The link to "Free Drive" is very intriguing. A bicycle chain is very efficient [0]. Most generators, even in low power applications are about 96% efficient. S

The link to "Free Drive" is very intriguing. A bicycle chain is very efficient [0]. Most generators, even in low power applications are about 96% efficient. So are motors. Roundtrip efficiencies of batteries are in the order of 80 - 90 % [1] Combined efficiency of a motor-generator-battery system at best is 82%. Its a significant reduction in efficiency of the system. This configuration has the convenience of constant pedal resistance, at the cost of increased weight, complexity and cost. The future of e-Bikes, is, in my view, ditch the mechanical system, install fast recharging batteries (or have user swappable modules) and have a design that allows you to walk the bike in case the battery dies. Toshiba manufactures SCiB cells, that they claim, have very fast recharging times and long lives. Perfect for eBikes. [2] [0] - https://pages.jh.edu/news_info/news/home99/aug99/bike.html https://pages.jh.edu/news_info/news/home99/aug99/bike.html [1] - https://energymag.net/round-trip-efficiency/ https://energymag.net/round-trip-efficiency/ [2] - https://www.global.toshiba/ww/products-solutions/battery/scib.html https://www.global.toshiba/ww/products-solutions/battery/sci...