Electrically assisted bicycle

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrically assisted bicycle, comprising a rear wheel (1), a front wheel, at least one mechanical brake, a crankset (2) mechanically connected to the rear wheel (1), a free-wheel-less electric motor (4) supplied with electric current by a module (6) of supercapacitors (9) which is controlled by a converter (8); the bicycle further comprising a means (17) for detecting a mechanical braking; an electronic control unit (10) configured to define the mode of operation of said electric motor (4), between a first mode of operation, called generator mode, in which said motor (4) makes it possible to recharge the module (6) of supercapacitors (9) with electrical energy, and a second mode of operation, called propulsion mode, in which the electrical energy stored in the module (6) of supercapacitors (9) powers said motor (4), said unit defining operation of the electric motor (4) in generator mode as a function of the mechanical braking detected by said means (17), thus deactivating the propulsion mode and / or triggering motor braking.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Electric-assisted bicycle

[0001] The invention relates to an electrically assisted bicycle, or e-bike, comprising a rear wheel, a front wheel, at least one mechanical brake, a crankset mechanically linked to the rear wheel, an electric motor used for assistance or for converting kinetic energy into electricity in generator mode, supplied with electric current from a direct current source, via a reversible inverter.

[0002] E-bikes generally use accumulator batteries as a source of direct current, which on the one hand are generally heavy, and on the other hand need a few hours to charge before use and discharge slowly, which is not favorable in case of intense effort such as when starting or climbing a steep slope of the e-bike.

[0003] It is also known from document WO 2014 / 169305 that the electric motor provides assistance to the pedals, depending on the speed imposed on the e-bike and measured at the level of the pedals.

[0004] Document CN 20291 1902U describes a bicycle equipped with an electric motor, but this bicycle does not include any means for detecting braking. Furthermore, this document does not describe a method for controlling an electric assist motor using a control unit that allows switching between two operating modes, namely a generator mode and a propulsion mode.

[0005] One of the goals of the invention is to offer an e-bike without a battery pack, and without external charging.

[0006] Another aim of the invention is to provide an e-bike capable of regenerating stored energy while being energy self-sufficient.

[0007] Another aim of the invention is to improve user comfort during their ride on an e-bike.

[0008] Another aim of the invention is to offer an e-bike whose operation as a motor generator is improved if mechanical braking is detected.

[0009] Another aim of the invention is to offer an e-bike with energy recharging by the e-bike user.

[0010] Another aim of the invention is to offer an e-bike whose energy recharging is ensured by the user according to their fatigue threshold.

[0011] Another aim of the invention is to propose a method of controlling the operation in assistance or generator mode of the motor of an e-bike depending on the user and / or the environment.

[0012] The invention relates to an electrically assisted bicycle, comprising a rear wheel, a front wheel, at least one mechanical brake, a crankset mechanically linked to the rear wheel, and an electric motor without a freewheel, powered by electric current, characterized in that said bicycle further comprises: - a supercapacitor module controlled by a converter and configured to supply said electric motor with electric current or to store said electric current; - a means of detecting mechanical braking; - an electronic control unit configured to define the operating mode of said motor between a first operating mode, called generator mode, in which said motor recharges the supercapacitor module with electrical energy, and a second operating mode, called propulsion mode, in which the electrical energy stored in the supercapacitor module powers said motor, said unit defining generator operation of the electric motor as soon as mechanical braking is detected by said detection means, thus deactivating the propulsion mode and / or triggering motor braking.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric assisted bicycle further includes a pedaling torque sensor and said electronic control unit also defines the operating mode of the electric motor as a function of the pedaling torque.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrically assisted bicycle further comprises a means for measuring the state of charge of the supercapacitor module. Preferably, the means for measuring the state of charge is a voltage sensor.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrically assisted bicycle further comprises at least one pedaling speed sensor disposed in connection with the crankset and said electronic control unit also defines the operating mode of the electric motor as a function of the pedaling speed.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the electrically assisted bicycle further comprises a rotational speed sensor for the electric motor and / or a rotational speed sensor for at least one wheel of said bicycle, said electronic control unit also defining the operating mode of the electric motor as a function of the rotational speed of said motor and / or the rotational speed of at least one wheel of said bicycle.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the electric motor is a geared motor without a freewheel.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the electric motor is a direct drive motor.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the electric motor is located in the hub of the rear wheel.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the electric motor is located in the hub of the front wheel.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the sensor for the rotational speed of the electric motor is located in the axis of the wheel carrying the electric motor.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the sensor for the rotational speed of the electric motor is located on the spokes of one of the wheels.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the pedal torque sensor is integrated into the motor.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the pedal speed sensor is integrated into the motor.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the means for detecting mechanical braking consists of at least one sensor.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the mechanical braking detection means consists of at least one contactor.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the mechanical link between the crankset and the rear wheel is ensured by chain, belt or cardan joint.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the electronic control unit is connected to at least one temperature sensor of the supercapacitor module.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the electronic control unit is connected to at least one temperature sensor of the electric motor.

