The Intelligent Drive System represents the premium in retrofit e-bike technology. Designed, prototyped, and manufactured by ARCC Bikes here at the ARCC Innovations Research & Development site in the Cambridgeshire Tech Cluster, the Intelligent Drive System is precision-made utilising the best in CNC machining and additive manufacturing.

Incorporating Bluetooth control, state-of-the-art sensors and a sophisticated computer system provides the user with an impeccably smooth ride experience. Paired with giants of bicycle design, like Moulton, Brompton, Cinelli and Airnimal Joey as well as ARCC Bikes’ own town bikes, the Abington and Rosemont, it is a brilliant combination of timeless style with futuristic substance.

Power Control of e-bike retrofit kits

Pedal-assist e-bike vary widely in the sophistication of their power sensors and user control systems.

Some utilise a manual on/off control, which requires the rider to press a button that engages the motor when they require assistance. Some systems will offer various power levels that can be chosen whilst on the bike, although the assistance given at each level often needs to be programmed by an external computer before setting off.

Other retrofit systems will automatically determine when the motor needs to be turned on based on sensor data, usually by the bike’s cadence (rate of pedal rotation). For example, if a bike fitted with such a system was being ridden up a steep hill, and the user’s pedalling slowed down as a result, the sensor would detect this low cadence and engage the motor to assist. However, cadence sensors can have their issues, such as when the bike is ‘ghosting’. This is when the bike is moving quickly, for example when going down a hill, and the pedals are being turned but the cadence is low as the freewheel is doing the work, in which instance the sensor will often engage the electric motor needlessly and wastefully.

Benefits of the ARCC Intelligent Drive Pod retrofit system

The Intelligent Drive System utilises both automatic and manual systems whilst overcoming these noted limitations. This is largely thanks to the sophistication of its onboard computers.

Centred by a 32-bit ARM® microcontroller with 16 MB of flash memory, a 250W front hub motor is connected to torque sensors and break lever sensors, alongside cadence meters, as well as an advanced, 3-axis inclinometer-accelerometer. The result of this all this technology is that the road data collected is more complete, and so the determined motor output is more sensitive and responsive to real world road conditions. For example, the benefit of torque sensors allows the bike to accommodate for things like head and tailwinds that affect pedalling power.

The Intelligent Drive System utilises this data in its two power modes, ‘A’, for automatic, and 'M', for manual. Both modes allow for the user to have complete control over the level of assistance. Offering 12 power levels, the rider can switch between them, along with which mode the bike is in, on the fly using the handlebar-mounted Bluetooth controller. And the exact power output at each level can also be set remotely using an iOS device with the free ARCC Intelligent Drive Pod app.

In the 'A' mode the system’s accelerometer detects hills and gradients, and adjusts power control accordingly to compensate for the road profile, without needing any user input. This allows the rider to enjoy virtually constant levels of exertion; making going up hills seem like travelling on a flat.

The Intelligent Drive System also offers its unique ‘launch control’ feature. Activated by applying both brakes and putting pressure on the left pedal, depressing the brakes and pedalling will result in the system delivering maximum power for three seconds. This is extremely helpful at traffic stops, allowing the bike to quickly reach high speeds and alleviating the danger of what is a high-risk situation for cyclists.

Safety features include electronic brake switches, which immediately deactivate the motor when the brakes are engaged, ensuring you always come to a controlled stop.

Weight

Despite all the technology onboard, the Intelligent Drive System has been engineered to be as lightweight as possible.

Without compromising on the system’s intelligence, it manages to remain at a competitive weight, measuring at a combined total (battery, motor, pod, sensors, etc.) of only 3.9kg. This means that retrofitted-bikes are usually much lighter than purpose-built e-bikes.

Additionally, with its Bluetooth connectivity, there is no need for leads between the computer itself and the controller. While this also saves weight, it is very useful for folding bikes, like the Brompton, as folded electric models are often hampered by trailing leads. The leads from the pedal and brake sensors to the system meanwhile are neatly tucked to the frame by bespoke cable clips and allow for easy wheel removal.

Durability

The Intelligent Drive System uses Bosch batteries as a power source. While these are both relatively inexpensive and easily accessible from most hardware stores, they are also very hardy, and have been rated to work after a 3m drop onto concrete (they also come with their own two-year guarantee from Bosch).

The Intelligent Drive System itself is highly robust, thanks to its high-grade manufacturing. Most of the components are CNC-machined from solid billets of 5083 grade Alplan aluminium alloy, which is highly durable and corrosion resistant, and the pieces are then polished, hard anodised and weather-sealed. Additionally, the Bluetooth controller sits snugly in a lipped cradle with a magnetic grip, that means it is easy to take out but hard to accidentally knock loose. The Intelligent Drive Pod also comes with a five-year guarantee from ARCC Bikes and all its e-bikes undergo rigorous testing to BS EN 15194:2017 (electrically power assisted cycles/EPAC bicycles), conducted in-house.

Smart, light, and durable

Constantly regulated and updated by a committed team of technicians and product designers, the Intelligent Drive System is the latest innovation of a company committed to keeping development and engineering in Britain.

Premium E-Bike Retrofit Kit: the Intelligent Drive System from ARCC