Cargo E-bikes – Two Different Takes

Jukka Mäennenä on 2022-10-18

Cargo e-bikes are one of the hottest segments in the bicycle industry right now. And not only that, a lot bigger entity, the logistics industry is paying close attention to how the emerging field with the accompanying technology is developing. We are fortunate to work with the two most forward-thinking companies in the field – EAV and Ouca Bikes.

This article lists some of the similarities and differences in how the two companies go around harnessing modern e-bike technology’s capabilities to logistical needs. 

No Reinvented Wheels

Inventing or engineering something just for its sake is certainly respectable, but rarely convenient or efficient. Therefore it’s oftentimes preferable to use existing components that are readily available.

Both, EAV and Ouca Bikes, have put this philosophy into good use. As the name suggests, cargo e-bikes are still bicycles, but with very special needs posed by the unique demands subjected to them. Because of this, some commonly used bicycle components can’t simply meet the demanding criteria or as a choice are far from optimal. In these situations, it’s best to look outside the bicycle industry and see what’s being used. As can be seen from the lineup of both manufacturers, this has been done with good results. 

Essential Features

In order to fulfil its intended task, the cargo e-bike needs to carry quite a bit more than just the rider. This means that the structure needs to be capable of handling loads of intended magnitudes. The bike needs to be robust all over, including the frame/chassis, wheels and the parts that contain the payload, whether it’s goods, people or both. On top of all this, the design needs to be practical to use in all scenarios, whether that’s riding, loading or unloading goods, or charging the battery for example. 

It comes without saying, that just like a regular e-bike, a well-designed cargo e-bike needs to be reliable. The only thing more unpleasant than being left on the side with a broken bike is to experience that with a cargo e-bike. Therefore, heavy-duty components are well-warranted, like puncture-resistant tires, and durable drivetrain parts.

The latter brings us to the topic of drive systems. The Revonte ONE Drive System is the winning choice for cargo e-bikes for several reasons. First and foremost is the ride experience it offers – just pedal and the drive system will take care of the rest! No clunky shifting or chains skipping over cogs. Thanks to its ingenious design, the Revonte ONE Drive Unit boasts plenty of torque and peak power even for the most demanding use cases. Another thing worth mentioning that will make some product managers very happy is the fact that one type of hardware – drive units in this case – are used for all types of e-bikes! This simplifies design work of an order of magnitude and makes stock management easier. Last, but not least is the software-first approach. The Revonte ONE Drive System runs on highly sophisticated software that is developed constantly. Whenever an update is released, everyone running the Revonte ONE Drive system will enjoy the benefits. Revonte ONE Drive System is as future-proof as one can get.

Similarities & Differences

Even though Ouca Bikes and EAV are offering solutions to very similar needs, they got about it quite differently. Let’s start with Ouca Bikes, our partner hailing from Oulu, the northern part of Finland. The lineup can meet just about any need in the modern urban environment. Take the Transport model for example. With its cargo bay that reaches up to 570 litres of volume, it provides almost endless options for use cases – as long as the maximal load limit is adhered to. The Kiddiebus model on the other hand can move up to 8 small children – a true testament to the platform’s brilliant design and its versatility.

EAV on the other hand has taken another route. Their lineup is the broadest found in the fast-growing industry. The bikes themselves resemble a small-sized van with their windshields and sturdy-looking, but still lightweight chassis. Everything about EAV’s lineup radiates the intent for professional use. The logistics industry has taken note of this, and It does not come as a surprise that some of the biggest players in the field have expressed their strong interest. 

Photo credit: EAV

Both companies have taken a similar approach in designing their fleet by using components that are sourced outside the bicycle industry. Cargo e-bikes fill a very special need, and therefore the demands posed to the components can differ greatly from what they’re designed for. In some instances, a component used in regular e-bikes simply does not cut it, and therefore more heavy-duty alternatives are used.


In Summary

E-bikes are becoming more and more popular at an accelerating rate. Besides commuting, and sports and leisure use, the fast-developing technology will reach other fields as well – and quicker than most realize. Cargo e-bikes answer the last-mile dilemma by offering a highly agile and zero-emission option. In the future, small deliveries in the urban environment will be done with cargo e-bikes of trucks with accompanying diesel fumes. Also, cargo e-bikes will be a full-scale substitute for a car in modern cities.

EAV and Ouca Bikes are leading the field with the most advanced drive system on offer.

More than Just Bikes – Why E-bikes with the Revonte ONE Drive System Are a Category Breaker

Jukka Mäennenä on 2021-11-08

E-bike sales have rocketed during the past years which in turn is clearly reflected in the scenes of some of the biggest cities in the world, especially in Europe. E-bikes have quickly arisen to the position of a default vehicle for a variety of types of use.

Read further why e-bikes are more than just bikes equipped with an electric motor, and what type of role the Revonte ONE Drive System plays in this picture.