[0030] According to one embodiment, a voltage sensor measures the state of charge of each of the supercapacitors in the supercapacitor module.

[0031] According to one embodiment, activating at least one mechanical brake on the bicycle triggers the sending of a triggering signal to the electronic control unit: - deactivation of engine assistance; - the application of engine braking.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the electronic control unit continuously monitors, via the supercapacitor module charge state sensor, that the supercapacitor module charge state always remains less than or equal to 100%.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the electronic control unit is configured to determine a speed ratio of said bicycle as a function of the pedaling speed and the rotational speed of at least one wheel.

[0034] Throughout the text, "electric assistance" or "controlling the electric assistance" means a mode of operation of the electric assistance motor in which said motor functions as a propulsion motor using at least some of the electrical energy stored in the supercapacitor module to move the bicycle forward.

[0035] The invention is described below according to an embodiment with reference to the attached drawing which represents:

[0036] [Fig. 1] a simplified symbolic diagram of an electric assistance system for e-bikes according to the invention.

[0037] An e-bike equipped with an electric assist system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel 1, two mechanical brakes, and a crankset 2 connected to the rear wheel 1, for example, by a chain 3. The electric assist system comprises a motor 4, a reversible inverter 5, a converter 8, a supercapacitor module 9 6, and an electronic control unit 10 for the converter 8. An electrical connection circuit 7 is provided between the reversible inverter 5 and the converter 8. An electrical connection circuit 19 is provided between the converter 8 and the supercapacitor module 9 6. A control connection 18 for the converter 8 is provided between the electronic control unit 10 and the converter 8.

[0038] The crankset 2 includes at least one pedaling torque sensor 11 and at least one pedaling speed sensor 12. The electric motor 4 includes at at least one sensor 13 for the rotational speed of motor 4, and at least one sensor 14 for the temperature of motor 4. At least one sensor 15 for the state of charge of supercapacitor module 6 9 is located on the connecting circuit 19 between the converter 8 and the supercapacitor module 6 9. At least one sensor 16 for the temperature of supercapacitor module 6 9 is located on module 6. At least one sensor 17 detects the activation of mechanical braking by the bicycle user. Sensors 11-17 are all connected to the electronic control unit 10 of converter 8.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electric motor 4 is a geared motor without a freewheel, located in the hub of the rear wheel 1. The rotor of the motor 4 is coupled to the rear wheel 1 via a speed reducer. By design, a geared motor is a motor equipped with an internal freewheel and a planetary gear. It is lighter than a conventional motor. The internal freewheel eliminates rolling resistance.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the motor 4 used is a geared motor without an internal freewheel, which ensures that the motor 4, during braking phases, or when riding below the user's fatigue threshold, including downhill, operates as a generator to recharge the energy reserve constituted by the supercapacitor module 9 (6). The converter 8 ensures in particular the control of the variation of the value of the DC voltage between, on the one hand, the reversible inverter 5 and, on the other hand, the supercapacitor module 9 (6). It also ensures the control of the power flows between, on the one hand, the supercapacitor module 9 (6) and the motor 4 during periods of electric assistance to the bicycle.Thus, the electric motor 4 is a geared motor without a freewheel, to ensure alternatively operation as a propulsion motor for the e-bike assisting the user, and operation as an electric current generator to ensure the recharging of the supercapacitors during motor braking phases and during movement phases when the effort is below the fatigue threshold.

