E-Bike Software How the "Brain" of the E-Bike Works

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Pressedienst-Fahrrad GmbH

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E-bikes have rapidly evolved in recent years. Integrated systems, smaller motors, and smart solutions are in demand. Much of the development work is now taking place in the software sector. Here, we explain what the e-bike software does and why it's beneficial to perform regular updates.

The software ensures that the e-bike performs as it should. The individual drive components, such as sensors, motor, remote unit, and even the battery, communicate with each other through the software. Each component has its own software; all together they are bundled in firmware. This simplifies handling. By adjusting the software, the characteristics of the drive system are defined. The software can control, for example, the system's maximum power, how the riding modes are configured, and how much motor power is provided. The firmware is regularly updated, improved, and provided as an update.

No one in the e-bike market has reached the zenith. We can all still work on interaction.

Pascal Ketterer, Software-Entwickler, Fazua

Harmonize E-Bike Software With Humans And Machines

A key challenge in developing software for e-bikes or pedelecs is the coordination between human and machine, the interaction. Unlike other electronic devices, the human factor is crucial for the system's functioning. The software must process the information produced by a human (such as the force the cyclist applies to the pedals and what this implies for the overall system). The systems respond very sensitively to the rider's input. "The great art of the industry is recognizing and covering a wide range of different factors, purposes, and user groups," says Dirk Menze, Head of Marketing and Design at drive manufacturer Pinion. Improvements based on error analyses are therefore an essential part of software development. "No one in the e-bike market has reached their peak. We can all still work on interaction," says Pascal Ketterer, software developer at drive manufacturer Fazua.

Why are Regular Updates Useful?

The goal is always to further develop the system and provide a better product. When a new e-bike drive comes to market, it is sufficiently tested and verified, but practical applications can still reveal issues that cannot be simulated on a test bench. Software updates can address these identified problems without requiring repairs on the bike or extended time in the workshop. Manufacturers are also constantly working on optimizations and understanding what users truly need, continually rolling out new features. "We learn from the mistakes we make," says Pascal Ketterer.

The analysis is based on reading anonymous data by the manufacturers. It examines in which performance ranges a motor is used, which support modes are driven, or what average cadence is pedaled. Based on these values, possible errors are analyzed and corrected. Personal data such as address and place of residence are not read.

Noticeable in the data analysis: Most e-bikers ride in a battery-saving mode. Part of the work also involves making the systems even more individualized. Those who ride more sportily pedal at a higher cadence and therefore need a more harmonious motor that feels more like a bicycle. Those who are only occasionally on the road tend to have a lower cadence but stronger motor assistance. Such individual differences can also be managed through software settings.

How Do You Get A Software Update?

There are various solutions available. Manufacturers, for example, provide updates via a mobile app. Simply connect your phone to the e-bike and use the app to install the update. Other systems require a connection to a computer via a USB-C cable. "There's no need to worry about doing it yourself," says Pascal Ketterer. Some manufacturers also involve the specialist dealer in the update process, allowing the bike to be checked for defects at the same time. Whether there is a current update can usually be found out through the providers' newsletters or on their websites.

It depends on the manufacturer whether they regularly push small updates or prefer to bundle them. Major updates with significant changes occur approximately every six months.

However, there is no need to worry that the e-bike will stop working due to lack of updates. There is also no risk of losing warranty and guarantee claims. The updates are merely for improving the software or installing new features. Nonetheless, it is advisable to have the e-bike software read regularly, similar to a car, so that possible errors can be analyzed.

This depends on the scope of the update. Some updates directly affect riding behavior by, for instance, unlocking more motor power or integrating an additional riding mode, thus influencing riding behavior. Smaller technical updates, on the other hand, are hardly noticeable. An example of a major update can be seen with Pinion. In the fall of 2024, the company released a software update that enabled an automatic shift function on all previous systems. Instead of a hardware exchange, the function could simply be activated via software.

Self-learning is probably not the correct term yet. As an entire industry, we're not at the point where we can speak of that. However, certain assumptions and embedded logics already come quite close to AI and improve the system.

Dirk Menze, Head of Marketing und Design, Pinion

What Does Automatic Shifting Mean for E-Bikes?

Automatic shifting means that the gear system changes gears by itself. The cadence is crucial for this. Users can input their desired cadence, and the system bases its gear selection on this setting. Pinion goes even further: the cyclist can override the automatic system with a shift button when necessary and make individual adjustments. The system remembers the changed gear shifts and adapts them for the next automated operations. "Self-learning is probably still the wrong term. As an entire industry, we're not there yet to talk about that. But certain assumptions and embedded logics come very close to AI and improve the system," explains Dirk Menze.

Increase Performance With An Update—How Sensible is That?

Both torque and maximum power can be increased through updates. As long as the system ceases assistance at 15.5 mph and the nominal continuous power is limited to 250 watts, a software adjustment for more peak power is possible without the pedelec losing its status as a bicycle. However, the practicality of this should be questioned. The components are not designed for higher motor outputs and can wear out more quickly. Additionally, a motor in a high maximum power range overheats faster and is then throttled down to a lower power range. Higher power also means higher energy consumption, which in turn necessitates a larger battery, making the e-bike heavier.

How Long are Updates Available for A System?

E-bike drive systems are not products subject to annual model changes but remain current for several years, and older versions are also still available on the market—similar to smartphones. Additionally, these systems are designed for the lifecycle of an e-bike, which is defined as approximately ten years or even longer. Corresponding updates are provided for this duration. For example, Fazua introduced an update in 2024 for an old drive system that is no longer produced. When purchasing new, one should expect that the drive system will be supplied with updates for a long time. However, when buying used, it is important to check again to ensure that the system is still supported.

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