Computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle, system for an electric bicycle and electric bicycle

Abstract

In at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle (100) is provided, comprising an electric motor (120) and a battery (216). The battery serves to supply the electric motor with electrical energy. The electric bicycle can be operated in three operating modes, the first of which is a riding mode in which the battery supplies the electric motor with electrical energy. A second operating mode is a standby mode in which the supply of any components of the electric bicycle with electrical energy from the battery is switched off. A third operating mode is an intermediate mode in which the energy supply to the electric motor by the battery is switched off, but at least one other component of the electric bicycle is supplied with electrical energy by the battery.The process comprises a step in which initial information (I1) is provided, which is representative of a trigger for activating the third operating mode. Subsequently, control information (SI) is determined based on the initial information, whereby the control information is configured to transition the e-bike from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active.

Description

[0001] A computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle is described. Furthermore, a device, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, a system, and an electric bicycle are described.

[0002] Bicycles offer cost-effective, easy-to-use, and emission-free means of transportation. They have also become widespread as sports and fitness equipment, and various types have proven particularly suitable for different sporting activities. In recent years, enthusiasm for electric bicycles (especially so-called "pedelecs") has grown, despite their relatively high weight and price compared to other bicycles.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2020 216 398 A1 relates to a battery for a human-powered vehicle, comprising a first power supply unit, an external device holder, and a second power supply unit. The first power supply unit is configured to supply electrical energy to a first electrical component of the vehicle when it is coupled to the vehicle. The external device holder accommodates an additional battery configured to supply electrical energy to a second electrical component, which may differ from the first electrical component, or to a second electrical component that accommodates the additional battery. The second power supply unit is configured to supply electrical energy to the additional battery.

[0004] Publication US 2023 / 0415837A1 concerns a sharing system that allows multiple users to share an electric mobility device. The electric mobility device includes a second holder that detachably holds a user battery belonging to a user who has rented the electric mobility device. The sharing system includes an authentication unit that captures a battery ID from the user battery attached to the second holder and determines whether the captured battery ID matches a previously registered ID, thereby authenticating the user operating the electric mobility device.

[0005] The German patent application DE 10 2024 110 892 A1 relates to an electric bicycle comprising a frame, a battery attachable to the frame, a drive component including an electric motor that powers the motor based on power supplied by the battery, a real-time clock (RTC) module operated using power supplied by the battery, and a display that shows time information based on initial time data output by the RTC module. The RTC module is located near the battery.

[0006] The task to be solved is to specify a computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle that contributes to the reliable operation of the electric bicycle, especially during extended periods of inactivity or rest. Further tasks to be solved include specifying a device, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, a system, and an electric bicycle for carrying out such a method.

[0007] These problems are solved by the subject matter of claims 1, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

[0008] First, the computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle is described.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle is provided, comprising an electric motor and a battery. The battery serves to supply the electric motor with electrical energy. The electric bicycle can be operated in three modes. The first mode is a riding mode in which the battery supplies the electric motor with electrical energy. The second mode is a standby mode in which the supply of electrical energy to any component of the electric bicycle from the battery is switched off or deactivated. The third mode is an intermediate mode in which the energy supply to the electric motor from the battery is switched off, but at least one other component of the electric bicycle is supplied with electrical energy from the battery.The electric bicycle includes an auxiliary battery that, in the second operating mode, supplies energy to at least one component of the electric bicycle. The method comprises a step in which initial information is provided, representative of a trigger to activate the third operating mode. Subsequently, control information is determined based on the initial information, and this control information is configured to transition the electric bicycle from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active.

[0010] The present invention is based in particular on the finding that in a standby mode of the electric bicycle, in which the battery supplying energy to the electric motor is deactivated, other electrical or electronic components of the electric bicycle are not supplied with electrical energy, or only via an auxiliary battery. However, an auxiliary battery has a lower capacity compared to the battery for the electric motor, which can also be referred to as the main battery, and can therefore usually only supply energy to the electrical / electronic components for a relatively short period of time.

