The Federal Consumer Product Safety Act defines a “low-speed electric bicycle” as a two or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a top speed when powered solely by the motor under 20 mph, and an electric motor that produces less than 750 W (1.01 hp). If low-speed street-legal e-Bikes are eclipsing 20 mph without pedal assist, just image the number of electric bikes hitting well over 20 mph in areas where regulations have yet to be enforced.
e-Bike Rider Safety
It’s time for electric bike manufacturers to take responsibility for their riders’ well-being by integrating state-of-the-art safety features into their design engineering. With over 40 years in the industry, Bosch has created the world’s first anti-lock braking system (ABS) for e-bikes and by doing so, will be setting an entirely new precedent in the electric bike industry.
On the heels of two powerful studies conducted by Bosch Accident Research revealing “e-bike accidents could be reduced by up to 25% if the bikes were equipped with anti-lock braking systems,” the innovative multinational electronics company decided to do something about it. Equipping both wheels with intuitive sensors, Bosch designed a revolutionary anti-lock braking system that strategically controls both the front-wheel ABS and the back wheel simultaneously.
“The introduction of such a system can sustainably increase traffic safety,” Claus Fleischer, CEO of Bosch eBike Systems stated
Bosh’s ABS System
With the hopes of eliminating the over-the-handlebar accident when applying the front brake too aggressively, Bosch’s ABS system is designed to recognize front wheel lockup. During times of quick braking, the system will automatically ease off the front brake – keeping the front wheel rolling – and at the same time, keep the back wheel firmly on the ground. This will prevent riders from flying over the handlebars.
Making pedelec riding a safe experience requires the perfect combination of both intuitive sensors and rapid response bike components. With the added bonus of reducing braking distances and improved riding stability, Bosch’s ABS technology is poised to disrupt an industry with questionable-at-best regulations around rider safety.
Bosch & Other Electric Vehicles
Bosch’s front brake activation module sits discretely under the handlebar stem – making it the ideal safety feature for any e-bike. With a commercial rollout anticipated by fall of 2018 and plans to integrate the technology alongside the Performance Line Cruise and Speed drive units, as well as Bosch’s city bikes with 28″ tires.
With an explosion of alternative electric vehicles hitting the market that include the Transboard 3-wheeled electric scooter, the Gogoro SmartScooter, the Smacircle S1, and the Kiwano K01, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Bosch’s ABS e-bike technology integrated into some of the Best Smart Bikes.
