In one of our previous articles, we discussed batteries and the role of microprocessors in the development of modern electric vehicles. A reader asked, “Is it really true that your battery can last more than eight years because of electronics?” The answer is yes. Battery life depends heavily on how it's charged and discharged, the speed and intensity of use, and the current it needs at any given moment. But it’s not just the battery as a whole that’s monitored—it’s every individual cell inside. Their condition, their level of wear, is constantly compared and analyzed. This isn’t just basic monitoring; the system processes real-time data to determine the optimal performance for each situation—whether you're charging, accelerating from a stop, overtaking, or simply riding through the park.

Imagine this: You hit the throttle at a red light, but nothing happens. The bike hesitates for a second before slowly starting. That’s not ideal. These decisions are made by complex algorithms that run in real time, handling countless variables. It’s not just about power; it’s about precision. Electric motors are far more complicated than traditional ones. Their speed and torque are controlled by adjusting electromagnetic fields in the windings, which means you need an additional controller to manage them effectively. In the past, electric motors were used for simple tasks, like lifting a load with a winch. The weight was known, and the movement was predictable. But with electric bikes, the conditions change constantly, requiring fast and smart control systems.

So, in your Delfast e-bike, there’s a “smart” battery that communicates with a powerful motor controller. They must “talk” to each other, exchange information, and make decisions based on what they receive. The better this communication, the longer the battery and motor will last. But that’s not all. To start moving, you might use a throttle or a PAS system. How do you know how fast you want to go? Smoothly or with a sudden burst of speed? Think about the squirrel example again—your bike must instantly detect obstacles and respond by sending the right signal to the battery, which then provides the needed voltage to the motor without risking damage. That’s why the internal system of an e-bike is so advanced.

It’s important to understand that an electric bike is not just a regular bike with an engine attached. There’s a huge difference between a traditional bicycle and an e-bike, much like the difference between a potter’s wheel and a 3D printer. Both can make cups, but the latter can do so much more. Also, note that there are no pedals in the block diagram of an e-bike. That’s a key point. While you can pedal, the bike operates using energy stored in the battery, which is automatically managed by a processor. This is similar to your smartphone or laptop—a smart device on wheels. That means any function that works on a phone can potentially be integrated into an e-bike, provided it makes sense.

Sensors and modules connect via a bus, allowing for easy integration of new features. For example, a GPS module could calculate a route and tell the central processor how fast you can move to ensure enough power for the entire trip. If the battery is low, the GPS could suggest nearby charging stations and estimate the time needed to reach them. You could also link the anti-theft system with GPS and user identification, making your bike truly personal. Other features like a media center, temperature sensors, distance monitors, cameras, and cloud connectivity can all work together. Tesla has shown that such integration is possible—and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes standard in e-bikes.

So, why is Delfast a smart bike? Because it’s built on a foundation of intelligent systems, designed to adapt, learn, and perform under various conditions. It’s not just about going faster or farther—it’s about being part of the future of mobility. And while we’ve covered the “why,” the next question is: Why is Delfast suitable for professional use? That’s a story for another day.