[0011] The invention utilizes the concept of switching from standby mode to an intermediate mode in the event of an active trigger. In this intermediate mode, the main battery is essentially reactivated, but only to supply energy to one or more electrical or electronic components of the e-bike, not the electric motor. The trigger is activated, for example, when the auxiliary battery falls below a critical charge level. However, other events can also activate the trigger. Overall, this ensures reliable and long-lasting operation of the e-bike. In particular, the functionality of safety-relevant functions of the e-bike can be guaranteed over an extended period.

[0012] The method is a computer-implemented method, i.e., it is executed by or with the aid of a computer or processor.

[0013] The battery (main battery) of the e-bike is primarily intended to power the e-bike's electric motor. The electric motor provides motor assistance for propelling the e-bike. The battery is typically located in the down tube or seat tube of the e-bike. The electric motor itself can be located in the bottom bracket, down tube, or seat tube of the e-bike.

[0014] The e-bike can be operated in at least three modes. One of these modes is the first mode, also referred to here as the riding mode. In this mode, the electric motor is powered by the battery to propel the bike with motor assistance. For example, in the first mode, only the electric motor is powered by the battery. Alternatively, in the first mode, every electrical or electronic component of the e-bike can be powered by the battery, for example, exclusively by the battery.

[0015] Another of these operating modes is a second operating mode, also referred to here as standby mode. In standby mode, no component of the e-bike is supplied with electrical energy from the battery. In the third operating mode, however, the battery is still connected to the e-bike for the potential power supply of its components, so that a transition to another operating mode, in which the battery is used to power one or more components, can occur automatically, solely through electrical or electronic signals.

[0016] Another operating mode is a third mode, also referred to here as the intermediate mode. In intermediate mode, the battery supplies one or more components other than the electric motor with electrical energy.

[0017] In the computer-implemented process, the step of providing initial information is executed. This initial information is representative of a trigger for activating the third operating mode.

[0018] Here and in the following, if information is representative of a particular quantity or quantities, it means that the quantity or quantities can be extracted from the information, for example, directly derived or at least deduced from the information. In other words, the quantity(ies) is stored in the information, or at least data is stored in the information from which the quantity(ies) can be derived, determined, or calculated. Furthermore, here and in the following, "information" refers specifically to electronic information such as electronic data or electrical signals.

[0019] The trigger can be active or inactive. If the trigger is active, it means that the third operating mode should be activated. If the trigger is inactive, it means, for example, that the e-bike should continue operating in the current mode. The trigger can be represented by a value. If the value is 1, it means that the trigger is active. If the value is 0, it means that the trigger is (still) inactive.

[0020] The process further includes the step of determining control information based on the initial information. This control information could be, for example, a setpoint for a control loop or an electrical signal such as a PWM signal. The control information is configured to switch the e-bike from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active. In other words, the control information is configured so that, when the trigger is active and processed by a corresponding electrical or electronic device / component, it causes the device to switch the e-bike's operation from the second to the third operating mode. Additionally, the control information can also be configured to switch the e-bike from an operating mode other than the second to the third operating mode when the trigger is active.With an active trigger and when the control information is processed by the device / component, the transition to the third operating mode is carried out automatically, i.e., without any additional manual input or action by a user of the electric bicycle.

[0021] If the trigger is inactive, the control information is determined, for example, in such a way that the operation of the electric bicycle continues in the current operating mode and / or is switched from the third operating mode to the first or second operating mode.

