How product teams use IoT to develop better e-bikes

The 5 most popular e-bike brands in the world are equipped with connectivity. The industry is not buzzing about every single new e-bike anymore, bikes that exceed the media threshold are the ones with digital features that have not been seen before.

New technologies lead the innovation in the e-bike industry. Brands that have already used IoT for a few years and have a digital strategy are pushing the industry further with improved user experience, and being more efficient in their processes. But how are their CTOs, product managers, and R&D teams using the benefits of IoT to make e-bikes better?

1. Insights from real data

New bike models are usually developed by a group of internal experts. Customer input is usually based on surveys, test groups, and ratings. IoT technology enables you to collect unfiltered data from all your customers. Speed, power output and consumption, cadence, ride length, etc. give fast, and precise information that covers all customer personas on an extensive scale. Comodule is GDPR compliant, the data is anonymized and protected from misuse.

Data of users and the rides can be accessed in Comodule Control Center

2. Data-driven product development

This dataset has become an important part of the product development process for mobility innovators. For example, you can analyze the battery performance and troubleshoots to improve it for the next model. You can collect data on usage patterns, gain insights into component durability and anticipate maintenance needs. This results in tougher bikes that need less frequent and unexpected repairs. Comodule’s customer Swapfiets has stated, that by using insights from vehicle data, they have changed some weaker parts of the bike and managed to reduce bike breakdowns by 66%! You’ll also get immediate responses to updates to constantly develop your solutions.

3. Competitive differentiation

IoT controls different aspects of the bikes and their features. You can set up region-based e-bike settings, limit the speeds to comply with local regulations, or differentiate with your customized rider app that controls the bike. Connectivity makes the e-bike experience smoother, as riders get extra peace of mind with smart safety features and they can customize the user experience to their preferences. Riders can launch over-the-air updates to keep their bikes up to date and run over-the-air diagnostics for troubleshooting. It’s possible to create automated ride insights, recommendations, and statistics based on personal ride data that adds a digital layer to enhance your bikes’ value.

A rider using Comodule Companion App with when navigating through the city

4. Customize IoT to your needs

The most simple connectivity solutions focus on safety features such as GPS tracking and movement alerts, requiring only power from the vehicle battery. These solutions can mostly be retrofitted to existing e-bikes. Bike brands with a stronger digital strategy usually have a wider scope for digital features. More complicated IoT solutions might need deeper integrations, as the IoT not only controls the bikes but also communicates with other systems over the air. Comodule offers both off-the-shelf quick integrations and custom solutions with dedicated engineers to achieve your connectivity needs.

5. Compatibility and stability

Hardware, software, and firmware must work together as one for the connectivity system to work. It has to be maintained, updated, and aligned with other components and systems. Bike manufacturers have partnered with Comodule to save money and time from developing IoT on their own, but more importantly fast forward to premium IoT solutions that are reliable. Comodule has 9 years and over 750K connected vehicles experience. Vertical production, certified quality, and sustainability processes have set high standards for ourselves and our partners.

The future e-bike experience

The future e-bikes are being developed now and IoT is at the core of it. It’s a seamless blend of smart technology and eco-friendly transportation. Connected e-bikes will redefine convenience, safety and sustainability, making urban commuting and outdoor adventures more enjoyable than we could imagine now.

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