Chain-Less Electric Bikes Churn Your Strength Into Electricity To Keep Going
For anyone who owns a bicycle, you might have had to fix its chain system now and again, and you might also be familiar with how annoying it is to wind it back into place. That said, it’s still hard to imagine a bike without a mechanical system to work it.
In rides a ‘Free Drive’ bicycle, also known as a chain-less e-bike, that depends on a generator to push it forward. German company Schaeffler first unveiled the technology last year. Now, it’s about ready to let these new-age e-riders hit the road with the ‘mocci’ Smart Pedal from CIP Group.
First, let’s take a look at how it works. As a person pedals, the generator attached will start converting mechanical energy into electricity. A motor then churns this back into mechanical power that moves the wheels. If someone is pedaling harder than they need to, excess energy is stored in its battery. But the generator should help regulate the resistance needed to keep them from doing so.
And this might not need to be said, but the Free Drive solution requires less maintenance than chain systems which means goodbye to regular lubricating sessions.
Although, Schaeffler does note that traditional bicycles might still have the upper hand as these Free Drive versions are around 5% less efficient at turning pedaling motions into a force that can move it forward. The system, however, does have other merits in that it offers more freedom in designing e-bikes, as the crankset only needs to be connected to the rear wheel via electrical wiring.
The mocci bikes will be made from a recyclable polyamide frame and feature one-piece monocoque wheels. It will also have the option to link up to a cargo trailer for hauling goods across the city.
CIP Group intends to sell these bikes to corporate clients for ride-sharing schemes, delivery operations, and other urban applications, just in case you were about to pick one up for yourself.