[0022] The e-bike includes an auxiliary battery that, in the second operating mode, powers at least one component of the e-bike. This component could be, for example, a sensor, a communication unit, or an electromagnet. The auxiliary battery is smaller than the main battery. For example, its capacity is at most 20% or at most 10% of the main battery's capacity. The power or voltage provided by the auxiliary battery alone is insufficient to operate the electric motor. The auxiliary battery might have a capacity of, for example, at most 2000 mAh or at most 1300 mAh.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment, in the third operating mode the battery charges the auxiliary battery and / or supplies at least one component with electrical energy. Thanks to the option of having the auxiliary battery charged by the main battery in the third operating mode, the auxiliary battery can be chosen to be particularly small / compact, as a high capacity is not necessary.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes the step of providing a second piece of information that is representative of the state of charge, in particular the voltage, of the auxiliary battery.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined based on the second piece of information. For example, if the state of charge falls below a predefined threshold, the trigger is activated, for instance by setting the value to 1. If the state of charge is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold, the trigger is inactive or remains inactive, which is represented, for example, by the value 0. The threshold is, for example, at most 10% of the maximum voltage of the auxiliary battery.

[0026] Falling below the threshold value, for example, triggers the charging of the auxiliary battery by the main battery. If the auxiliary battery's charge level then exceeds a further threshold value during charging, which is higher than the initial threshold, charging by the main battery can be deactivated again, for example by resetting the second operating mode. The trigger is then deactivated again.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, in the second operating mode, the auxiliary battery supplies electrical energy to a control unit of the e-bike. The control unit is, in particular, a vehicle control unit (VCU). The control unit can be located in the e-bike frame, for example, in the top tube.

[0028] The control unit comprises, in particular, a printed circuit board on which one or more electrical components are mounted and electrically connected. The auxiliary battery can be part of the control unit, for example, mounted on the printed circuit board. For example, in the second operating mode, the auxiliary battery supplies one or more components of the control unit, in particular the entire control unit, with electrical energy.

[0029] The auxiliary battery can also supply the control unit, or at least one component of the control unit, with electrical energy in the first and / or third operating modes. In the third operating mode, for example, the control unit is powered by the auxiliary battery, and the auxiliary battery is simultaneously charged by the battery. Alternatively or additionally, the battery can also supply the control unit with electrical energy in the first and / or third operating modes.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, in the second operating mode, the auxiliary battery supplies electrical energy to an anti-theft device for the e-bike. For example, the auxiliary battery supplies electrical energy to an electromagnet of the anti-theft device. The electromagnet can, for example, hold a pin in a locking position in which the rotation of the pedal axle and / or one of the wheels of the e-bike is blocked by the pin.

[0031] The auxiliary battery can also supply the anti-theft device with electrical power in the first and / or third operating mode. In the third operating mode, for example, the anti-theft device is powered by the auxiliary battery, and the auxiliary battery is simultaneously charged by the main battery. Alternatively or additionally, the main battery can also supply the anti-theft device with electrical power in the first and / or third operating mode.

[0032] According to at least one embodiment, in the second operating mode the auxiliary battery supplies a GNSS antenna unit with electrical energy. The GNSS antenna unit enables the electric bicycle to be positioned. The GNSS antenna unit is, for example, part of the control unit.

[0033] In addition to the GNSS antenna unit, the auxiliary battery can also power an LTE antenna unit and / or a Bluetooth antenna unit in the second operating mode. The LTE and / or Bluetooth antenna unit can also be part of the control unit. The LTE and / or Bluetooth antenna unit is used, for example, to enable communication between the e-bike and the user's mobile device, such as a smartphone. Here and in the following, an antenna unit specifically includes the actual antenna or radiator for receiving or transmitting electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, an antenna unit can include an antenna module with electronic circuits for processing the signals received by the antenna.

[0034] The auxiliary battery can also supply one or more of the antenna units with electrical power in the first and / or third operating mode. In the third operating mode, for example, the antenna units are powered by the auxiliary battery, and the auxiliary battery is simultaneously charged by the main battery. Alternatively or additionally, the main battery can also supply the antenna units with electrical power in the first and / or third operating mode.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes a step in which a third piece of information is provided that is representative of a signal wirelessly transmitted to the electric bicycle.

