Bimoz: add electric assistance to any bike + video

The new Bimoz system currently looking for funding on Indiegogo adds electric assistance to almost any bike and provides a range of up to 150km (94 miles).

Bimoz is a direct drive system, an integrated hub-type design that fits to the bottom bracket. It can be fitted retro-fitted to a standard bike in 20 minutes, according to its inventors (check out the video, below, to see how it works).

Bimoz uses a 250 W motor and the more you press on the pedals, the more electrical assistance you get. The top speed is limited to 25 km/h (16mph).

“The patented drive system receives its power from two battery options,” says Bimoz. “The standard battery rated at 14V/ 80 Watt / h, depending on speed, environment and riding style, gives a range of 40-60km. 

“The XL battery, depending on the speed, temperature and topography, will possibly support Bimoz for 130-150km (up to 1,000 charging cycles and charging time three hours). The battery can be removed and loaded at home on the charging station.”

Bimoz is said to make no noise and doesn’t add resistance to the drivetrain when it’s not in use.

“The true values are hidden in the control unit of the Bimoz,” according to team member Roland Eschler. “The electronics measure the torque and speed several times per second and measure the applied and the existing force at different points. It can interpret short, heavy pedal pressure and quickly provide maximum power. The result is a support that is so intuitive, soft and sensitive that you only realise once you sit back on a conventional bicycle". 

If you’re thinking of motor doping, this isn’t the system for you because it’s perfectly visible on your bike. The UCI officials wouldn’t need their iPads to detect this one.

Bimoz is being marketed mostly as a commuting tool but there’s a fitness aspect to it as well. Download the app and you can choose the level of difficulty at which you’d like to ride. You can enter your target heart rate and have the Bimoz add the support or the resistance to keep you exercising at that intensity.

You need to pledge at least US$899 (£637) on Indiegogo to be in-line for a Bimoz starter kit. This includes the Bimoz itself along with a battery that’ll provide power for up to 60km. 

US$999 (£708) gets you in-line for a Bimoz with a larger battery with enough power for up to 150km. That’s all provided that the campaign reaches its US$165,000 (£117,000) crowd-funding target, of course, and the Bimoz makes it to full production.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bimoz-the-world-s-smartest-pedelec-dr...