Future of ebike, will it evolve more?

[Timpo]

I'm just wondering what future ebikes will look like and if they're going to be significantly different in like 10 yaers.

The reason why I'm asking is, ebikes are heavily regulated with 500W (or 750W in California) and 15mph, 20mph or 28 mph law/regulations depending on where you live.
Since 99% of ebike users ride on the road, ebike manufactures aren't particulary interested in producing 10,000W high speed ebikes.

I know you're going to say "of course they will evolve as technology improves!" but if you look at 50cc scooters, do you see a HUGE difference between 2017 model and 2007 model? Since 50cc scooters are heavily regulated/limited due to licensing requirement, I don't think they have gotten that much better.

Sure, there are some expensive European scooters like with classy look such as Vespa, Aprillia, Piaggio, Peaugeot and more, just like some ebikes are, but I don't think they have gotten that much better.
Yes, I know there are people swapping 250cc engine just like people upgrade their 500W to 3,000W for example, but that's different story.

Here are some future possibilities that I could think of;
Cleaner look: Ampler has already done it, you can't tell the different between Ampler and normal bicycle.
High End bike like Porsche: Stromer is introducing the ST5 800W, however it's limited to 28mph and there are so many bikes that can reach that speed. In addition, 800W isn't really legal anywhere.

I know there are always room for improvement, but I was wondering if ebikes will improve significantly more... if it was a motorcycle, you can see so much improvements because they don't have horsepower limitations like 500W regulations. But if the Stromer ST5 is limited to 28mph just like affordable Juiced CrossCurrent models, it kinda makes me feel like waste of money. (yes, I know this is just a matter of opinion)

 

[rich c]

Huge leap in design changes just from 2016 to 2018 in battery integration. Also double battery packs will be available from the factory. I see big changes in the next 5 years, but slowing after that. It will depend a lot on the push back from law makers. Many states are limiting emtb access, and to me what looks like an alarming pace.

 

[Dewey]

Battery research promises significant range increases and lower charge times for the same weight or lighter ebike batteries for the same range as present, and tesla’s Giga-factory should bring down the cost per kWh

http://ebiketips.co.uk/content/news/new-battery-technology-promises-to-treble-e-bike-range-581

Motor manufacturers are bringing to market shaft drive and belt driven motors to improve reliability which is important for future Ebike bikeshare - The one being trialed/experimented with in DC starting next week uses a 250w front hub motor but is the type of system most needing that sort of reliability and range improvement.

https://cyclingindustry.news/bafang-debuts-first-motorized-e-shaft-drive-system-for-public-bikes/
https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/ebike-bikeshare-comes-to-dc.14555/

Bosch this year introduced ABS for ebikes, as bicycle and motor sports continue to evolve in different directions we will see improvements in pedal bicycle and motorcycle technology bleed over to the ebike market and vice versa e.g. the Dutch last fall introduced a new speed pedelec helmet standard, as materials technology improves and new testing standards adopted we may see future helmets as strong as a DOT helmet but light as a bicycle helmet becoming the norm for faster ebike riders

 

[mrgold35]

I would like to see more updates with the federal, state, local, and city laws and regulations to become consistent across the nation as this technology becomes more wide spread. I'm fine with the present power level; but, would like to see a decrease in weight, increase in range, and reduction in price to join the ebike club.

 

[dermbrian]

I'm hoping that ShareRoller and Rubbee and similar quick-mount self-contained eBike conversion systems continue to improve. My reluctance to invest $$$$ vs $$$ in an eBike is largely related to concern of theft. I want to be able to remove the expensive part and carry it with me at my destination rather than leave it out in a bike rack for my 12 hour shift at work. I also want to be able to pedal my bike when pedaling makes sense for extending range and maintaining my health.

 

[Nutella]

Motor weights will come down somewhat, torque will increase, in the US, power levels will rise to meet the 750w limit. Battery tech is really the future, whoever can make smaller, lighter batteries with greater storage will rule the e-world.

 

[alasdair]

I think the automotive world will drive battery development forward and we should see the benefits in ebikes, maybe not anytime soon as I read manufacturers can’t make the latest tech fast enough to meet the auto demand. I hope it doesn’t take too long

My personal hope is the development of very efficient and simple, lightweight bikes with a small amount of assist and medium range for personal mobility, alongside robust affordable cargo bikes for family duty

Then I can sell my car...

 

[alasdair]

@Timpo this type of bike would really suit me and I look forward to seeing how it develops. Do you have one? I’d love to hear some feedback if so.

I’m not sure I understand your comment? Are you suggesting this bike is evidence that no more development is needed? I hope not as I can’t wait to see what’s coming in the future.

 

[Gogogordy]

All one has to do is look back 10, 15, 20 years at any "emerging" technology or technologically encompassing product and then compare that with todays offerings, and there's your answer.

For instance, I once had a Radio Shack TRS 80 computer system on my desk. And a pager on my belt.

Technology, and all man-devised, man-made devices are just a snapshot in time.

 

[indianajo]

Slip rings to hub motors - to change the tube without disconnecting wires.
RF connection to the motor monitor - to eliminate connections. My new hub motor has 5 sensor connections. Where there is a connector, there is a connection problem, especially in bad weather. One of the reasons I don't drive cars anymore- the connections are completely unreliable after 8 to 10 years. And I can't wear out a car in 10 years. I go 2000 miles a year. So I ride a bike. Even a $150000 Mercedes has a 12 v control system and brass, tin, or phosphor bronze connections. 48 v sensors or gold plated connections like the Army uses would actually be reliable after 8 years.
As far as I know ebikes are completely unregulated in Indiana. Motorcycles don't even require a helmet. I suppose major speed limits apply to ebikes, but not parking restrictions. I park on the plaza at the center of the arts for symphony concerts.

 

[Captain Slow]

I agree with battery development being driven by the automotive industry you'll see better energy density. So either improved range or lighter weight batteries.

Maybe more systems like the Copenhagen wheel that are even lighter, allowing one to swap between a regular riding experience and an electric but not having to store 2 bikes instead of 1. I know I'd appreciate that, I'm storing too many bikes in the garage ....

 

[elyhim]

As far as I know ebikes are completely unregulated in Indiana. Motorcycles don't even require a helmet. I suppose major speed limits apply to ebikes, but not parking restrictions. I park on the plaza at the center of the arts for symphony concerts.

https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/....org/docs/E-Bike Law Handouts_IN_Revision.pdf


INDIANA’S E-BIKE LAW FOR THE ROAD » In Indiana, an e-bike is defined as a “class b motor driven cycle.” As a “motor driven cycle,” e-bikes are subject to the same rules of the road as regular bicycles. » E-bikes are subject to licensing and registration requirements. E-bikes are not subject to insurance requirements. However, Indiana's Department of Motor Vehicles does not recognize e-bikes as vehicles with these requirements and has no system for supplying licensing and registration. Therefore, riding an electric bicycle in Indiana is illegal.

» Helmets are required for operators under 18 years of age and there is a 15 year age minimum for e-bike use. E-bikes are not allowed on sidewalks. Consult your local government for information on whether e-bikes are permitted on bike paths.