[0036] The signal could be, for example, a GNSS signal, an LTE signal, or a Bluetooth signal.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined depending on the third piece of information. For example, a wirelessly transmitted signal from a mobile device can be used to issue a command to switch to the third operating mode. That is, the wirelessly transmitted signal activates the trigger.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step in which a fourth piece of information is provided, which is representative of a measurement signal from a sensor of the electric bicycle. For example, the sensor is an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or a velocity sensor. The sensor can be part of an IMU unit of the electric bicycle. The fourth piece of information is then, in particular, representative of a measurement signal associated with a movement of the electric bicycle.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined based on the fourth piece of information. For example, the trigger is activated when the e-bike is moved while in standby mode. Such movement could indicate an attempted theft. Activating the third operating mode then supplies energy to the control unit and / or the auxiliary battery, thus enabling the e-bike's GNSS antenna unit to be powered for an extended period, allowing for long-term tracking of the e-bike.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step in which a fifth piece of information is provided, which is representative of a user input at an input point of the electric bicycle. The input point can, for example, be part of the control unit. The input point can be a keypad or a touchscreen.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined based on the fifth piece of information. For example, entering a code or command at the input point activates the trigger, switching from the second operating mode to the third operating mode. This allows, for instance, the user to specify that the auxiliary battery should be charged by the main battery.

[0042] According to at least one embodiment, the method includes a step in which a sixth piece of information is provided, which is representative of a time signal. For example, the electric bicycle includes a clock. The clock is, for example, part of the control unit. The clock provides the time signal, or the sixth piece of information.

[0043] According to at least one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined depending on the sixth piece of information. For example, as soon as the time signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, where the threshold is a predetermined time, the trigger is activated. This allows, for example, charging of the auxiliary battery by the main battery if the second operating mode is set for longer than a predetermined time interval.

[0044] Next, the device is specified. The device is a data processing device that includes means for carrying out the method described herein. In particular, the device is or includes a computer or processor, for example, a microcontroller. For example, the device is the control unit mentioned above or forms part of it. For example, the device may be mounted on the circuit board of the control unit and electrically connected.

[0045] Next, the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium are specified. The computer program comprises instructions that, when executed by a data processing device, cause it to perform the procedure described here. The computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium.

[0046] Next, the system for an electric bicycle is described. The system is specifically designed to carry out the procedure described herein. Therefore, all features disclosed for the procedure are also disclosed for the system, and vice versa.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, the system for an electric bicycle comprises a data processing device according to one of the embodiments described herein. The system further comprises a battery for supplying electrical energy to an electric motor of the electric bicycle.

[0048] The system further includes a battery management module that is coupled to the battery and configured to supply components of the e-bike with electrical energy from the battery, depending on control information. The e-bike includes an auxiliary battery to supply energy to at least one component of the e-bike in the second operating mode. This auxiliary battery is, or can be, connected to the battery management module via a signal connection to provide the control information to the battery management module.

[0049] "Signal-linked" means that the components are coupled to each other for signal and data exchange. Specifically, the control information instructs the battery management module to supply one or more specific bicycle components with electrical energy from the battery. The battery management module includes, for example, several (electronic) switches that connect the components to the battery and that can be opened or closed depending on the control information.

[0050] The system may further include the electric motor and / or one or more of the aforementioned components.

[0051] Next, the electric bicycle is specified. The electric bicycle is specifically a pedelec. The electric bicycle comprises the system according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0052] The following sections describe in more detail, with reference to drawings and exemplary embodiments, a computer-implemented method, a data processing device, a system, and an electric bicycle described herein. Identical reference numerals indicate identical elements in the individual figures. If elements or components have the same functionality in the different figures, their description is not repeated for each subsequent figure. For the sake of clarity, elements may not be labeled with corresponding reference numerals in all figures.

[0053] They show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of the electric bicycle, Fig. 2 an embodiment of the system comprising an embodiment of the data processing device, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8 to Fig. 9 Flowcharts of exemplary implementations of the computer-implemented method.

