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48V motor is integrated into pedals |
Auto supplier Valeo has adapted its 48V motors to bikes, resulting, it claims, “in the most high performance electric assistance system for bikes to date, combining performance, efficiency, intelligence, comfort, robustness and ease of use”.
The Smart e-Bike System is claimed the first to integrate both an electric motor and an adaptive automatic transmission in the pedal assembly. With this new electric assistance system, the bike adapts to the cyclist. The gears change automatically and algorithms instantly adapt to the amount of electric assistance the cyclist needs.
Jacques Aschenbroich, Valeo chairman and CEO, said: “One of [our] key strategic focuses is accelerating expansion in the emerging markets for new zero-emissions mobility, including electric small city vehicles, electric motorcycles and scooters, last-mile autonomous delivery droids and electric bikes.
To do this, we are leveraging and adapting the technological platforms that we developed for the automotive industry – both those dedicated to ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) and to low-voltage electrification (48V).”
The technology developed with Effigear comprises a 48V electric motor and a seven speed automatic, adaptive gearbox in a single unit located in the pedal assembly. The motor’s 130Nm of torque can multiply the cyclist’s effort by eight (versus rival systems’ up to a fivefold boost).
Valeo also claims its electric motor is more efficient than the 24V or 36V motors installed on the vast majority of e-bikes.
The system includes an anti-theft function integrated directly into the pedal assembly that, when activated, blocks the use of the bike. It also boasts a pedestrian push-assist function, which is particularly useful when carrying heavy loads, and a boost function that makes it easier to overtake other cyclists and climb hills.
No mention so far of regenerative braking.