Serial Hybrid from Pendix: Digital Chain for Cargo Bikes

VM: How does the Serial Hybrid variant from Pendix work?

The system basically consists of a pedal generator, one or more drive motors, and a battery. The pedal generator is located at the bottom bracket, converting the rider's mechanical pedaling motion into electrical energy and then directly transmitting it to the drive motors in the rear wheels. The generator can generate torque to provide the rider with a natural pedaling feel, very similar to that of a conventional bicycle. In addition to the rider's input, additional energy is supplied from a battery to the drive motors to ensure the necessary performance for the safe and comfortable movement of a cargo bike.

VM: Where do you see the application possibilities for the new drive?

I see the most applications in cargo bikes, where it's crucial to make the best use of the available space. Especially in newer vehicle concepts, you often see a very complex drivetrain with up to four consecutively linked chains to transmit the power from the rider mechanically to the rear wheels. This is where a major advantage lies, as the space can be utilized effectively. Additionally, many wear parts of the mechanical power transmission are eliminated, which often cause unwanted downtime of the bike, especially in intensively used cargo bikes.

VM: There are already other manufacturers offering a serial hybrid drive. Are there significant differences in functions? What are the advantages of your product?

In principle, the functionality and range of functions of the various systems are quite similar. Our existing Pendix eDrive system has always been developed according to the "keep it simple" principle, and we continue this with this product. The generator and drive motors are based on the same motor concept and have been optimized according to their function. We also offer a system where the components come from a single source and are perfectly matched to each other.

Functions such as gear shifting or reversing can be solved through software in the future. Of course, our proven Pendix.bike PRO app will also be used with this product to provide the rider with useful information, customizations to the riding profile, and firmware updates over the air, while also supporting service partners in diagnostics.

VM: Is the vehicle still considered a pedelec in the end?

This question can be answered with a clear yes. After years of back and forth, the European Commission decided in early 2022 that bicycles with serial hybrid drive systems are equated with bicycles just like conventional pedelecs with a mechanical drivetrain. To maintain technological neutrality, it does not matter whether the bike is equipped with a mechanical chain or not - as long as the drive only assists and the rider also pedals. For us, our new drive was already the next step in the bicycle evolution during development. Therefore, we are glad to now also have support from Brussels.