[0054] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows an electric bicycle 100 with a bicycle frame 102, which includes a lower frame section 108 and an upper frame section 110. The lower frame section 108 forms a down tube, and the upper frame section 110 forms a top tube. The down tube 108 extends towards a bottom bracket 106. A pedal axle 104 extends through the bottom bracket 106. The electric bicycle 100 includes an electric motor 120 for the motor-assisted drive of the electric bicycle 100. Here, the electric motor 120 is shown by way of example in the bottom bracket 106, but it could also be located in the seat tube or down tube.

[0055] In the Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the system 220. The system 220 comprises a control unit 200, namely a so-called VCU 200. This is arranged, for example, in the upper tube 110. The VCU 200 comprises a data processing device 202, in particular a processor 202, a GNSS antenna unit 204, an internal battery 206 or auxiliary battery 206, a clock 214, an LTE antenna unit 224, a Bluetooth antenna unit 226, and an input device 228. The input device 228 is, for example, a keyboard or a touchscreen. The auxiliary battery 206 is designed to supply power to the VCU 200 and its components. The device 202 is coupled to the GNSS antenna unit 204, the antenna units 224, 226 and the clock 214 via signal technology in order to receive and process their signals and / or to send control information to them.Furthermore, the device 202 is coupled to the input point 228 in order to receive signals from it and, if necessary, to supply it with control information.

[0056] The VCU 200 and the device 202 are also interconnected via signal transmission with several electrical components installed in the electric bicycle 100. Component 208, for example, is an accelerometer or a yaw rate sensor. Component 208 can also be an IMU unit. Component 210 is, for example, a speed sensor, a barometer, or a magnetometer. Component 212 is, for example, an electronic anti-theft device.

[0057] The VCU 200, or the device 202, is further coupled via signaling to a battery management module 218. The battery management module 218 is in turn coupled to a battery 216, or main battery 216, of the electric bicycle 100. The battery 216 is located, for example, in the seat tube or the down tube 108 of the electric bicycle 100. In a riding mode, the battery 216 supplies the electric motor 120 with electrical energy. The battery management module 218 is configured to supply different components of the electric bicycle 100 with electrical energy from the battery 216, depending on control information. In particular, the battery management module 218 is configured to supply the electric motor 120 and the VCU 200 with electrical energy from the battery 216.

[0058] During operation, one or more measurement signals from sensors 208 and 210 can be sent to the VCU 200 or the device 202. Using these measurement signals, the device 202 can, for example, determine the position of the electric bicycle or detect movement of the electric bicycle 100. The position can also be determined independently using the GNSS antenna unit 204. From the measurement signals, the device 202 can then, for example, generate control information for the battery management module 218.

[0059] The electric bicycle 100 can be operated in at least three modes. In the first operating mode, also called riding mode, the battery 216 supplies the electric motor 120 with electrical energy to propel the electric bicycle 100. For example, in riding mode, the battery 216 supplies only the electric motor 120 with electrical energy. Other electrical components of the electric bicycle 100 are then supplied with electrical energy, for example, by the auxiliary battery 206. Alternatively, in riding mode, the battery can supply all electrical / electronic components of the electric bicycle 100 with electrical energy. The auxiliary battery 206 is then not used in riding mode.

[0060] In a second operating mode, also called standby mode, battery 216 does not supply any component of the electric bicycle 100 with electrical energy, including the electric motor 120. Battery 216 is essentially deactivated. However, one or more electrical components of the electric bicycle 100 can then be supplied with electrical energy by the auxiliary battery 206 in standby mode.

[0061] In a third operating mode, also called intermediate mode, battery 216 supplies at least one component of the electric bicycle 100 with electrical energy, but not the electric motor 120. In intermediate mode, as in standby mode, the energy supply to the electric motor 120 by battery 216 is deactivated. In intermediate mode, for example, battery 216 charges the auxiliary battery 206.

[0062] The battery management module 218 can be instructed by appropriate control information to switch between different operating modes. For example, depending on the control information, the battery management module 218 opens or closes electronic switches that connect the battery 216 to components of the electric bicycle 100.