For Everyday Use

E-bikes are a vehicle and a means for transportation for everyday use. This has been the case with traditional bicycles already in certain parts of the world, but the assistance provided by the electrical motor takes the potential of this splendid vehicle to whole another level. With the aid of the electrical motor, one can ride further, longer, faster, and transport goods with ease. Before, all these tasks were reserved for the automobile, but times have changed and for several reasons.

When developing the Revonte ONE Drive System the following criteria were considered throughout the process to guide every engineering decision on the way, whether it was mechanics, electronics, or software-related. 

·      Ease of use. The use of the e-bike should be intuitive, nearly laughable easy. If one can ride a bike, then one should be able to use an e-bike equipped with Revonte ONE Drive System without any instructions. This is where the automatic & stepless feature of the drive system plays an essential role – just pedal, the drive system will take care of the rest, providing the correct gear ratio for every situation.

·      Low maintenance. It’s certainly nice to have every feature and trick in the book, but it matters very little if the hours used for riding and servicing have nearly a ratio of 1:1 or even worse. Thanks to the robust design and construction of the Revonte ONE Drive Unit, and the tried and true single-speed drivetrain arrangement, our drive system needs very little servicing and maintenance. When paired with a belt drive, even the occasional lubing of the chain can be left out! 

·      Up to date. When purchasing a bike with the Revone ONE Drive System, one is not only getting the state-of-the-art drive system, but it’s also going to stay that way for a long time to come, thanks for the continuous software updates which can be done over the 4G network via the inbuilt connection found on the drive unit.

More than just a Bike with a Motor 

It is still common that e-bikes are considered “just” bicycles with motors bolted on them. While this is true on the most basic level, the potential of this powerful combination is way, way higher.

In a recent story in Helsingin Sanomat Visio – the largest magazine in Finland – our CEO Otto Chrons summarized the potential of e-bikes and the role this technology is going to play in the near future nicely. 

“From the beginning, the main idea was to make the electric bike a worthy competitor to the car.”

-Otto Chrons, CEO of Revonte

This holds especially true with e-bikes using the Revonte ONE Drive System for the reasons stated earlier. E-bikes provide a convenient, easy, and environment-friendly way to commute. This has been the trajectory in countries with especially strong cycling culture, like in the Netherlands for example. The rest of Europe is following suit, as is most of the developed world.

Besides commuting and simply being a means of getting around, e-bikes are also the answer to the last mile dilemma in the professional transportation sector. City centers are getting more and more crowded, which makes it even more difficult for trucks, and delivery vans to navigate in the close-quarters environment. Cargo e-bikes provide the answer to this timely problem! Our partner EAV from the UK is a pioneer in this rapidly growing sector and changing how cargo is being transported in urban areas. 

The Health Benefits

One common misconception is that e-bikes are for lazy people. If the said individual chooses a car or an e-bike, it’s quite clear which option is better from a health and environmental standpoint. 

It’s been observed that e-bikes lower the threshold of getting on a bike, whether it is done in the form of commuting or recreationally. Besides this, e-bike users ride their bikes more frequently and for longer distances on average.

In this light, it can be said that e-bikes can act as a catalyst of getting people moving more frequently, and thus act as a medium for people in receiving their daily dose of exercise which has a major positive effect on the long-term. 

In Closing

Thanks to its ease of use and unprecedented ride experience, the Revonte ONE Drive System will change how e-bikes are used and thought of.

Whether it’s a daily commute, moving goods in a professional setting on a cargo e-bike, or just enjoying oneself in the saddle, the Revonte ONE Drive System will tick all the boxes.

The one drive system to rule them all.

Lessons from the Industry

Jukka Mäennenä on 2021-04-30

The bicycle drivetrain started as a direct mount application where the pedals were attached directly to the hub. The use of a chain in the form of a single-speed drivetrain was the next phase of evolution. The possibility of changing gears rapidly while riding followed next with the aid of a derailleur. This is the phase we are now still, but this needs to change.

E-bikes create a whole new set of requirements for the drivetrain – which the Revonte ONE Drive System solves brilliantly. Read further to learn why that is.

A Brief Primer

The addition of electric assistance to the drivetrain creates a whole new set of design conditions and demands. When it comes to e-bikes, the technology used in traditional bike can’t be fully adopted – or not at least with the assumption that the performance will be flawless across the board. 

When it comes to other components, such as the frame, cockpit parts, suspension and even brakes, the current technology serves us well when it’s adopted e-bike applications. The drivetrain, however, is of special interest in this case. 

The addition of electrical assistance with the need for fast, reliable and shifting creates a whole new situation that hasn’t existed before the era of e-bikes. This leads us to the topic of loads. 

Low and High-Loads

The traditional bicycle drivetrain can be defined as a mechanism that’s subjected to low-loads, at least with the majority of use cases. A strong rider can without a doubt apply a respectable amount of torque and power to the pedals, but when compared to figures seen in industrial applications the numbers are meagre at best.

This makes the bicycle drivetrain a low-load application which the technology used so far has been able to cope with. 