[0041] Module 6 includes several supercapacitors 9, used as electrical energy storage cells whenever the bicycle is in motion or as a source of electrical power during acceleration. Unlike a battery, supercapacitors are small components, easily integrated mechanically into the bicycle. Furthermore, they offer a high level of safety which This allows them to be integrated directly into the electronic control board. For example, the supercapacitors 9 are housed in extruded tubes that serve as the frame for the luggage rack located above the rear wheel of the e-bike. The energy storage provided by the supercapacitor module 9 (6) offers several advantages over a battery, including lower mass, shorter charging time, longer lifespan, and reduced transfer losses. However, and without prejudice to the advantages of the invention, a battery can be designed for hybrid operation with the supercapacitors. According to the invention, continuous monitoring of the state of charge of the supercapacitor module 9 (6) via the sensor 15 ensures that the state of charge of the supercapacitor module always remains less than or equal to 100%.

[0042] The operation of the e-bike according to one embodiment of the invention may be as described below.

[0043] The user gets on the bike and propels it by the crankset 2. The pedaling torque sensor 11 and the pedaling speed sensor 12 send their signals to the electronic control unit 10 of the converter 8. The motor speed sensor 4, the motor temperature sensor 4, the charge state sensor 9 sensor 6, and the temperature sensor 9 sensor 16 send their signals to the electronic control unit 10 of the converter 8.

[0044] During the start-up phase, the user presses the pedal and the pedaling torque sensor informs the electronic control unit 10 of the need for electric assistance, which commands the converter 8 so that the electrical energy available in the supercapacitor module 9 6 powers the motor 4 via the reversible inverter 5. Thus, during the start-up, acceleration, or uphill phases, electric assistance is provided, as in conventional e-bikes, by drawing on the available energy reserve.

[0045] The electronic unit 10, which controls the operation of the converter 8, receives electronic signals from the aforementioned sensors and delivers control signals to the converter 8. These signals control the direction of current flow in the converter 8, either towards the motor 4, or, according to the needs of the e-bike and within the limits allowed by the temperatures of the various components. the electric assistance, either to the module 6 of supercapacitors 9 for the recharging of the energy reserve.

[0046] The electronic control unit 10 analyzes, on the one hand, the rotational speed of the electric motor 4 and, on the other hand, the torque applied to the pedals by the user. It deduces from this the possible need for user assistance based on the state of charge of the supercapacitor module 6, or the opportunity for recharging the supercapacitors.

[0047] Using a geared motor without a freewheel allows the wheel's rotational speed to be determined by the motor's speed. The electronic control unit (10) analyzes the gear ratio based on the wheel's rotational speed and the pedaling speed to optimize the assistance level. If the need for assistance is high but the user is not using the correct gear ratio, it means that before engaging the assistance, it would be better to shift gears. Thus, for the same level of effort, the assistance provided is less effective with a gear ratio that could be improved than when the gear ratio is already the optimal one physically possible.

[0048] The torque sensor allows, among other things, the detection of the average or instantaneous torque, or the average power output of the user, in situations where they maintain or increase their effort. This translates, respectively, to the user's attempt to maintain or increase speed, while the system detects a drop in speed thanks to the motor's rotational speed sensor. The electronic control unit then activates assistance proportional to the speed loss recorded in that situation. This allows the system to absorb changes in terrain thanks to the motor's assistance. The user can thus continue pedaling at their own pace without being affected by the variations imposed by the terrain. This is an adaptive speed maintenance function that adjusts over time based on stored energy. Indeed, if the energy consumption persists over time, it means that the user is not in their comfort zone.The target speed decreases progressively based on the consumption of stored energy until it reaches an equilibrium point between the gear selected by the user and the pedaling torque and / or pedaling speed. This setting allows the bicycle's speed to decrease to a non-zero minimum speed to ensure its balance, depending on the selected gear.

[0049] The pedaling speed sensor allows the electronic control unit to know the speed ratio in order to modulate the difference between the perceived torque and the determined maximum torque and thus trigger an acceleration aid.

[0050] When the user wants to accelerate to increase their cruising speed or to overcome an obstacle on the road, they can also use the electric bike's assistance. However, it's important to ensure that the energy collected and stored is used wisely. The control unit activates a boost in assistance when the torque applied to the pedals exceeds the maximum torque recorded during the last pedal stroke. The control unit provides this boost based on signals from the pedaling torque sensors; the boost stops as soon as the pedaling torque becomes constant or decreases.