[0063] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle using a flowchart. The method is implemented, for example, by the device 202 of the Fig. 2 executed. A corresponding computer program can be stored on the device 202 for this purpose.

[0064] In this process, an initial piece of information, I1, is provided in one step. This initial piece of information, I1, is representative of a trigger for activating the third operating mode. In a further step, a control piece of information, SI, is then determined based on the initial piece of information, I1. The control piece of information, SI, is configured to switch the electric bicycle 100 from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active.

[0065] Fig. Figure 4 shows another embodiment of the computer-implemented method using a flowchart. Here, a second piece of information, I2, is first provided, which is determined based on a signal S_206 from the auxiliary battery 206. This second piece of information, I2, is representative of the state of charge of the auxiliary battery 206. The first piece of information, I1, is then determined based on the second piece of information, I2. For example, if the voltage of the auxiliary battery 206 falls below a predefined threshold, the trigger is activated to switch from the second to the third operating mode. In the third operating mode, battery 216, for example, recharges the auxiliary battery 206.

[0066] In the exemplary embodiment of the method of Fig. In step 5, a third piece of information, I3, is provided, which is representative of one or more signals S_204, S_224, S_226 transmitted wirelessly to the electric bicycle 100. The signals S_204, S_224, S_226 can be, for example, GNSS signals, LTE signals, or Bluetooth signals. The first piece of information, I1, is then determined based on the third piece of information, I3.

[0067] If the third piece of information, I3, is representative of a received GNSS signal, the position of the electric bicycle 100 can be determined from it. If, for example, the position changes even though the electric bicycle 100 is in standby mode, this could indicate an attempted theft, and the first piece of information, I1, can be determined accordingly to be representative of the active trigger. A correspondingly generated control signal, SI, leads to a transition to the third operating mode, in which one or more components of the electric bicycle 100, for example, the auxiliary battery 206 and / or the anti-theft device 212, are supplied with power from the battery 216.

[0068] If the third piece of information, I3, is representative of an LTE or Bluetooth signal, these signals can originate from the user's smartphone and contain a user-initiated command to switch to the third operating mode. If the signals, or rather the third piece of information, I3, contain such a command, the first piece of information is determined, for example, in such a way that the trigger is activated and a control signal, SI, is generated based on the first piece of information, I1, which then initiates a switch from the second to the third operating mode.

[0069] In the exemplary embodiment of the computer-implemented method of Fig. 6. Measurement signals S_208 and S_210 are provided by sensors 208 and 210. A fourth piece of information, I4, is representative of these measurement signals. The first piece of information, I1, is then determined based on the fourth piece of information, I4.

[0070] For example, if the fourth piece of information, I4, is representative of movement of the electric bicycle 100, which can be derived from the measurement signals S_208 and / or S_210, this can indicate an attempted theft if the standby mode is activated. The first piece of information, I1, can then be determined based on the fourth piece of information, I4, in such a way that the trigger is activated. The correspondingly generated control information, SI, then initiates a transition from the second to the third operating mode, in which, for example, the auxiliary battery 206 and / or the anti-theft device 212 are supplied with power from the battery 216.

[0071] In the exemplary embodiment of the computer-implemented method of Fig. In step 7, a fifth piece of information, I5, is provided, which is representative of a user input S_228 by the user of the electric bicycle 100. For example, this user input is the entry of a code via input point 228. Depending on this fifth piece of information, I5, the first piece of information, I1, is then determined. If, for example, the user input S_228 is correct, the first piece of information, I1, is determined such that the trigger is active, and accordingly, a control piece of information, SI, is determined that causes a transition from the second to the third operating mode.