The situation changes, however, when a powerful e-bike motor is added to the equation. In practical terms, it can double the torque and output that the drivetrain components are subjected to. Now we move on to the high-load territory. When talking about demanding applications like cargo e-bikes, this matter gets even more pronounced. 

A chain can handle loads like this without a problem, but the same can’t be said about the entirety of the drivetrain. As it’s often said, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Interestingly, the chain isn’t necessarily the weakest link in this scenario, but how it’s used. A chain will do its task diligently, but moving it sideways from one cog to the next under tension creates a set of problems – as most e-bike enthusiasts have surely noted.

Things That Used to Matter

Historically cyclists have been nearly obsessed with weight which has led to the use of “materials” such as drillium. When not taken to the extreme, making bikes and other human-powered vehicles responsibly light makes sense. The power to weight ratio does matter somewhat, whether one likes it or not. 

With the advent of e-bikes, the set of circumstances and limiting factors we are dealing with are quite different! First of all, when the assistance of the drive unit is added to the equation, the weight of the bike becomes almost a non-issue. Trying to make e-bikes as light as possible in exchange for performance and/or durability is an exercise in futility. 

The same line of thinking applies to efficiency. With traditional bikes, efficiency is best kept in the high 90’s or so, but with e-bikes, one gets a lot more leeway when the drive unit is churning with steady assistance of 250W – an output that will take a considerable amount of training to sustain for hours on end.  

Tried and True Solutions

Traditional bicycle drivetrains tick the boxes somewhat well when it comes to efficiency and low-weight. When it comes to e-bikes, these criteria become nearly marginal. Instead, reliability, robustness, easy shifting and low maintenance are things that are wanted.

A quick look outside of the bicycle industry gives obvious clues of the direction of what a winning drivetrain would look like. When it comes to automotive, industrial or even motorcycle applications, in none of these (or very rarely at least) you see a chain or a belt transferred from one cog to the next. Instead, gearboxes and other similar robust and oftentimes enclosed systems are more than prevalent. 

When it comes to e-bikes, we can do better than what’s available currently. This is where Revonte ONE Drive System steps in; a robust, reliable and low maintenance transmission. And we haven’t even mentioned the automatic stepless gearing feature which will provide an unprecedented ride-experience. 

In Summary

Until now bicycles have been optimized around weight and efficiency. Although still somewhat important, they are far from the top of the criteria list when it comes to e-bike applications. Traditional bicycles are in the low-load category when it comes to drivetrain characteristics. In the case of e-bikes, we are moving significantly closer to the high-load territory and its accompanying design conditions. 

This simple characterisation should be taken into account in the design of the whole drivetrain, and that’s what we are doing with the Revonte ONE Drive System while also improving the ride-experience significantly; just pedal and the bike will do the rest!

This simple characterisation should be taken into account in the design of the whole drivetrain, and that’s what we are doing with the Revonte ONE Drive System. It’s more than capable of handling the high demands of a modern e-bike power transmission while also improving reliability and last but not least, the ride-experience itself; just pedal and the bike will do the rest!

Cargo E-bikes – What It Takes to Be a Winner?

Jukka Mäennenä on 2021-01-27

On our previous post, we took a look into EAV and their vast range of cargo e-bikes. We are especially excited to be partnering with a company who shares the same forward-thinking philosophy as us, and that they’re quickly established the pioneer status of the rapidly growing cargo e-bike segment.

In this post, we take a look at what it takes to build a market-leading cargo e-bike and what demands it poses to the drive system.

Metrics Matter

The cargo e-bikes can be considered as a high-performance sector, even though this might not sound intuitive. Moving heavy payloads, and accelerating up steep inclines poses great demands on the drive unit. Even though Revonte ONE Drive System has a lot more going on than just performance metrics, it has plenty of brawn in the form of high torque and peak power to back up the promises. 

See a practical demonstration of the torque capabilities in our recent video.

To power a cargo e-bike, not to mention a heavily loaded one, an ample amount of torque is needed. The ease of use is maximized by our unique stepless and automatic assist mode – no need to change gears, just pedal and enjoy the ride!

Go the Distance

The demands of high torque situations and appreciable payloads come with a cost, and the currency in question is energy. In order to have a respectable range and a battery life which covers an entire workday, we’ve developed the Revonte AKKU – the most versatile e-bike battery in the market.

By using the latest 21700 Li-ion cells the AKKU offers excellent energy storage capabilities, high outputs to power even the most demanding situations, fast charging and long life. The AKKU was developed in collaboration with Akku Vision GmbH, a leader in battery development from Germany. 

Two models will be available: AKKU 5 and AKKU 7. The former has the capacity of 530Wh, and the latter 705Wh, respectively. Different capacities are provided to meet every price point and need in the market. Despite the different capacities, both models share the same physical dimensions, making them interchangeable. 

