Electric bike: Valeo introduces a revolutionary motor

The French car supplier has developed an unprecedented electric assist system integrated into the cranks: the Smart e-bike System.

An electric bike that shifts gears on its own

When Valeo enters the e-bike market, that doesn't mean it has to offer another urban e-bike model. The French group presents their technology as "revolutionary": an electric assistance system that adapts to the cyclist's behavior and automatically changes gears. The first in the world, according to the brand.

“From the first pedal stroke, our algorithms will automatically adjust the intensity of the electric boost to your needs. “ A feature that might sound like a gadget to urban cyclists, but if you imagine a mountain bike or mountain bike equipped with this technology, it makes sense.

How does it work?

The 48 V electric motor and adaptive automatic transmission are integrated into the crank system. Prediction software, developed in collaboration with Effigear, frees the bike from gears, derailleurs and other chains: only the belt ensures smooth gear changes. And in addition, an anti-theft function is included in the pedal so as not to disturb the padlocks.

Valeo is in talks with e-bike makers to test this solution on a variety of models: urban pedestrians, e-mountain bikes, cargo bikes, and more. With the growing supply of last mile two-wheelers, smart e-bikes The System should really seduce. One of the earliest partnerships appears to be Ateliers HeritageBike, which has already begun integrating this technology into its French-made electric bikes with designs inspired by vintage motorcycles.