Friction-drives have been around for more than 100 years. Today, we're seeing a new generation of modern friction-drives emerge that make it easy and affordable to convert your traditional bike into a modern e-bike.
Just as the name suggests, the bike is powered through a friction connection, typically by using a roller on the rear wheel of the bicycle. Traditional friction drive systems were often powered by small gasoline engines with an abrasive coating applied to the roller to help it grip onto the tire, and tension was applied to help the roller maintain its connection to the tire. Once the throttle was engaged, the roller began spinning the tire and powering the bike.
Friction-drives were popular in the early days, but they eventually fell into obscurity in favor of hub-motor e-bikes that resolved many of the shortcomings of traditional friction-drives systems, such as efficiency. Powering the bicycle's wheel by rubbing on the tire was not typically an efficient way to get around. A great deal of energy was lost to heat and the scraping of rubber.
Old friction-drives were also hard on tires, and they weren't very efficient in wet weather as water on the tire would often lead to some slip. Riding in the rain or snow was out of the question. Even in dry conditions, tires would wear easily due to the constant contact between the tire and the roller.
Today we are seeing a new generation of electric friction-drive kits that have improved on the shortcomings of the original design. New models are now lightweight and able to electronically self-regulate the pressure between the tire and roller for maximum performance. New compounds used for the roller wheel means excessive tire wear is no longer an issue and riding in wet weather or snowy conditions is totally doable. When not in use, the drive wheel electronically disengages from the tire so that cyclists can pedal without resistance or drag.
Canadian company Alizeti has redesigned the friction-drive concept by focusing just as much attention on the software and programming capabilities as the electric motor system itself. The systems firmware can be upgraded wirelessly via the free mobile app with a simple touch of a button. This means the system can take full advantage of any future software upgrades that provide more functionality to the rider as well as compatibility with new hardware options as they are released.
Alizeti's software allows riders to use 5 levels of assist and even includes regen to help slow down the bike and recharge the battery. The entire drive system is built into a rear rack which easily attaches to a bike just like a conventional bike rack and can be installed quickly and easily in just minutes. Best of all the all-in-one system can be fitted to your bike without any special tools or the need to change any parts of your existing bike.
Alizeti offers a dual swappable battery system that lets you choose between using one or two batteries. You can opt for a lighter ride or more range as required. Integrated Bluetooth communication, anti-theft system, automatic front, and rear lights and even built-in speakers so you can enjoy streaming music from your mobile phone while you ride. These are only some of the great features built into the Alizeti 300C e-bike system.
The unit provides a maximum speed of up to 20 mph and the lightweight design only adds 13 pounds to your existing bike.
In future, the company plans to offer more sophisticated models with systems that combine rear friction drives with front hub motors.
It may be time to forget what you thought you knew about older friction drive systems and give one of the more advanced electric friction drives systems a try. You may be surprised at how zippy and fun they have become!