What makes AKKU a true powerhouse in cargo e-bike use is its unique Smart Connection feature which makes it possible to connect up to four AKKU’s in parallel, therefore giving a combined capacity of over 2.8kWh. Smart Connection function has the flexibility to the extent that it can be used with AKKU’s of different capacities, and charge states. All this can be done without any additional devices or electronics, thanks to the smart in-built battery management system AKKU has.

Special Requirements 

EAV has its finger on the pulse when it comes to the requirements specified from the industry – and by this, we mean some of the biggest players in the world of logistics. It goes without saying that we’ve listened carefully what they have to say.

Cargo tracking and inventory requires a high level of connectivity. We have met this criterion from the start since our drive unit has in-built 4G, GPS and Bluetooth. Whatever the task, provided the relevant software architecture exists, our drive system can log, track or sort it. 

Remote diagnostics is another feature we’ve had on our spec list from the start. Thanks to the powerful software humming inside the Revonte ONE Drive System it has more than adequate capabilities to recognize and communicate any detected problems to the user and further up the chain if needed.

Consider the End-user

When designing a product, it is imperative to consider the requirements posed by all parties in the chain: manufacturer, customer, and end-user. As can be seen from the broad range of EAV’s fleet, their products are directed mostly to professional use. When it comes to commercial applications, especially in the field of logistics, the three things surface themselves time and time again. 

Efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

Since energy stores are finite (applies to both; battery and the rider), the drive system needs to highly efficient to prevail in the competitive market. Reliability is nearly self-explanatory; non-moving cargo e-bike does not transport any goods and is more of a liability instead of an asset, which holds true to any type of vehicle used in logistics.

The highly configurable nature and the fact that the Revonte ONE Drive System is compatible with any type of bike with no variations in hardware makes it a winning choice for cargo e-bikes. Our partnership with EAV will be a testament to that. 

Meet EAV – The Leader of Cargo E-bike Development

Jukka Mäennenä on 2021-01-06

As you might remember from our previous press release, we have partnered with EAV who is the leading the development in the field of cargo e-bikes, and some might say that even in logistics. EAV shares the same forward-thinking ethos as we do which becomes obvious by just looking their lineup. Since the whole cargo e-bike sector is undergoing rapid growth and development we found it timely to introduce EAV in a more detailed manner.

The Missing Link

Humans have always had the need to move and transport goods since the origin of trade. The means of transport have improved greatly, from donkeys to locomotives and delivery trucks. Despite the great progress, there are still big challenges to solve. Interestingly, the weakest link in the logistic chain is the very final one, the last mile. This is especially true in modern urban environments which are densely populated, often overly built up, and therefore difficult to navigate through. Couple that with the notion that not too many people want to have a semi-truck stopping at their doorstep with the accompanying diesel fumes.

The logistical chain is not complete yet and it needs to reinvent itself and do so fast. EAV is here to fulfil that need.

Filling the Void

As you have learned the missing link in the logistics chain creates a void in the market. Considering the size of the global logistics industry, the void can be described simply as massive. EAV is filling this need with their innovative and eye-catching design, aiming to become the complete provider of sustainable urban transport. 

EAV has designed and engineered e-cargo bikes from a van down, rather than from a bike up! The electrical assistance enables the rider to effortlessly with a 150kg payload, without impending the ride characteristics. EAV has taken advantage of the torque and peak power that the Revonte ONE Drive System has at hand by designing an enclosed design; robust in looks and still light to ride.

The wide range covers all the models and needs one could think of. 

EAV Platform – Think of a lightweight pick-up truck that’s able to navigate in tightly built up urban areas as well as a factory floor. 

EAV Pickup – The perfect solution for transporting work equipment and other goods.

EAV 2Cubed – The best-selling model in the EAV range bridges the gap between a traditional cargo bike and a van. 

EAV RoRo – The modular 1.2m3-sized EuroPod container makes the RoRO a true asset for all types of industrial logistical needs.

HG EAV – What’s half-way between a cargo e-bike and tractor? Meet the HG EAV with its twin wheel trailer.

EAV Cool – Need to keep the cargo in temperature-controlled conditions? The EAV Cool has you covered.

EAV Range

The Man with a Vision

None of these ideas, and most importantly, the implementation does not happen by itself. Adam Barmby is the founder and the man behind EAV. His background as a designer, engineer and entrepreneur provided the ideal platform (pun intended) for the creation of such a disruptive company as EAV.

Adam Barmby

He has a passion for simple means of transport and wants to see a big cultural shift in daily urban mobility. His track record with his first company BAMD ltd progressed quickly from his friend’s garage to notable advanced composites manufacturer with a turnover of over £4.5m. Adam is set to do the same, but even on a bigger scale, with EAV. 

“The logistic industry is looking for a solution for a big problem and EAV is set to solve it. We are especially excited to team up with Revonte since their drive system is the only one in the market which can meet the high demands of cargo e-bikes.”

There’s a highly experienced and competent team besides Adam. Take Nigel Gordon-Stewart for example, the executive chairman, who has over three decades of experience in the automotive industry.

In Closing

The logistics industry is looking for an answer for the last mile problem, and e-cargo bikes provide a solution that is not only practical, economical but has also green values with its zero-emission nature. 

In the next article, we will take a detailed look at the needs of the logistics industry and how e-cargo bikes are meeting them. 

Why Revonte ONE Is the Drive System of Choice for Cargo E-bikes

Jukka Mäennenä on 2020-11-09

E-bikes are taking an ever-growing share of the bicycle market pie. With the advent of new bike types that were not even on the map some years ago, such as cargo e-bikes, the need for a matching drive system is higher than ever before. Even the most conservative predictions indicate that the popularity and therefore the market share of e-bikes is growing at a fast pace.

Our drive system will power any type of e-bike with a single set of hardware. From the start we’ve designed our drive system to be highly adaptable. When this is coupled with the high performance metrics and unrivaled battery capacity, we have a true winner when it comes to cargo e-bike drive systems.

Enter the Revonte ONE Drive System. Read further to learn more about its unique benefits and forward-thinking that makes it the drive system of choice for cargo e-bikes.

The Versatile Powerhouse

The Revone ONE Drive Unit has a lot of going on inside its stealth black surface. The housing contains the motor, the gears and circuit boards – or smarts as we like to call them – all in one compact package. As all high-performance motors, the Revonte ONE Drive Unit is a mid-motor. For cargo e-bikes, this motor type is the superior choice in every way. 

From the start of the design we wanted to have “one hardware” to fit all types of bikes – hence the name, ONE. A testament to this is that the Revonte ONE Drive System can be easily adopted from a city commuter bike to an heavy-duty cargo e-bike. All of the configurations are done on the software side. 

Even though the raw performance metrics are just one part of ride characteristics, Revonte ONE Drive System is all but a wallflower in this game. Very high peak values in torque and power guarantees that an even heavily loaded bike will accelerate in a quick fashion, be it flat or uphill. How much are those numbers exactly? “Enough”, as one British car manufacturer states their engine power.

Staying Connected 

All the “smarts” aren’t packed into the Revonte Drive Unit for nothing. Besides withholding the control electronics needed for delivering the smooth and honed assistance behaviour, it includes all the connectivity technology that one could wish for. In-built GPS, 4G and Bluetooth enables not only efficient communication between the drive system and the rider via our app, but also brings other features to the table which are highly valuable in a professional setting, especially when it comes to cargo e-bikes.

For example, GPS and 4G enable real-time cargo tracking with pinpoint accuracy, therefore making pick-ups and deliveries possible even on a short notice, not unlike how Taxi cabs operate in current times. Of course, the final list of services and options are to be decided by the service provider. But most importantly, the Revonte ONE Drive System opens the door for possibilities that have been so far on a nearly uncharted territory. 

Tailored Battery Technology

The Revonte AKKU is the most flexible e-bike battery in the market, and for a good reason! Packed with the latest Li-ion 21700 cell technology, it provides state of the art features when it comes to battery life, capability of high power outputs, and charging properties. The AKKU is offered in two models to accommodate a variety of needs and price points existing in the market. The two models are named the AKKU 5 and AKKU 7. Their respectable capacities are 530Wh, and 705Wh, respectably. 

The unique smart linking feature makes it possible to connect up to four batteries in parallel with the combined capacity of over 2,8kWh! This is a truly competitive advantage in the cargo e-bike domain since large battery capacity will keep the bike and cargo running for a full workday or even more without the need to stop for a recharge or battery change. 

Adam Barbmy, the CEO of EAV, values this feature highly because of the increased  operating range which is one of the decisive factors in commercial cargo e-bike applications. “We want to offer a range from 30-120km per day depending on application.”, says Adam. 

Learn more about our collaboration with EAV from our previous press release.

Revonte ONE Drive System to Power EAV Cargo E-Bikes  

Best of all, the smart connection feature of the Revonte AKKU does not require any additional electronics or components. The battery itself and the battery management system (BMS for short) was developed in tight collaboration with Akku Vision GmbH, a German industry leader in battery technology, with the goal of creating the most advanced and user-friendly solution for storing propulsive energy for e-bike use.

ONE Drive System for Every Need

The Revonte ONE Drive System is the most versatile drive system in the market, catering the needs of every e-bike type imaginable, all the way from propelling an ordinary commuter to powering a fleet of cargo e-bikes which fill the last-mlle gap in the logistics chain.

The mid-drive construction, simple and low-maintenance single-speed drivetrain, top-of the line performance metrics and highly configurable nature of the Revonte ONE Drive System make it the smartest drive system around, no matter if the application is heavy commercial use or occasional leisure ride with heavier than usual carry-ons.

Get in touch with our sales team to learn more and have your cargo e-bike equipped with the Revonte ONE Drive System, the leading choice for cargo e-bikes.