[0051] The bicycle, according to one embodiment of the invention, allows the stored energy to be used to restart after a stop or to provide assistance when starting on a hill. When the torque sensor detects pressure on the pedals and the bicycle is traveling at less than 6 km / h, the control unit provides electric assistance.

[0052] In a conventional e-bike, manually activating one of the brake levers cuts off the motor's power supply and therefore the motor's assistance. Each brake lever is equipped with a switch or sensor to cut off the motor's assistance when a brake lever is activated.

[0053] Advantageously, according to the invention, the operation of a first brake lever, via sensor 17, sends a signal to the electronic control unit 10 that triggers the deactivation of the electric motor's assistance function, as well as the application of engine braking and electrical energy recuperation, with the motor operating as a generator. Activating the first brake lever enhances engine braking and energy recuperation. Subsequent or simultaneous activation of the second brake lever significantly increases engine braking and energy recuperation. Thus, according to the invention, the operation of a first brake lever sends an initial signal from sensor 17 to the electronic control unit 10 to enable the motor to operate as a generator. Furthermore, simultaneous or separate activation of the second brake lever further enhances engine braking. The most significant value is obtained by combining the signals from each of the brake lever detection methods. Furthermore, generator operation can therefore be ensured by applying pressure to at least one brake lever, depending on the state of charge of the supercapacitor module.

[0054] Energy recovery, as defined in this invention, means the conversion of mechanical energy from pedaling into electrical energy when certain conditions are met, such as lower effort or low pedaling torque, or the conversion of all or part of the kinetic energy into electrical energy during freewheeling or braking phases.

[0055] Mechanical braking is achieved by applying pressure to the brake levers beyond the point at which sensor 17 is triggered to cut off motor assistance. Mechanical braking is used in rapid braking or emergency situations.

[0056] Furthermore, unlike conventional electric bicycles where the brake sensor ensures the motor stops, the bicycle according to the invention allows for braking that begins with motor braking. This motor braking can then be supplemented by mechanical braking if necessary, using the same brake lever.

[0057] Activating the brake adds extra current to the energy recuperation current if the system is in energy recuperation modulation mode. Therefore, when the brake is activated during a period of assistance, the recuperated current at that moment is zero; only the additional current will be drawn during motor braking. This ensures the same deceleration sensation regardless of the cyclist's position when the brake was activated.

[0058] The use of a geared motor without a freewheel, or a direct drive motor, and a supercapacitor module capable of handling high power in a short time, allows the motor to be used as a generator to benefit from significant motor braking and significant energy recovery, depending on the state of charge of the supercapacitor module and within the limits allowed by the temperatures of the different components.

[0059] During the phases of movement without particular constraint, from the data received from the pedaling torque sensor 11, and / or the pedaling speed sensor 12, the electronic control unit 10 determines a limit torque value CL corresponding to the user's fatigue threshold.

[0060] Furthermore, it receives, in real time throughout each pedal stroke, the torque value Cu used to propel the bicycle. Comparing the two values ​​reveals that between Cu and CL, there is at least one charging torque value Cr greater than or equal to Cu, and this difference with Cu allows the supercapacitors to be recharged without significant user fatigue.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the invention, a manual control for a small movement of a mechanical brake lever ensures, by means of the sensor 17 and the electronic control unit 10, the operation of the bicycle with the torque Cr for recharging the supercapacitors 9. With a torque Cr lower than the limiting torque CL, and slightly higher than the useful torque Cu for moving the e-bike, a small amount of power is recovered during the fairly long duration of the movement, so as to ensure a substantial recharge of the module 6 of the supercapacitors 9. Thus, the electronic control unit 10 makes it possible to manage the assistance provided by the user to the recharging of the energy reserve constituted by the supercapacitors.

[0062] Depending on the measured pedaling torque and / or the pedaling speed ensured by the user's pedaling cadence and / or the rotation speed of the electric motor, the electronic control unit 10 ensures the automatic control of the energy storage phases, and assistance to the electric motor 4, independently of the user's practices in order to optimize the management of the electrical energy stored in the module 6 of supercapacitors 9.

[0063] In other words, while conventional e-bikes only manage the supply of additional energy, the e-bike according to the invention also manages the user's energy for recharging the additional energy reserve.

