Due to the high speeds that are possible with e-bikes and the increasingly powerful disc brakes, Brake Force One sees the need for an ABS system, especially for inexperienced riders on easier terrain. Similar to a car, this should prevent the wheels from locking and also prevent rollovers.
Thanks to a new functional principle, Brake Force One was able to keep the system small. The centrepieces of the ABS system are two actuators, one of which is located on the fork of the bike on display at Eurobike and one under the left-hand chainstay. With a diameter of 32 millimetres and a length of 75 millimetres, the two actuators can also disappear into the frame in future. The weight per brake is 280 grams. According to Brake Force One, the ABS actuator could only be kept so small because the in-house brake booster reduces the required brake pressure to 25 bar. This means that the ABS system can only be combined with the Brake Force One H2O brake. Power is supplied via the e-bike's on-board battery.
According to Brake Force One, the functional principle of the system is based on the ABS algorithm analysing various sensor signals to detect whether one of the wheels is about to lock or whether the rear wheel is about to lift off due to over-braking of the front wheel and thus threaten to roll over. In this case, the ABS actuator disconnects the hydraulic connection between the brake lever and brake calliper and then automatically regulates the brake pressure. It is claimed that the actuator works so quickly that it intervenes as soon as the wheel threatens to lock and not only when it is already locked. This should also make it possible to brake in bends.
The ABS system should also be connected to the e-bike display so that the modes (City, Offroad, Off) can be selected. Updates and error analyses should also be possible. The use of a brake light is also possible.
The ABS comprises the Brake Force One H2O brake for the front and rear wheel with slightly modified brake levers, special brake discs for speed measurement, the necessary sensors and an independent control system and is supplied to e-bike manufacturers as an OEM version. The ABS system will undergo intensive testing with a few selected customers in 2017, with the start of series production planned for 2018. Brake Force One is also planning an accessory version for the front wheel only, which can be retrofitted to older e-bikes.
