German scientists showed a prototype of the drive system for electric bikes without a chain. It is reported by ELECTREK Edition.
Schaeffler introduced an innovative drive system for electric trains. The FREE DRIVE invention consists of a generator and pedals installed on a bicycle carriage. When you click on the pedals, the driver drives a generator that converts mechanical energy into electric.
According to the creators, the generator makes the presence of a chain, a belt or a cardan shaft optional. Thus, there is no direct clutch between the rear wheel and the carriage. The generator can change the resistance of the pedal depending on the required or selected pedaling force. If the driver presses the pedals strongly and creates excess energy – a large one that is required for movement, the electronics sends it to the bike battery.
also Free Drive provides recuperative braking, which gives another way to recharging the battery. The engine has a power of 250 watts, which is the limit indicator for this type of transport in Germany.
According to experts, the main advantage of the new system is the low probability of breakage, which is present in traditional bicycles. One of the key disadvantages was called 5 percent rotation efficiency of pedals – compared with the bike on the chain drive.