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. A sixth piece of information, I6, is provided, which is representative of a time signal S_214. The time signal S_214 is provided, for example, by clock 214. The first piece of information, I1, is then determined based on the sixth piece of information, I6. If, for example, the time signal S_214 is greater than a predefined threshold, this means that the standby mode has been active for too long. The first piece of information, I1, is then determined accordingly so that the trigger is active, and the control information SI subsequently generated causes a transition from the second operating mode to the third operating mode, in which, for example, the auxiliary battery 206 is recharged. Clock 214 can be reset when switching to the third operating mode.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 9 the first piece of information I1 is determined depending on one or more of the pieces of information I2 to I6. Reference symbol list: 100 bicycles 102 bicycle frames 104 Pedal shaft 106 bottom bracket 108 Down tube / lower frame section 110 Top tube / upper frame section 120 electric motor 200 Control unit / VCU 202 Device for data processing 204 GNSS antenna unit 206 Auxiliary battery 208 Sensor / Component 210 Sensor / Component 212 Anti-theft protection / Component 214 216 (Main) Battery 218 Battery Management Module 220 System 224 LTE antenna unit 226 Bluetooth antenna unit 228 Input point S_204 Signal S_206 Signal S_208 Signal S_210 Signal S_214 Signal S_224 Signal S_226 Signal S_228 Signal I1 to I6 Information

Claims

Computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle (100), wherein: - the electric bicycle (100) has an electric motor (120) and a battery (216) for supplying the electric motor (120) with electrical energy; - the electric bicycle (100) can be operated in three operating modes, of which: - a first operating mode is a riding mode in which the battery (216) supplies the electric motor (120) with electrical energy; - a second operating mode is a standby mode in which the supply of any components of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy from the battery (216) is switched off; - a third operating mode is an intermediate mode in which the energy supply of the electric motor (120) by the battery (216) is switched off, but at least one other component of the electric bicycle (100) is supplied with electrical energy by the battery (216); - the electric bicycle (100) includes an auxiliary battery (206).which in the second operating mode supplies at least one component of the electric bicycle (100) with energy, - the method comprises the steps: - providing first information (I1) that is representative of a trigger for activating the third operating mode; - determining control information (SI) depending on the first information (I1), wherein - the control information (SI) is configured to transfer the electric bicycle (100) from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active. Method according to claim 1, wherein the battery (216) in the third operating mode charges the auxiliary battery (206) and / or supplies the at least one component with electrical energy. Method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step:- providing a second piece of information (I2) that is representative of the state of charge of the auxiliary battery (206); wherein- the first piece of information (I1) is determined as a function of the second piece of information (I2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary battery (206) supplies a control unit (200) of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy in the second operating mode. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary battery (206) supplies an anti-theft device (212) of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy in the second operating mode. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary battery (206) supplies a GNSS antenna unit (204) with electrical energy in the second operating mode. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step:- providing a third piece of information (I3) that is representative of a signal (S_204, S_224, S_226) wirelessly transmitted to the electric bicycle (100); wherein- the first piece of information (I1) is determined depending on the third piece of information (I3). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step:- providing a fourth piece of information (I4) that is representative of a measurement signal (S_208, S_210) of a sensor (208, 210) of the electric bicycle (100); wherein- the first piece of information (I1) is determined as a function of the fourth piece of information (I4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step:- providing a fifth piece of information (I5) that is representative of a user input (S_228) at an input point (228) of the electric bicycle (100); wherein- the first piece of information (I1) is determined depending on the fifth piece of information (I5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step:- providing a sixth piece of information (I6) that is representative of a time signal (S_214); wherein- the first piece of information (I1) is determined as a function of the sixth piece of information (I6). Device (202) for data processing comprising means for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. Computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 12 is stored. System (220) for an electric bicycle, comprising: - a device (202) for data processing according to claim 11, - a battery (216) for supplying an electric motor (120) of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy, - a battery management module (218) which is coupled to the battery (216) and is submitted to supply components of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy from the battery (216) depending on a control information (SI), - an auxiliary battery (206) to supply at least one component of the electric bicycle (100) with energy in the second operating mode, wherein - the device (202) is coupled or can be coupled to the battery management module (218) by means of a signal in order to provide the control information (SI) to the battery management module (218). Electric bicycle (100), comprising a system (220) according to claim 14.

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