Conclusion: TQ lays the foundations for new features
With its over-the-air updates for TQ e-bike motors, TQ is closing an important gap between itself and Bosch, Avinox and other competitors. Updating via the app makes software maintenance more convenient for e-bike riders in the long term and lays the groundwork for retrofitting existing drive systems to optimise them or add new functions. Unfortunately, you have to have the feature activated by a dealer. However, the fact that TQ apparently also intends to update the older HPR 50 deserves special praise. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor
Software updates are becoming an increasingly common part of everyday life for modern e-bike drives. Bosch, DJI Avinox and other manufacturers are already distributing updates via an app – and, in some cases, use it to activate additional functions in the case of Avinox or higher engine power in the case of Bosch. Now TQ is following suit: the Bavarian drive specialist is introducing over-the-air updates for its e-bike systems.
This allows available updates to be transferred to the bike via the TQ E-Bike app and then installed automatically. The new feature is initially available for the TQ-HPR40 drive systems and TQ-HPR60 is available. According to the manufacturer, a corresponding update for the widely used TQ-HPR50 is in the pipeline. TQ has not yet announced a specific release date.
TQ software updates will in future be available directly via the app
With its over-the-air updates – OTA for short – TQ is developing its own app to serve as the central interface between the rider, the e-bike and the drive system. So far, the app allows users to customise settings such as motor power, assistance level and responsiveness, amongst other things. The app also displays information about the battery and the installed system software.
In future, it will also be responsible for installing new software versions. This will enable TQ to roll out optimisations, enhancements and new features directly to e-bikes that have already been delivered. The manufacturer has not yet revealed exactly what new features future OTA updates will bring.
Other drive manufacturers are already using software updates to retroactively expand the functionality of their systems. Examples of this include Bosch’s Power Updates and additional functions for the Avinox system. With the introduction of the OTA function, TQ is now also laying the technical foundations for similar further developments.
A one-off visit to the workshop is still necessary
However, it is not possible to get started in the new world of updates without the help of a specialist retailer. For e-bikes fitted with the TQ-HPR40 or TQ-HPR60, the OTA function must first be activated by a retailer.
To do this, the specialist workshop uses the TQ Dealer Service Tool to install the latest software update onto the e-bike. Only then will riders be able to download and install future updates themselves via the TQ E-Bike App.
TQ is therefore continuing, for the time being, to regard specialist dealers as key points of contact for service, diagnostics and technical support. At the same time, OTA updates are likely to ease the burden on both customers and garages, as many future software updates will not require a further appointment with the dealer.
When will the TQ-HPR50 get the OTA function?
Whilst owners of an HPR40 or HPR60 drive can already have the necessary activation carried out at a specialist retailer, riders of a TQ-HPR50 will have to wait a little longer. According to TQ, the relevant software is currently in development. Further information on the release is expected to follow at a later date.
The phased roll-out is also likely to be linked to the large number of different bicycle models and system configurations in which the compact TQ motors are used.
Adrian Kaether
Editor