The world's fourth largest family-owned automotive supplier, Brose Group, decided to take their business to the next level by teaming up with a micro-mobility connectivity pioneer Comodule for a high-end collaboration. Thus, Brose Connected Drive, the first coordinated, modular plug-and-play solution for e-bike sharing was created.

For Brose, partnering up with Comodule was a logical step, as both are experienced in their line of work. Combining 110 years of engineering know-how with Comodule’s progressive expertise in IoT connectivity, the dynamic pair was able to come up with a modular solution that meets the needs of fleet operators. By pairing high-quality drive technology with an open cloud platform, both partners offer a simple, customisable solution for a fast growing micro-mobility market.

What kind of solutions does it offer?

So far, the problem with connectivity solutions many fleet operators face, has been that they are often expensive to maintain. Brose Connected Drive will solve that problem with decentralized and automated maintenance, service and organization systems. 

“The Brose Connected Drive concept was created in response to the needs of fleet operators. System component reliability is just as important as the intuitively operable digital features that make the Comodule platform possible–like remote access, remote maintenance and software updates,” explains Horst Schuster, Director Sales and Marketing Brose Antriebstechnik.

Digital interface with cellular technology

The Comodule connectivity module in the bicycle frame is linked to the   Brose   Drive   C   and   features   a   standardized   digital   application programming   interface   (API)   to   connect   fleet   operators   to   their   e-bikes. This enables them to quickly integrate e-bikes into established fleet  management  systems  while  offering  options  for customization.

At the heart of the solution is the Brose Drive C in the aluminum or magnesium version. “The technology has already been proven in hundreds of thousands of e-bikes, making it the ideal choice for the demanding requirements of bicycle operators,” Schuster emphasizes.

Fleet operators can access a platform to view real time data on the status of their bikes regardless of their location. Updating firmware is easy thanks to remote access capability.

And a geofencing feature ensures that the rental process only takes place within a predefined area. 

“The reliable, location-independent real time connection to the e-bikes is a deciding factor in professional fleet management. This is why the bikes are equipped with their own SIM cards for mobile Internet,” explains Sven Bernhardt, Head of Sales at Brose’s development partner Comodule.

About Comodule

Comodule is developing IoT solutions for shared mobility operators and bicycle manufacturers to reduce global environmental pollution and traffic congestion. Since 2014 Comodule has connected over 300,000 light electric vehicles to the internet and has also helped to launch shared fleets in 60 cities around the globe. The company has grown from 18 to 72 team members in the last two years alone. Comodule is one of the few companies focused on the Internet of Things with its headquarters and production in Tallinn, Estonia.

About Brose

E-bike drives are part of the Brose Drive product family and offer the right solution for any situation – whether in city, trekking or mountain bikes. The family-owned company has transferred its decades of experience supplying electric motors to the automotive industry to the bicycle. 120 employees at the e-bike competence center in Berlin develop and produce drives that are used in models made by 50 manufacturers worldwide. Paired with displays and a battery developed in-house, the drives create a perfectly tuned system that offers a uniquely harmonious riding experience.