The bicycle manufacturer BULLS, the e-bike drive system manufacturer Brose and Telekom bring intelligence to the e-bike. At the Eurobike 2015, the partners are presenting the jointly developed networked electric bike "BULLS Sturmvogel E Evo". In the future, information about the location of the bike and the battery status can be called up at any time via a smartphone app. If the customer wants a plus in service, he can commission BULLS and Brose to regularly check the networked electric drive via remote diagnosis and have the app notify him that a service is due. BULLS is planning the market launch of the Sturmvogel E Evo as a connected special model for 2017. In the 2016 season, the e-bike will be available without the connected features.
Remote e-bike diagnosis, localization and emergency calls possible with Bulls Sturmvogel
The "central nervous system" of the bike is a matchbox-sized technical unit, permanently installed in the frame of the e-bike. The so-called on-board unit (OBU) is equipped with a SIM card, a miniature processor (microcontroller), a Bluetooth interface, a motion sensor and a GPS module. The OBU and the electric drive are technically connected to each other via a CAN bus interface, which the electric drive uses to transmit information on the running time and charge level. The OBU sends this data via the mobile network to a highly secure T-Systems data center and to the user's app. If software updates of the engine are pending, the e-bike user no longer has to go to the dealer: the OBU receives the new drive software via an air interface and carries out the software update fully automatically via the CAN bus. No nasty surprises Whether on the go or at home: the user always knows where his bike is and how far he can ride without charging. In the event of theft, the location can be determined via the smartphone app or the cloud platform and passed on directly to the police. The motion sensor in the wheel detects unusually rapid braking and extreme leaning of the wheel. If such a case occurs, the bike first asks via the connected display whether the user is okay. If the rider doesn't react and doesn't continue riding, the bike sends an SMS with location data to a person specified in advance.
In the event of accidents in remote areas in particular, this helps to find and take care of the cyclist more quickly. The service app informs the user at any time about the condition of their e-bike via remote diagnosis. The numerous built-in sensors analyze the wear of the brakes, the drive, the battery and other future components. In this way, inspections can be carried out in good time and wearing parts can be replaced at the right time. Unexpected failures due to flat tires or empty batteries are a thing of the past.
Further development of the connected bike for the industry
The partners are also developing the technology together with the bicycle manufacturer HERCULES for use in fleet and cargo bikes. Networking technology offers advantages for fleet operators in particular: Thanks to remote diagnosis and the large number of sensors, operators of bicycle fleets can keep an eye on their bikes at all times; know exactly when they have to service which bike, can optimally plan the assignment and prevent downtimes. Further functions can be flexibly added depending on customer requirements. HERCULES is also planning the market launch for the first networked cargo bikes for 2017. The partners will be presenting the BULLS Sturmvogel E EVO at the Eurobike in Friedrichshafen from 26-29. August at the BULLS stand, Hall B3 Stand 401 and the HERCULES Transporter at the HERCULES stand, Hall A4 Stand 201. More information is also available at connectedbike.bulls.de.
About Brose
Brose is the fifth largest family-owned automotive supplier in the world. The mechatronics specialist develops and produces innovative systems for vehicle doors and seats as well as electric motors. Around 24.000 employees at 60 locations in 23 countries generate sales of around 5,2 billion euros. With many years of experience as the market leader for electric motors in the automotive industry, Brose offers a mid-mounted motor for pedelecs that is characterized by the highest quality and maximum flexibility. Based on a steering motor for cars that has been produced in the millions, Brose engineers have developed a new type of drive concept for electric bicycles that can be fully integrated into the bicycle frame. The driving characteristics remain unchanged, the pedal assistance is almost noiseless and vibration-free. Brose is the only manufacturer to offer an e-bike mid-motor with electronics "Made in Germany".