The German company Schaeffler has unveiled new drive system for electric bicycles that eschews traditional bike chains and belts for a drive-by-wire system. The new system is known as the Free Drive and marks the entry of one of the most radical drivetrains to date.
The chainless drive system is a joint development with two-wheel electric drive specialist Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG, which dispenses with the mechanical connection between the generator and motor, thus enabling completely new bicycle architectures and pedal configurations combined with an even lower requirement for wear parts.
“Schaeffler is the preferred partner for mobility solutions of the future and is demonstrating this status once again with the innovative Free Drive for e-bikes,” says Matthias Zink, CEO Automotive Technologies, Schaeffler AG. “The development is proof of our transformation into a leading supplier of electrified drives. Our decades of expertise in the field of vehicle mechatronics, which we are now also transferring to the two-wheel segment, have assisted us in this development. The e-bike market is growing steadily and offers Schaeffler, as e-mobility partner, further business potential.” Schaeffler already has many years of experience in the e-bike segment and most recently presented the mechatronic automatic gearshift system VELOMATIC in 2016.
The central component of the Free Drive system is the Schaeffler generator, which sets the constant resistance on the pedal while simultaneously absorbing the rider’s pedaling power. The regenerative solution is a serial hybrid drive that converts the mechanical energy generated during pedaling into electric energy, which in turn is converted back into mechanical energy in the wheel hub motor. Excess energy is stored in the battery. As with cars, all system components communicate with each other via a CAN connection.
“The Free Drive system combines Heinzmann’s long-standing drive and industry expertise with Schaeffler’s system and mechatronics expertise,” says Peter Mérimèche, Managing Director Electric Drives at Heinzmann GmbH & Co. KG.
“Regardless of whether the system is used in 2-, 3-, or 4-wheel applications, the absence of a mechanical connection between the generator and motor means that Free Drive can provide maximum flexibility in the bicycle architecture and a freely configurable pedaling sensation, which is tailored to the requirements of the bicycle and the needs of the rider, while ensuring minimal wear,” explains Dr. Jochen Schröder, President of the E-Mobility Division.
Additionally, the compact dimensions of the Free Drive system permit a standard distance of 138 millimeters between the two pedals. The Free Drive system can be specified for various applications, irrespective of the manufacturer.
“With the expansion of the portfolio in the bicycle segment, Schaeffler is not only stepping up its commitment to the fast-growing e-bike market but is also substantiating its own claim to help shape future movement with a pioneering spirit,” adds Schröder.
The Free Drive system made its debut during last week’s Eurobike Show in Germany.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
