more older people on electric bikes.
Around its nascent discipline is formed its own culture and ecosystem. Manufacturers of electric bikes produce accessories in the spirit of transport with electric drive, to complement the experience of cyclists. Thus, the
Airwheel “smart” helmet serves not only as a means of protection, but also as a camera for widescreen shots and video recording of races. It also allows you to receive calls without taking your hands off the wheel, and listen to music from your smartphone via Bluetooth.
The history of electric bicycles shows that they are now experiencing the brightest period in their history. In the wake of the popularity of electric vehicles to them riveted attention. Probably, in a few years, no one will be surprised by electric bike races and individual lanes with bicycle charging stations in major cities.
PS And here are some more materials about “electric transport” from our blog: