Revonte Q&A – you asked, we answered
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.