In an increasingly connected world, the electric bike industry is not lagging. On the contrary, it embraces this trend by offering smarter, more interactive experiences to cyclists. To achieve this, integrating a connected device, also known as IoT, is necessary.
Essential for adding new value, the choice of IoT will define the type of functionality available and thus the experience delivered.
Here are the 5 criteria to consider when choosing your IoT:
Uses and Integration: Two Aspects to Consider from the Start
When an electric bike brand considers integrating IoT solutions into its bikes, two key aspects must be considered from the beginning: the intended uses and the integration of the IoT product with the bike.
The User’s Desired Experience as the Basis for Reflection
To choose your IoT, the first step is reflection. During this phase, the brand must think about the functionalities it wants to offer its cyclists.
This reflection should be guided by the targeted digital strategy and the specific needs of cyclists. For example, if the goal is to improve the navigation experience, functionalities such as real-time GPS navigation or traffic alerts can be considered. It is essential to clearly define these functionalities to choose an IoT product that effectively supports them.
Integration: A Key Question for Sustainable Use
Once the functionalities are defined, it is crucial to consider the integration of the IoT product with the electric bike. At this stage, the brand should consider aspects such as the product’s size, its placement on the bike, and the chosen installation method.
The objective is to find the right balance between discreet integration to prevent unauthorized access and optimal communication performance.
Consideration of integration should also take into account compatibility with different types of electric bikes, whether mass-produced or aftermarket. By anticipating these considerations from the beginning of the selection process, the brand can ensure that the chosen IoT product fully meets users’ needs while seamlessly integrating with its electric bikes.
Embedded Technologies and Communication Mode: Technical Criteria to Consider
Once the strategic reflection is underway, two technical aspects are crucial to consider: the embedded technologies and the communication mode.
Complexity and Features: What Performance for the IoT?
It is essential to evaluate the technologies embedded in the IoT product. Depending on the desired experience, it will be possible to opt for more or less complex IoT devices. For example, for functionalities related to theft protection, it may be necessary for the IoT to go beyond a simple GPS tracker by integrating a motion sensor system, smart locking systems, and even battery management features.
It is essential to choose a product that not only meets the specific needs of the brand and users but also offers scalable functionalities to remain competitive in the ever-evolving smart-bike market.
The Communication Mode for an IoT: A Crucial Question
While some IoT devices are simply placed discreetly on the bike, others are directly connected to its system, offering a much more complete experience. For example, IoT products integrating CAN communication mode will allow capturing and transmitting a larger volume of data between the bike and the connected device. This opens the door to advanced functionalities such as real-time bike performance monitoring, smart battery management, and even over-the-air (OTA) software updates. By choosing an IoT product connected to the bike’s system, the brand can offer users a richer and more immersive experience while remaining competitive in the connected electric bike field.
How to Ensure the Quality of an IoT Product?
The quality of an IoT product is a crucial criterion to consider when choosing a solution for electric bikes, as it can have a direct impact on the customer experience. A poor-quality IoT product risks not only failing to meet user expectations but also lacking durability over time, which can lead to additional costs and frustrations for the brand and its customers.
Physical and Technological Criteria to Ensure IoT Quality
- Various Certifications: It is important to ensure that the product complies with current standards and also has certifications such as waterproof certification to guarantee its resistance to weather conditions and extreme weather.
- Country of Manufacture: The place of manufacture of the IoT can be an indicator of its quality.
- Supplier’s Quality Process: Find out about the quality processes implemented by the supplier to ensure the product meets the industry’s strictest standards.
Beyond the criteria related to the physical constitution of the IoT, it is also essential to consider aspects related to its software such as data encryption. To ensure security and confidentiality, the collected data must be encrypted, thus protecting users’ personal information.
Mobitrax, a Premium IoT Designed to Meet Your Needs
To meet all these requirements, Velco has created Mobitrax: a premium IoT designed to meet the needs of electric bike brands. Designed and manufactured in-house, Mobitrax is easy to integrate and meets high quality standards. Mobitrax is a technological concentrate that transforms a conventional electric bike into a smartbike capable of communicating with its environment.