The e-bike market has seen remarkable growth and it’s expected to skyrocket to $112.73 billion by 2030. As the industry expands, more resources are being allocated to the development of e-bikes, which is advancing at full throttle.
At a recent press conference during the Eurobike trade show, representatives from Bosch eBike Systems stated that all their 2024 products are from the digital world – or, more precisely, from the cosmos of connected biking. E-bikes are becoming intelligent, connected companions that continuously evolve through updates, learn from every ride, and always feel brand new.
So, what’s on the horizon? E-bikers will soon have access to data about other road users and traffic infrastructure, significantly enhancing road safety. More data will also assist with route planning and battery charging. Instead of constantly shifting gears, riders will be able to rely on automatic transmissions. All this and more is coming in the very near future. Let’s take a closer look at what the future holds.
The connection with smart devices will become even closer and more interactive. You’ll be able to check how much time remains until your battery is fully charged during a stop, lock your bike with your phone, and receive an alert if someone tries to steal it. Riders will have access to as much information as they want, such as knowing the ratio of their own effort versus the motor’s assistance during a ride.
Information exchange is becoming multi-directional. With users’ consent, drive system developers gather valuable data on riding habits and motor usage, which is being used to improve motor performance.
Leading manufacturers are also involved in developing new networks where e-bikes, cars, traffic lights, and other parts of the transportation infrastructure will communicate with each other to enhance road safety. The “Cyclists’ Safety Coalition” is pushing this development forward through coordinated efforts and standardised technologies. Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology is seen as a cornerstone on the road to autonomous driving. This approach is based on vehicles detecting each other using sensors, exchanging position and driving data, and thus avoiding collisions. Traffic lights, road signs, pedestrian crossings, and similar elements are also part of this communication network.
We’ve gradually become accustomed to the introduction of technologies from other modes of transportation, such as ABS. The braking assistant, once standard in cars and motorcycles, has found its place in a smaller and lighter form in e-bikes, helping to optimise braking force and prevent falls. With ABS, it’s possible to brake safely even on loose or slippery surfaces, and thanks to a mobile app, riders are now able to see how often the system intervened.
The Range Control feature helps riders plan their route in a connected mobile app by predicting how much battery capacity the journey will consume and how much battery percentage will remain upon arrival. Artificial intelligence assists in making the most accurate estimates possible. The calculation is based on numerous variables, such as route profile, temperature, tyre pressure, wind conditions, rider weight, and more. If you frequently ride in the same area, the system will incorporate this into its algorithm.
This year’s Eurobike show also featured several exciting solutions for automatic gear shifting. Among them, the product from Tektro Racing Parts stands out. The TRP E.A.S.I. A12 derailleur, designed specifically for mountain e-bikes, is at the forefront of this innovation. In automatic mode, the eShift system takes care of gear changes for you, automatically adjusting the gear ratio to match the cadence you’ve pre-set as your preferred level. The system even detects moments when you’re coasting. It measures whether your speed is increasing or decreasing during this time and then selects the gear ratio that allows for the smoothest possible resumption of pedalling.
While e-bikes continue to integrate cutting-edge technology, the cycling experience becomes more seamless, intuitive, and connected. As we move towards 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that e-bikes are not just evolving – they’re leading the charge into a new era of intelligent, connected experience.