[0064] Another object of the invention relates to a method for controlling an electrically assisted bicycle according to all or part of the preceding characteristics, the electronic control unit of which is configured to define the operating mode of said electric assist motor, between a first operating mode, called generator mode, in which said motor recharges the supercapacitor module with electrical energy, and a second operating mode, called propulsion mode, in which the electrical energy stored in the supercapacitor module powers said motor, said method being characterized in that said generating mode is chosen if at least one of the following conditions is met: - detection of the command of at least one mechanical brake; - Vinst 6km / h where Vinst corresponds to the instantaneous speed of the bicycle; and in that said propulsion mode is chosen if at least one of the following conditions is met and the condition for detecting the command of at least one mechanical brake of the generator mode is not met: - Cinst(Tn) Cinst(Tn+i ) and Vinst(Tn) Vinst(Tn+i), where (Tn) corresponds to an instant of determination of the instantaneous torque Cinst and / or the instantaneous speed Vinst of the bicycle, (Tn+i) corresponds to another instant of determination of the instantaneous torque Cinst and / or the instantaneous speed Vinst of the bicycle (Tn+i) being subsequent to (Tn); - Cinst Cmax, where Cmax corresponds to the maximum torque applied by the user on the pedal assembly (2) over a period of time preceding the measurement of Cinst; Cinst > 0 and Vinst — 6km / h.

[0065] The period of time preceding the Cinst measurement corresponds at a minimum to half a pedal turn.

[0066] Thus, according to the invention, the control unit of the electric assisted bicycle makes it possible to optimize energy management according to the user and the environment in which the user operates when using the bicycle according to the invention.

[0067] The brake command detection condition can increase generator operation and thus improve energy recovery at the supercapacitor module. This condition is cumulative with the default generator mode condition.

[0068] According to one variant, the control of the operating mode by the control unit can also be done according to the state of charge of the supercapacitor module, in particular by means of a means of measuring the voltage, preferably a voltage sensor.

[0069] According to this variant, each of the conditions of the generator mode is conditioned by a state of charge lmoduie ^100% and each of the conditions of the propulsion mode is conditioned by a state of charge Imodule >0%, Imodule corresponding to the state of charge of the supercapacitor module.

[0070] Furthermore, operating the electric assist motor in generator mode allows for: - a default energy recovery function that is modulated in real time relative to the instantaneous torque applied by the user to the crankset if the condition "Vinst "6km / h" is met, this condition also corresponding to a generator mode applied by default by the control unit; - An engine braking function is activated when mechanical braking is detected, such as when the user operates at least one brake lever, provided the condition "detection of at least one mechanical brake operation" is met. The resulting engine braking is amplified when both brakes are applied. The energy recovery function of the generator mode applied by default is supplemented as soon as one of the conditions of operation in propulsion mode is met and / or as soon as mechanical braking is detected. In addition, the control unit is configured to establish a priority between each of the operating conditions in generator or propulsion mode of the electric motor.

[0071] To this end, the following priority order is applied by the control unit according to the conditions of each operating mode, from the lowest priority to the highest priority: MGen default < MProp < MGen brake where MGen default corresponds to the engine generator mode defined by default by the control unit when the condition Vinst > 6km / h is met; where MProp corresponds to the engine propulsion mode defined by the control unit if at least one of the following conditions is met: ■ Cinst(Tn) — Cinst(Tn+l) and Vinst(Tn) — Vinst(Tn+l) J Cinst — Cmax J Cinst > 0 and Vmoy — 6km / h; where MGen brake corresponds to the generator mode of the motor defined by the control unit as soon as the mechanical braking detection condition is met, this condition being a priority condition which prevents and / or cuts off operation in propulsion mode and which can be combined with the default generator mode Mgen default to amplify the charging of the supercapacitor module.

[0072] In addition, controlling the electric assist motor in propulsion mode allows for: an acceleration function to meet the user's rapid acceleration needs if the condition "Cinst ^ Cmax" is met. - a speed maintenance function to allow the user to maintain their speed when faced with constraints such as wind, a slight incline or hills when the condition "Cinst(Tn) < Cinst(T n+i ) and Vinst(Tn) — Vinst(Tn+i)» is fulfilled. - a start assistance function, in particular for hill starts when the condition "Cinst > 0 and Vinst 6km / h" is met.