Cargo E-bikes – From Latecomer to Industry Leader

Jukka Mäennenä on 2020-10-28

E-bikes are taking an ever-growing share of the bicycle market pie. In a short time span, the electric brethren has evolved from an absurdity into a market drawcard  – and this applies to every type of bicycle. Cargo e-bikes are a relative latecomer to the game, and interestingly this previously niché category is about to rise to the role of a major player in the e-bike industry.

One limiting factor that’s been handicapping the development of this highly potential industry is the lack of competitive drive system solutions – until now. As you can learn below Revonte ONE Drive System is the perfect match for the unique needs of cargo e-bikes.

Read further to learn more and how Revonte ONE Drive System fits into this picture.

The Last Mile

Much has been discussed about the logistic chain and especially the last part of it, also known as the last mile phase. What’s the best option to deliver goods, especially small to medium sized ones, commercial and industrial? 

A semi-truck? As cumbersome as an elephant in a porcelain shop, not to mention the nearly eclipse-causing diesel fumes.

A delivery van? Definitely a better option than a semi, but the same cons do still apply, albeit on a smaller scale.

A bicycle courier. A worthy and most importantly, a green option, but very limited in capacity.  

Do you see a missing piece somewhere in between? The cargo e-bike is the perfect option that fills the void that’s been left between the bicycle courier and a delivery van. 

Capacity vs. Maneuverability 

There’s always a trade off between capacity and maneuverability. A freight train has a tremendous payload capacity, but the manoeuvrability is limited to reach of train tracks. On the other hand, bicycle couriers can maneuver oneself to just about anywhere, but the capacity is limited to letters and very small items. 

Cargo e-bikes meet the payload capacity and manoeuvrability in a perfect spot! No other vehicle or medium of transportation can move relatively heavy items, up to tens of kilograms, in close quarters like the cargo e-bike. The feline suppleness and carrying capacity of a mule combined are combined all in one in a cargo e-bike, if a proverb from the animal kingdom is to be used. 

Colossal Market Opportunity

The size and scale of the logistics industry are hard to fathom. The number of daily deliveries worldwide is staggering and there’s a good reason to believe that it’s only going to grow from here side by side with ecommerce and general direction of consumer behavior, not to mention industrial needs.

If one would like to run the numbers in a very conservative way, let’s say that in the following years just 1-2% of the last mile deliveries would be done on a cargo e-bike, the number is still massive. Whoever gets here first and gets the process dialed all the way by the means of proper vehicle fleet, efficient control of the logistics chain and most importantly, by providing a viable green option beside the traditional means will certainly have the upper hand and the largest share of the market pie. 

For example, it’s no secret that one company which shares the name of a rainforest located in South America is looking hard into new last mile delivery options. And they are not the only one. The big logistic players with the three-letter names are taking part in the same race. 

The ONE Benefit

When it comes to drive systems for cargo e-bike use, the Revonte ONE Drive System is very – or even the most relevant option in the market. Instead of just taking our word for it, consider the following benefits our drive system offers:

  • Mid-drive drive unit. The hub motor isn’t relevant for high-performance applications which is even more relevant in cargo e-bikes. The mid-drive design gives the ultimate design freedom and flexibility for the engineer in designing the most efficient drivetrain, whether cargo e-bike or not. 
  • High torque and wattage. The Revonte ONE Drive Unit has class-leading performance metrics, even though the ride experience isn’t only about the numbers. Peak torque of over 100Nm will suffice moving a cargo e-bike of any type up the steepest of hills – assuming that loading (amount of payload) is done in a somewhat sensible manner.
  • Revonte AKKU – the most advanced e-bike battery system. We are confident in saying that the freshly launched Revonte AKKU is the most advanced e-bike battery. First, it uses the latest Li-ion cell technology and the smart linking feature enables unprecedented battery capacity and range. 
  • Other inbuilt features. The pros do not end here. The Revonte ONE Drive System has other inbuilt connectivity features that are very relevant for cargo e-bike use. These will be covered in our next article. 

It’s worth noting that with the exception of the mid-drive feature, pros listed above are unique to the Revonte ONE Drive System. Currently, no other drive system can offer similar features. 

Utility Vehicle of the Future

The fast-changing landscape of urban mobility is getting even more crowded, but still, goods and people need to move even faster and ever-tightening schedules. The new and increasing demands ask for new solutions. Cargo e-bikes are among those which has have been noted all the way in the mainstream media (e.g. Fully Charged show published on the 20th of October).

We are proud to be at the forefront of the green-colored technological advancement with the Revonte ONE Drive System, no matter if it’s about moving people, cargo, or both. Stay tuned for our next article about the subject.

Weight Matters – Not Only the Amount But Also Where It’s Located

Jukka Mäennenä on 2020-04-29

Revonte Drive Unit

E-bikes are inherently heavier than their oxygen-powered siblings. There’s no going around the fact that the drive unit and the battery which holds the energy stores for propulsion add weight to the bicycle. When it comes to ride-characteristics, total weight does matter, but how it is placed on the bike is at least as important. 

