As a passionate e-bike rider, I recently had my bike serviced at the Giant Store in Wegberg. Here I once again discovered how many exciting areas of application there are in electrical engineering. In a conversation with owner Mario and technician Michael, I talked about the fascinating development of e-bike technology.
Mario, who has been working in the bicycle industry for over 20 years, now runs his own bicycle shop. As a former racing cyclist, he has a deep interest in the technical details and the changing needs of customers. He reported that the number of electrified bicycles in his range has doubled in recent years. The bicycle world offers a wide range of models, with something for every type of bike.
Technical challenges and specialist knowledge
Even as a trained electrician and electrical engineer, I am happy to put my e-bike in professional hands, because this requires specialist knowledge: sources of error must be read out with a computer, the values analyzed and potential sources of error found accordingly. Especially when repairing an e-bike battery, it is important to rely on experienced technicians who have the necessary know-how and the right tools.
Technician Michael explained that the rapid development of technology is a constant challenge. In the past, the wiring of a bicycle consisted of just a cable that ran from the dynamo to the back. Today, the systems are much more complex and include sensor lines that transmit impulses from the rear wheel to the motor, displays and smart gate systems.
Future prospects for the e-bike industry
Mario suspects that future models will either be lighter, more compact and more efficient, or that existing models will receive additional functions such as assistance systems, such as tilt sensors, ABS systems and active braking systems. Manufacturers are working on implementing systems that have already been successfully integrated in other areas of mobility. However, it is important that the bike retains its character as an uncomplicated means of transport and is not motorized too much in order to preserve the feeling of freedom that cycling offers.
Challenges in cable processing
Another topic that Michael addressed is the challenges in cable processing. The connectors are becoming smaller and denser to exclude moisture. Cables that are covered in rubber are particularly difficult to strip.
The right wire stripping tool, such as the JOKARI Secura 2K (item no. 20100), Sensor Mini (item no. 20310) and the micro-precision-wire stripper PWS-Plus 002 (item no. 40025), is essential in order to be able to work precisely and safely.
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To the author Frank J. Goebbels