Customized OEM force and torque sensors provide accurate measurements on the drive and control systems that determine a proportional amount of the assisted motor power.
eBikes utilize various sensors to enhance performance, safety, and rider experience. Here are some key types of sensors commonly used in eBikes:
The estimate of the global market size in 2020 was 25 billion USD with an annual growth rate of almost 10% until 2028 when the market size is likely to be at 48 billion USD.
Growth has been driven primarily by the USA, Asia, Latin America and more recently Europe, which is considered to be the largest growth market.* Looking at the more common pedal-assist e-bikes (pedelecs), their advantages over conventional bikes are undeniable: ideal for short-distance commuters, inclines and headwinds are no longer a problem, and even less athletic riders can ride longer distances with ease. In larger cities, they help solve logistical problems. They take up less space and are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than cars.
In brief: They are fun to ride!
* Source: GLOBE WIRE, April 2021
These favourable forecasts resulted in more e-bike manufacturers (OEMs) entering the market and stronger competition among them.
With a wider range of models and features available, the expectations of a potential buyer regarding the riding sensation have also changed: no matter the bike’s purpose (trekking, city, cargo or mountain bike), whether under load or not - the starting and stopping behavior, acceleration, and motor assistance should be smooth, immediate, intuitive and reliable. In any case, the riding experience depends on the human-machine interface: if the rider’s pedalling power and the motor power interact smoothly, the riding sensation will be a pleasant one.
Hence, e-bike manufacturers work on optimizing drive control by improving the interoperability of the battery, motor, gearbox, controller, and sensors that perform the relevant measurements. The more precise these measurements, the finer the drive control. Whereas in the past the drive control largely relied on cadence measurements, today these are no longer sufficient.
In those cases where commercially available force and torque sensors are not suitable because their dimensions do not fit the bike’s geometry or for other reasons, e-bike manufacturers will have to find solutions tailored to their specific needs. They will look for custom-made OEM sensors, such as cadence sensors or pedal assist sensors that are flexible, robust, durable, and reliable all at the same time; sensors that deliver highly precise results, require no external power, are maintenance-free and, of course, cost-effective. In brief, customized OEM solutions fit the application both technically and on the cost side. Among the currently available technologies, customized strain gauge-based force and torque sensors are the best options because they meet all the requirements.
In many applications requiring force, load, pressure, or torque measurements, you may not have the ability to install a standard sensor due to space considerations or costly modifications to your existing structure. HBK experts provide an overview of the most effective to turn an existing part o into a sensor.
HBK experts can guide you safely through all the stages of your project, from custom sensor design to rapid development of prototypes, to lean manufacturing of scalable volumes.
Discover how in this short video!
Bicycle use is growing constantly - This trend is expected to grow even stronger in the coming years with increased adoption of bicycles as a means of daily transportation to get to work, to drive children to school, to run shopping or to travel due to the innovations developed - The technological revolution is underway.
What are the eBikes of the future?
The list is expanding every day, as the eBike market reaches new segments - gravel, electric bikes, composite bikes, event bikes, hydrogen bikes and children's bikes. At the same time, the ongoing infrastructural changes have also boosted innovation to provide ever more comfortable, lightweight, optimized bikes. All of these are technological challenges for innovators.
What are the major future trends for eBike manufacturers?
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This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