Bicycling and Kilograms

Bicycling has a long and complex tradition with weight. Almost the moment since the first racing bicycle was brazed together, another race began to make the frames and the rest of the components as light as possible. This led to a century-long diet that produced clever designs, pushed the development and use of new materials and also outright contraptions, like bikes made of “drillium“. UCI, the governing body in road racing, put a limit to the tomfoolery by mandating a weight limit of 6.8kg for the bike to be eligible to be raced on.

The obsession with weight – or the lack of it – has had its effects to this day in the bicycle industry. No other single metric can be evaluated as quickly as the number on the scale; the lower the figure, the better. The same simple logic can’t be applied to any other feature or part of the bike, take wheel size or the complex matter bicycle frame geometry for example. Weight has been an easy target that everyone could get a hold of and announce their verdict on.

Make no mistake, the power to weight ratio does matter. In the World Tour level, it is possibly the most accurate factor to predict who is going to stand on the podium. E-bikes are ridden under the same laws of physics, but as one will soon learn there is quite a bit more the matter.

Weight of An E-bike

A regular commuter bike weighs around 13-15kg, depending on the accessories like mudguards, panniers, and so on. A high-end full suspension mountain bike tips the scales at 11-15kg, depending on the riding discipline. A light cross-country racer can be sub 10kg when a gravity-focused rig can weigh as much as 16kg. 

The addition of electric assistance adds approximately 8kg’s to the bike which is divided somewhat equally between the drive unit and the battery. A capacity of 625Wh can be considered as a standard for a high-end battery which usually comes with a weight of just under 4kg. The bigger the battery, the heavier it is. Therefore, batteries with capacities larger than this often weigh more than 4 kg.  

With elementary school level mathematics, the total weight of an e-bike is north of 20kg, with the assumption that a full-sized battery and drive unit are used. Adding a bit of mass to the bike does provide some interesting effects such as a more stable ride behavior and better suspension performance in e-mtb’s to the extent that top times have been ridden with e-bikes in downhill sections which require no pedaling! It goes without saying though, that climbing an uphill is a task which is preferred to be done with the electric assistance turned on.

Weight Distribution

A number on the scale is not all when it comes to weight. How the weight is distributed is a big factor. The mid-drive is the leading solution when it comes to drive unit construction since the weight is placed in the best location possible, low and centered. The Revonte ONE Drive System takes this a big step further by including the gears inside the drive unit as well – a feature no other drive unit on the market currently has.

Derailleur-based gears have been the sole option in performance-focused bicycles for decades. A case can be made that what functions well in traditional bikes might not directly apply to e-bikes. This is especially true when it comes to gears. Derailleurs, cassettes, and the thin chains used to transmit power to the rear wheel are not up to par for the task when an electric drive unit is added to the drivetrain. Premature chain and cog wear is evident in e-bike use, not to even mention the dreaded snapping of a derailleur hanger which can ruin the entire rear wheel; a nightmare scenario which has plagued cyclists of all types since the advent of derailleur. 

The Revonte ONE Drive System removes the derailleur and the heavy cassette from the back and eloquently includes them inside the drive unit, bringing all the weight in the best possible location. The effects can be noticed even by picking the bike up. A back-heavy bike feels as if the rear tire is glued to the ground, no matter how much effort is put into lifting the bike up. The ride-characteristics of such a bike are not much better since it can produce a feeling similar to riding with a trolley. 

A center of gravity which is low and in the middle of the bike produces superior ride characteristics, no matter the type of the bike. Some of the most notable benefits are improved cornering characteristics, even traction on both tires, more stable and even planted feel. A neat side effect is that the suspension qualities are vastly improved in high-end e-mtb’s since part of the designing tuning is minimizing the unsprung mass (the parts that move when suspension moves, e.g. wheels and what is attached to them). Revonte ONE Drive System does just that by eliminating the derailleur and cassette from the rear wheel. 

In Closing

The bicycle industry has been traditionally nearly obsessed with weight. The logic has been that if it is lighter, it surely must be better. The advent of e-bikes has changed this in part by bringing some common sense to the table, but also by changing the nature of how propulsion is produced. 

With e-bikes, the power to weight ratio isn’t nearly as critical as in traditional bikes since there are literally watts to spare. This means that the bike will move swiftly in every situation and terrain and a difference of a couple of kilograms is barely noticeable. The sophisticated control software of the Revonte ONE Drive System further enhances the ride experience with its automatic and stepless operation.

Every type of e-bike will benefit from the supreme weight distribution and robust drivetrain construction of the Revonte ONE Drive System. Our drive system is not only the smartest around when it comes to software, but also in construction and placement of the mechanical parts.

Revonte Q&A – you asked, we answered

Jukka Mäennenä on 2020-04-15

Q&A

We made an inquiry in our social media feeds, i.e. Facebook and Linkedin, about things you wanted to know about the Revonte ONE Drive System. The most popular questions with answers are listed below in a Q&A format. Enjoy!

