The estimate of the global market size in 2020 was at 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.*
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, are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than cars. In brief: They are fun to ride !
* Source: GLOBE WIRE, April 2021
These favorable forecasts resulted in more e-bike manufacturers (OEMs) entering the market and a 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 pedaling power and the motor power interact smoothly, the riding sensation will be a pleasant one.
Hence, e-bike manufacturers work on optimizing the drive control by improving the interoperability of battery, motor, gearbox, the controller, and the 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.
How fast does the rider pedal and how much force does he or she apply to the pedals? At what point does the bike start to move and when does motor power have to be switched on? Does the level of assistance match the rider’s choice? Force and torque sensors perform thousands of measurements per second to enable the appropriate controller decisions.
Only when all components of the drivetrain interoperate seamlessly, does the rider have the best riding sensation.
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 that 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 option because they meet all the aforementioned requirements
Strain gauge provide real-time data on the power applied to the pedals by the cyclist. This information enables riders to track their effort, measure power output, and monitor progress over time
Standard sensors often reach their limits when faced with today’s engineering challenges. With HBK, you can design and produce sensors that combine precision, performance, and seamless integration—engineered to fit perfectly into your application.
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.
This will bring together HBM, Brüel & Kjær, nCode, ReliaSoft, MicroStrain and Discom brands, helping you innovate faster for a cleaner, healthier, and more productive world.
