E-bikes: a rising trend for commuters

In cities across China, it’s not unusual to see commuters riding electronic bikes (e-bikes) to work or on the weekend. Though not everyone may be familiar with them, e-bikes are already commonplace in Europe. One company recently turned heads at the 2024 Mobile World Congress (MWC) when it unveiled its new 5G e-bike!
 

What is an E-bike?

Though e-bikes closely resemble traditional bicycles at a glance, they differ significantly in that they are fitted with electric motors and electronic control systems.

Why not just buy an electric scooter then?

Firstly e-bikes allow their riders to exercise, which means they can improve their health while commuting. While electric scooters currently on the market generally do not require riders to pedal, e-bikes are breaking new ground for people who want to build fitness through exercise.

Next, the mileage range of an e-bike has reached 50-80 kilometers, which meets the requirements of most daily commuters. E-bikes are also permitted in certain areas and environments, such as seaside parks, where electric scooters are usually prohibited. Hence people can enjoy the freedom, speed, and convenience of riding an e-bike in places where electric scooters cannot go.

Furthermore, e-bikes come in a range of stylish designs that appeal to image-conscious riders.  Their rising popularity is also boosted by the fact that the concept of exercising while riding has been embraced by an increasingly fitness-conscious public in recent years.

However, overall, the entry threshold of owning an e-bike is still relatively high. With their batteries, motors, and electric control systems, e-bikes usually come with bigger price tags. Most are priced at over US$1,500.
 

E-bike Fast Charging Puts an End to Low-battery Anxiety

For all electric vehicle users, including potential users of e-bikes, charging performance remains a top concern. The charging time for a regular electric bike is typically between 6 to 10 hours, which can be a major issue for time-poor modern workers. Hence fast charging is a key factor driving the widespread adoption of e-bikes.

In fact, the integration of specific key technologies has made fast charging relatively straightforward. Here are the main technologies involved.

• High-power chargers: Chargers for fast charging offer higher power output, often several times greater than that of traditional chargers, which allows e-bikes to charge to nearly full capacity within a short period of time.
   
• High-energy-density batteries: Modern e-bikes are typically equipped with high-energy-density lithium ion batteries. These batteries are designed to be lighter and to store more electrical energy in a shorter time in order to deliver fast charging.
   
• Smart charging management systems: Smart management systems can monitor the charging status and temperature of the batteries to ensure battery safety during the fast-charging process and to preserve battery life.

Avnet Launches the 600W/2000W LEV Charger Solution in Response to Market Demand

In response to the rise of light electric vehicles such as e-bikes, Avnet recently launched the 600W/2000W LEV Charger Solution. A solution that optimizes the charging process, it provides a faster charging speed and effectively reduces energy loss, thus enhancing the efficiency of the whole system.

The market is also pushing for the standardization of batteries, since the establishment of unified battery standards would allow e-bikes from different brands to use the same battery-swapping system. The system would ideally be paired with a reasonably extensive network of EV charge points to ensure sufficient coverage and power output.

Imagine how convenient it would be to be able to “bring your vehicle back to life” during a work break and simply hop on and ride home, or to your next destination!
 

ADAS Enhances the Safety and Efficiency of E-bikes

Since countless bicycle accidents occur every day, safety has become a major issue for all riders. However, with the increasing popularity and sophistication of ADAS technology, e-bikes will soon become even safer and “smarter.”

ADAS, or advanced driver assistance system, is a cutting-edge technology utilized for new-energy vehicles. It is being adopted throughout the automotive field, e-bikes included.
 

So how, exactly, does ADAS work on e-bikes?

Imagine that you’re on a road, riding an e-bike that is able to automatically identify obstacles ahead and alert you, or even pull the brake for you, when a crash is predicted. The system will also alert you to vehicles and pedestrians in your blind spots, thus averting collisions. It will adjust the brightness of the e-bike light to optimize rider vision during night rides. And if you have accidentally drifted out of your lane, the vehicle will issue alarms to alert you. All of these smart functions will greatly enhance the safety of riders while creating a more relaxing and pleasant riding experience.

The introduction of ADAS technology endows e-bikes with improved safety and greater comfort while also lowering the risk of accidents. In the future, ADAS-enabled e-bikes will also be able to connect to other devices and systems such as smartphones and smart homes, thus adding even more features and personalized services.
 

Conclusion

E-bikes are not solely a tool for commuting, but an integral part of a healthier, more holistic lifestyle that prioritizes health, the environment, and fashion. As zero-emission vehicles, e-bikes can clearly provide long-term benefits to the environment.

By leveraging its successful experience in developments related to EV charging, Avnet will continue to focus on the two core technologies of ADAS and high-efficiency EV chargers to provide comprehensive support to its customers. By helping enhance the availability and performance of e-bikes, Avnet hopes to help more people experience the wonders of these new technologies and the freedom of riding.