3 ms·

I don't think they are going for road feel: The central component of the Free Drive system is the Schaeffler generator, which sets the constant resistance on t

I don't think they are going for road feel: The central component of the Free Drive system is the Schaeffler generator, which sets the constant resistance on the pedal while simultaneously absorbing the rider's pedaling power So I think with this bike when you take off from a stop, you just squeeze the throttle or whatever controller it has and take off using battery power. On the other hand, you can pedal at your most efficient cadence/force all day long without regard to terrain.

tecleandor 4y ago
> So I think with this bike when you take off from a stop, you just squeeze the throttle or whatever controller it has and take off using battery power. As they are German, I think that's not the case (if they want to be classified as an eBike). To be classified as an eBike it needs to work in "pedal assistance" mode. That is, you can't have a throttle/button/whatever, the engine only starts if you are pedaling.
- Johnny555 4y ago
  Ok, then you start pedaling, but since they specifically say it provides constant resistance, it's safe to say that they are not emulating road feel.
  - MengerSponge 4y ago
    Having kick-started a bike uphill from many stop-signs, let me say that road feel is 100% overrated
- stefs 4y ago
  i doubt it's designed for classic single-person e-bikes; there's one picture at the bottom of a cargo-bike with a person-sized transport box. i think this system is for small inner-city utility vehicles for delivery services and craftsmen (transport of a limited set of tools and material). the low overhead of bikes (registration etc.) isn't necessarily a problem for a company's motor pool. iirc it might very well be possible to ride those on bike paths - even if they need a moped registration plate - as long as the maximum power and speed is limited. in austria, small electric numberplate-less mopeds (scooters) with a 25km/h speed limit and no pedal assist are legal, no idea about germany tho.
- barrkel 4y ago
  25kph eBikes per EU regulations are allowed a throttle if it cuts out at 6kph, IIRC. Just for starting, in other words.
  - aspyct 4y ago
    On my e-bike it's more of a walk assist tool. Press a button and the bike will push itself uphill. It's nice, considering the weight of the beast :)
- sorenbs 4y ago
  European ebikes are also limited to a 250w motor. They must need much more to make this system work, so probably can’t be classified that way.
  - aspyct 4y ago
    Most "average" riders don't put out more than 100 or 200W when pedalling. I'm pretty sure 250W is plenty to get a bike going.

tecleandor 4y ago

> So I think with this bike when you take off from a stop, you just squeeze the throttle or whatever controller it has and take off using battery power. As they are German, I think that's not the case (if they want to be classified as an eBike). To be classified as an eBike it needs to work in "pedal assistance" mode. That is, you can't have a throttle/button/whatever, the engine only starts if you are pedaling.

Johnny555 4y ago
Ok, then you start pedaling, but since they specifically say it provides constant resistance, it's safe to say that they are not emulating road feel.
- MengerSponge 4y ago
  Having kick-started a bike uphill from many stop-signs, let me say that road feel is 100% overrated
stefs 4y ago
i doubt it's designed for classic single-person e-bikes; there's one picture at the bottom of a cargo-bike with a person-sized transport box. i think this system is for small inner-city utility vehicles for delivery services and craftsmen (transport of a limited set of tools and material). the low overhead of bikes (registration etc.) isn't necessarily a problem for a company's motor pool. iirc it might very well be possible to ride those on bike paths - even if they need a moped registration plate - as long as the maximum power and speed is limited. in austria, small electric numberplate-less mopeds (scooters) with a 25km/h speed limit and no pedal assist are legal, no idea about germany tho.
barrkel 4y ago
25kph eBikes per EU regulations are allowed a throttle if it cuts out at 6kph, IIRC. Just for starting, in other words.
- aspyct 4y ago
  On my e-bike it's more of a walk assist tool. Press a button and the bike will push itself uphill. It's nice, considering the weight of the beast :)
sorenbs 4y ago
European ebikes are also limited to a 250w motor. They must need much more to make this system work, so probably can’t be classified that way.
- aspyct 4y ago
  Most "average" riders don't put out more than 100 or 200W when pedalling. I'm pretty sure 250W is plenty to get a bike going.