Did you think you could ride a bicycle without a chain? Well think again, Schaeffler introduces the "Free Drive"

The new Free Drive from Schaeffler operates using bike-by-wire technology. 

Networked, flexible, sustainable, and environmentally friendly: New mobility trends are placing high demands on products and technology. Schaeffler adopts an holistic approach to movement and offers solutions to meet all customer require-ments, including those in the field of micromobility. At Eurobike 2021 in Friedrichshafen, Schaeffler presented the new “bike-by-wire” system, Free Drive, as an innovative solution for bicycles. 

How does it work 

A serial hybrid drive converts the mechanical energy generated during pedalling into electric energy, which in turn is con-verted back into mechanical energy in the wheel hub motor. Excess energy is stored in the battery. 

Dr. Jochen Schröder, President of the E-Mobility Division at Schaeffler states “The absence of a mechanical connection be-tween the generator and motor means that Free Drive can provide maximum flexibility in the bicycle architecture and a freely configurable pedalling sensation, which is tailored to the requirements of the bicycle and the needs of the rider, while ensuring minimal wear” 

Read more here: Schaeffler presents chainless electric drive system "Free Drive" for bicycles | Press Releases | Schaeffler (UK) Ltd