E-bikes and connectivity – a match made in cycling heaven

Yet, here we are, witnessing a remarkable surge in their popularity. Merging the time-honoured tradition of cycling with the latest in connected technology, e-bikes are challenging the norms.

More than just a bike!

Besides the traditional image of gruelling, endurance-focused cycling, e-bikes redefine the experience. These bikes have transcended their niche thanks to the pandemic, heightened environmental awareness, and ever-growing urban congestion.

Offering an accessible, less strenuous cycling experience, e-bike commutes are not just for the athletic. They're for everyone who wants to ditch the car for a healthier, more enjoyable experience.

The dawn of connected e-biking

As we enter the realm of connected technology, e-bikes are set to transform our roads and our rides even more profoundly. With features like route planning and battery management, connectivity not only enhances the riding experience but also contributes to the environmental benefits of e-bikes.

Stay tuned as we explore this exciting convergence of pedal power and digital innovation.

How has the new generation of e-bikes evolved?

Let’s get one thing clear – e-bikes are not a new phenomenon. Their history can be traced back – wait for it – 120 years. But then along came the invention of the motor car, and they were consigned to history.

A brief history

After trying to make a comeback in the 1990s, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that they began to gain traction again. And, because evolution is a continuous thing, they’re ready for the next step in their development, which means connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT).

IoT and e-bikes

The concept of IoT took its first breath when a toaster was connected to the Internet in 1990. This was just the beginning of a tech revolution, leading to the birth of the connected e-bike.

Far from being a fleeting tech fad, e-bike connectivity has planted its wheels in the ground. By integrating sensors and digital components, these bikes have opened a new realm where smartphones and bikes converse in the language of data.

The power of connectivity

Imagine a world where your e-bike becomes a hub of information, constantly feeding data about your bike's condition. This isn't just futuristic thinking – it's today's reality.

With real-time updates on your battery charge level and the health of your brakes, chain, motor, or even tire pressure, the connected e-bike is redefining bike maintenance and safety.

These insights enable riders to avert potential accidents and perform timely upkeep, keeping both rider and ride in prime condition. And this, believe it or not, is just scratching the surface of what connected e-bikes can do.

What are the 7 main benefits of connectivity for savvy cyclists?

The advent of connectivity has been a game-changer, particularly for e-bikes. This fusion of technology and pedalling prowess has brought benefits, transforming how cyclists interact with their bikes and the environment.

Here are the 7 key advantages that connectivity offers to modern, tech-savvy cyclists:

Route planning

Connected e-bikes elevate route planning to a new level of efficiency and convenience. Considering your bike's battery power level, intelligent route planning systems seamlessly guide you to your destination, alleviating the worry of running out of power mid-journey.

Furthermore, you can save and revisit your preferred routes anytime with route tracking capabilities. Integrating IoT and GPS technologies also enables real-time location sharing, a particularly reassuring feature for solo riders.

This smart navigation enhances your riding experience and ensures you're always on the most efficient, battery-optimised path.

Security and safety

There are reports citing 20,000+ bikes stolen annually in the city of London. With connectivity enhancing e-bike security, safeguarding your ride in a big town becomes more manageable.

GPS technology in connected e-bikes is a game-changer in theft prevention. It allows you to detect unauthorised movements of your bike and track its exact location in real time.

Moreover, your connected e-bike can transmit its position to an IoT app. This feature not only deters bike theft but also ensures your safety on the road, and in case of an accident, it helps locate you promptly.

This advanced level of security and safety offered by connected e-bikes is an invaluable asset for urban cyclists.

Health

Achieving the World Health Organization's recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise becomes effortlessly attainable with a connected e-bike. They can become your personal fitness training companion.

For those looking to incorporate a solid e-bike workout into their routine, connected e-bikes track your daily exercise routine, monitor your activity levels, and even calculate the energy expended.

This constant feedback lets you see your fitness progress over time, making it easier to set and reach personal health goals. Connected e-bikes are more than a transport solution - they're a tool for maintaining and enhancing your health.

Clear conscience

Embracing e-bikes is a solid stride towards sustainable mobility, significantly reducing our collective carbon footprint. As more people pivot to these two-wheeled wonders, we witness a remarkable decrease in urban congestion and air pollution.

This shift aligns with environmental goals and enhances our quality of life in bustling cities. The infusion of connectivity into e-bikes further cements their role in our digital era, intertwining eco-friendliness with modern convenience.

By choosing e-bikes, we're not just opting for a mode of transport - we're actively participating in shaping a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Communication

The connective possibilities are endless with IoT. If your bike is stolen, you could send a theft report directly to the police station in your area. Insurance contacts could be linked to the IoT application. You can quickly contact them if you have an accident or your e-bike is damaged.

Plus, directly transmitting your connected e-bike data to your bike mechanic means your bile's services and maintenance can be planned through remote diagnosis. OK, some of these ideas are still just a dream, but with IoT on board, anything is possible.

Insurance

You didn't expect us to ignore the insurance angle, did you?

The rise of connected e-bikes is reshaping insurance dynamics. Thanks to their advanced connectivity, these bikes offer improved maintenance and more robust theft protection.

Real-time monitoring reduces mechanical failures, and GPS tracking deters theft, significantly lowering risks. For riders, this means potential savings on e-bike insurance.

So, as e-bikes get more intelligent, they enhance your ride and promise potential savings on your insurance costs.

Battery management

Connectivity significantly enhances the way cyclists manage the battery life of their e-bikes, turning what used to be a guessing game into a precise science. Here's how this technology is revolutionising battery management:

• Modern e-bikes come with integrated batteries - connectivity allows real-time battery performance monitoring. Riders can quickly check their battery status on their smartphone or e-bike display.
• Connectivity provides a clear visual indication of the battery's charge level. This feature helps riders plan their journeys better, ensuring they know the available battery power.
• Connectivity helps identify and manage common battery challenges like degradation or weather-related performance issues. Proactive alerts about battery maintenance or replacement can extend battery life and improve ride quality.
• Continuous monitoring of the current battery charge level via connectivity helps riders make informed decisions about their ride, considering the remaining battery power.
• IoT and connectivity offer solutions like software updates for battery optimisation and remote diagnostics for early problem detection, enhancing overall battery management.

A new generation of cyclists

What image pops into your mind when you think about cycling? Lycra-clad men and women pedalling like fury, gasping for air as they try to nab their next Strava King or Queen of the Mountains title?

The reality is that cycling is changing. Cycling has become even more inclusive, with companies such as Bosh, Volt, and Greyp bringing connectivity to their e-bikes.

Now, anyone can enjoy a ride in the fresh air, embracing the joy of two-wheel commuting without the strenuous physical demands traditionally associated with cycling.

The connected e-bike, still in its early stages, promises to enhance durability, ease of use, and overall riding experience while offering advanced protection against theft.

The new era of cycling welcomes everyone, making it a universally accessible, enjoyable, and secure mode of transport - what's not to like about that?