[0073] Furthermore, the bicycle control unit according to the invention is configured to select the energy recovery function as the default operating mode for the electric motor. The mechanical braking detection condition takes priority over all other conditions and deactivates the propulsion mode.

Claims

Claims 1. Electrically assisted bicycle, comprising a rear wheel (1), a front wheel, at least one mechanical brake, a crankset (2) mechanically connected to the rear wheel (1), an electric motor (4) without a freewheel supplied with electric current, characterized in that said bicycle further comprises: - a module (6) of supercapacitors (9) controlled by a converter (8) and configured to supply said electric motor (4) with electric current or to store said electric current; - a means (17) for detecting mechanical braking; - an electronic control unit (10) configured to define the operating mode of said electric motor (4), between a first operating mode, called generator mode, in which said motor (4) allows the module (6) of supercapacitors (9) to be recharged with electrical energy, and a second operating mode, called propulsion mode, in which the electrical energy stored in the module (6) of supercapacitors (9) supplies said motor (4), said unit defining a generator operation of the electric motor (4) as a function of the mechanical braking detected by said means (17), thus deactivating the propulsion mode and / or triggering engine braking.

2. Electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a pedaling torque sensor (11) and in that said electronic control unit (10) also defines the operating mode of said electric motor (4) as a function of the pedaling torque.

3. Electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises at least one pedaling speed sensor (12) arranged in connection with the crankset (2) and in that said electronic control unit (10) also defines the operating mode of the electric motor (4) as a function of the pedaling speed.

4. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises a sensor (13) for the rotation speed of the electric motor (4) and / or a sensor for the rotation of at least one wheel, said electronic control unit (10) also defining the operating mode of the electric motor (4) as a function of the rotation speed of the motor (4) and / or the rotation of at least one wheel.

5. Assisted bicycle according to claim 4, characterized in that said electronic control unit (10) is configured to determine a speed ratio of said bicycle as a function of the pedaling speed and the rotation speed of at least one wheel.

6. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the pedaling torque sensor (11) is integrated in the electric motor (4).

7. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electric motor (4) is a reduced motor without freewheel.

8. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electric motor (4) is a direct drive motor.

9. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the electric motor (4) is located in the hub of the rear wheel (1)- 10. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the electric motor (4) is located in the hub of the front wheel. 1 1. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the means (17) for detecting mechanical braking consists of at least one sensor.

12. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the electronic control unit (10) is connected to at least one sensor (16) of the temperature of the module (6) of supercapacitors (9).

13. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the electronic control unit (10) is connected to at least one sensor (14) for the temperature of the electric motor (4).

14. Electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a voltage sensor (15) measuring the state of charge of the module (6) of supercapacitors (9).

15. Electrically assisted bicycle according to claim 14, characterized in that the electronic unit (10) continuously monitors, via the sensor (15) of the state of charge of the module (6) of supercapacitors (9) that the state of charge of the module of supercapacitors always remains less than or equal to 100%.

16. Method for controlling an electrically assisted bicycle according to one of claims 1 to 15, the electronic control unit (10) of which is configured to define the operating mode of said electric assistance motor (4), between a first operating mode, called generator mode, in which said motor (4) makes it possible to recharge the module (6) of supercapacitors (9) with electrical energy, and a second operating mode, called propulsion mode, in which the electrical energy stored in the module (6) of supercapacitors (9) powers said motor (4), said method being characterized in that said generator mode is chosen if at least one of the following conditions is met: - detection of the control of at least one mechanical brake; - Vinst 6km / h where Vinst corresponds to the instantaneous speed of the bicycle; and in that said propulsion mode is chosen if at least one of the following conditions is met and the condition for detecting the control of at least one mechanical brake of the generator mode is not met: - Cinst(Tn) Cinst(Tn+i ) and Vinst(Tn) Vinst(Tn+i), where (Tn) corresponds to a time of determination of the instantaneous torque Cinst and / or the instantaneous speed Vinst of the bicycle, (Tn+i) corresponds to another time of determination of the instantaneous torque Cinst and / or the instantaneous speed Vinst of the bicycle, (Tn+i) being later than (Tn); - Cinst Cmax, where Cmax corresponds to the maximum torque applied by the user to the pedals (2) during a period of time preceding the measurement of Cinst; Cinst > 0 and Vinst — 6km / h.

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