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They are the experts. Stephane Blandin, Programme Manager Owuru at Decathlon and Christophe Deleval from motor manufacturer E2 Drives know every cog on the Owuru by its first name. For our test of the Owuru motor and the corresponding bike from Decathlon, we asked the two of them a few questions. How does the motor actually work, how long does it last and will the Owuru perhaps soon even be available in bikes from other manufacturers?
MYBIKE: An e-bike motor with an integrated automatic gearbox: that sounds ambitious. How did you come up with the idea at E2 Drives?
Christophe Deleval: Our founder Arthur originally worked as an engineer in the automotive industry. While analysing different types of gearboxes, he came across the Prius system, which provided the brilliant idea for our product.
What distinguishes the Owuru from a conventional e-bike motor?
Christophe Deleval: The integrated automatic transmission is of course the most important difference. We work with two electric motors inside so that it functions according to our ideas. The larger electric motor drives the transmission and controls the gear ratio. The smaller electric motor regulates the assistance.
How does the automatic system work in the Owuru?
Christophe Deleval: Our CVT works with a planetary gearbox and two electric motors. You can think of it as a differential where the driver's input speed is combined with the speed of our motor to achieve a desired output speed. While this transmission is protected by patents, the software also plays an essential role. It controls the interaction between human, gearbox and electric motors in such a way that pedalling feels so natural despite the complex technology in the background.
Does the Owuru also have disadvantages?
Christophe Deleval: There are a few special features. Even when the assistance is switched off, both electric motors continue to run. One acts as a motor and the other as a generator. So the system always needs some energy. Thanks to the integrated gearbox, our maximum torque is variable and decreases with a low gear ratio. On the other hand, the Owuru only weighs as much as a mid-motor plus hub gears and, according to our measurements, the efficiency is very good, especially with higher levels of assistance.
Wear on the integrated components, including the gearbox, is close to zero
What about durability?
Stephane Blandin: "The engine passes the usual 30,000 kilometre tests without any problems. The wear on the integrated components, including the gearbox, is close to zero. We can also work with a particularly robust chain that has no skew and runs particularly fast. This minimises load peaks and significantly increases durability.
Will the Owuru motor also be available in other bikes?
Stephane Blandin: Decathlon is the largest shareholder in E2 Drives. However, the brand will remain independent and make the motor available to other manufacturers if they are interested.
What else can you imagine for the future?
Stephane Blandin: We will continue to expand the portfolio with this technology. In addition to urban and trekking bikes, the system is also particularly interesting for cargo use. A concept with straps is conceivable, and sporty applications will also be coming. Let us surprise you!
Adrian Kaether
Editor