Q: Is the system capable of re-generation, e.g. recharging during riding? 

The Revonte ONE Drive System has the capability for re-generation, similar to KERS used in cars. Initially, that feature isn’t included in the system though. That might change in the future, depending on the future applications and needs that might arise.  

It is important to note that the re-gen is only possible with rear hubs that do not have a freewheel. Otherwise, the chain won’t be able to transfer the kinetic energy from the rear wheel.

Q: What is the weight of the system? How many kilometers can you do with one charge? 

This, of course, dependent on the battery. As a whole, the weight of the Revonte ONE System is competitive compared to any other current drive system.  All of the relevant specs can be found on our technical specification site. It is also worth noting that our system has an optimal weight distribution since nearly all of the mass is located low and around the bottom bracket.

The range depends on many variables, such as the combined weight of the bike and rider, terrain and elevation covered, the level of assistance used, tire choice, external conditions (wind, etc.) and battery size. Because of that, it is impossible to give even a somewhat accurate estimate.

When the specific bike model, battery size and other relevant variables are known, it’s possible to give estimates with certain conditions, such as the level of assistance used and so on. 

Q: Is it possible to use the bike while the battery is discharged?

Yes. The bike is 100% rideable. Because of the design on the drive unit, it can only be run with the lowest gear if the battery has run out completely. To counteract this, our software has been developed to conserve battery life to control the gears as long as possible.

Q: When will the drivetrain be generally available for sale with bike manufacturers in the US? What is the price range?

The Revonte ONE Drive System has been available for the US bike manufacturers since the launch of the system. Pricing is always negotiated case by case, since it’s dependent on several factors, such as the number of bike models, quantities and so on. 

Q: Can you provide a demo of the transmission software on YouTube? Is the software open source. 

The software is proprietary by nature as one could expect. However, some aspects of it or at least the basic functions and thought processes behind the development might be shared later on. Youtube would a good platform for this.

Q: When will we see full-suspension MTBs or fatbikes on the market (in my case in Germany) with Revonte Drive System? And in which price-range?

The launch of the first Revonte-equipped full-suspension MTB is solely dependent on bike manufacturers and who wants to take the lead in this front. We have already announced the first wave of e-bike manufacturers to use the Revonte ONE Drive System and more will follow. 

The price range is a decision that the bike manufacturer makes and is dependent on several factors, such as the frame, materials used, components and so on.

Q: Is the Revonte system available for the public and what’s the price?

At the moment we are providing the Revonte ONE Drive System only to bike manufacturers. It is yet to be decided if it will be available outside of the OEM market. We will provide further information about availability, pricing and other conditions when and if the subject becomes relevant.

Q: In the early photos we have seen belt drive, but it seems it’s gone now, and all marketing material uses a chain. I assume the belt or chain is outside of Revonte’s offering, but I would like to know if we can expect belt driven Revonte bikes in the future or not. 

Yes, our first render images used a belt drive. It’s not outside our offering or list of options by any means, but chain drive certainly is more common, affordable and easier to install. The use of a belt drive is solely a choice to be made by the bike manufacturer. The Revonte ONE Drive System will adapt to it without any limitations. 

Q: Some questions related to belt drive. What are the impediments for a belt system? Is a belt itself more expensive than a chain? Does a belt wear too quickly? Can a belt transfer the required torque reliably? 

Belt drives are inherently more expensive than a traditional chain. One can verify that just by looking at the prices for belts and “chainrings” required to use them. The more complex geometry alone needed for the “chainrings” increases the price somewhat. The durability of a high-quality belt is no less than a chain and it can even outlast a chain, which is something to consider since belts require zero maintenance. A belt can be very stiff, even stiffer than a chain in some cases so no power losses will occur even on the highest amount of torques.

Q: Is it too expensive to make a frame that can be opened (for putting on the belt) or is it just that most bike manufacturers don’t want to slow down the time to market by designing a frame for belt drive?

The construction of a belt-compatible frame is more complex and therefore more costly, but not considerably. Adding the feature needed (e.g. a drive side dropout with a bolt connection) is up to the bike and/or frame manufacturers to decide. The good thing about belt compatibility does not exclude the use of chain and therefore we are a big supporter of belt drive.

Q: How hard or easy it’s to drive without electric assistance? (in case the battery happens to go low and you are lost in the forest).

Easy, very easy indeed. The inherent drag on the drive unit is on the same level as in the rest of the market and perhaps even more towards the lower end. The design principle of our drive unit dictates that the motor can only be run on the lowest gear when the battery has run out. 

Our software has features to make the drive system work as economically as possible to prevent unwanted occurrences of running out of battery life mid-ride.

In Closing

Hopefully, you found this list of questions and answers interesting. If something left you puzzled or you want to know more about the Revonte ONE Drive System, follow us in social media and even give us a question and we’ll be happy to get back to you.

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