Bicycle lock systems and method

Abstract

A lock assembly includes a housing integrated within a frame of a bicycle. The lock assembly includes a striker and a plunger. The striker is coupled with the plunger and is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The striker is configured to protrude from the housing with the striker in the locked position. The plunger is configured to retain the striker in the locked position.

Description

BICYCLE LOCK SYSTEMS AND METHODCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No, 63 / 582,891, filed September 15, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.INTRODUCTION

[0002] Bicycles can include an electric motor that receives power from a battery.SUMMARY

[0003] An integrated lock assembly can lock a removable battery or some other object (e.g., a storage compartment, a bicycle helmet, a fluid reservoir, or some other container or object) to a frame of a bicycle (e.g., an electric bicycle). The electronic lock assembly can be built into the frame of the bicycle. The lock assembly can include a housing and at least one striker. The at least one striker can protrude from the housing to engage the battery, where the engagement of the battery with the striker can prevent removal of the battery (e.g., separation of the battery from the bicycle). The lock assembly can include a motor (e.g., an electric motor) to actuate the striker via. For example, the motor can actuate the striker via a plunger to cause the striker to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. Movement of the plunger can cause the striker to move between the unlocked position and the locked position. The striker can be coupled with the plunger via at least one spring such that a distance between the plunger and the striker can be varied. Because the distance between the striker and the plunger can be varied, the plunger can retain the striker in the locked position (e.g., a super-locked position). For example, the striker can be depressed (e.g., pressed inwards into the housing of the lock assembly) with the striker in the locked position and with a distance between the plunger and the striker. The plunger can be actuated (e.g., moved, translated, repositioned) towards the striker to compress the spring and close the distance between the plunger and the striker. The striker can be retained in the locked position with the distance between the plunger and the striker at least partially closed (e.g., reduced) and with the spring compressed. The motor can be actuated via an action of the user, such as an action initiated via a mobile device, a near field communication (NFC) tap, an input provided to a screen, other input option. For example, the user can approach the bike and push the batteryinto the frame. The system can detect that the battery is present electrically, and the motor can actuate the plunger to close distance between the plunger and the striker to lock the battery in place (e.g., move the striker to a super-locked position).

[0004] At least one aspect is directed to an assembly. A lock assembly can include a housing integrated with a frame of a bicycle. The lock assembly can include a striker and a plunger. The striker can be coupled with the plunger and can be movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The striker can be configured to protrude from the housing with the striker in the locked position. The plunger can be configured to retain the striker in the locked position.

[0005] At least one aspect is directed to an electric bicycle. The electric bicycle can include battery a lock assembly. The lock assembly can include a housing integrated with a frame of a bicycle. The lock assembly can include a striker coupled with a plunger. The striker can be movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The striker can be configured to protrude from the housing in the locked position. The plunger can be configured to retain the striker in the locked position to lock the battery to the frame.

[0006] At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include engaging a battery with a striker of a lock assembly. The striker can engage the battery with the striker in a locked position and disengage the battery in an unlocked position. The lock assembly can be integrated with a frame of a bicycle. The method can include actuating a motor of the lock assembly to move a plunger. The plunger can be coupled with the striker and can be configured to retain the striker in the locked position.

[0007] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The foregoing information and the following detailed description and drawings include illustrative examples and should not be considered as limiting.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 depicts an example bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0010] FIG. 2 depicts an example lock assembly for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0011] FIG. 3 depicts an example lock assembly for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0012] FIG. 4 depicts an example lock assembly for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0013] FIG. 5 depicts an exploded view of an example lock assembly for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0014] FIG. 6 depicts an example battery for a bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0015] FIG. 7 depicts an example lock assembly for a bicycle engaged with a battery of the bicycle, in accordance with some aspects.

[0016] FIG. 8 depicts an example engagement between a lock assembly and a battery, in accordance with some aspects.

[0017] FIG. 9 depicts an example engagement between a lock assembly and a battery, in accordance with some aspects.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of an example method of operating a lock assembly for a bike, in accordance with some aspects.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an architecture for a computer system that can be employed to implement elements of the systems and methods described and illustrated herein, including, for example, the lock assembly of FIGS. 1-9.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of integrating feedback systems into bicycles. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.

[0021] This disclosure is generally directed to an integrated bicycle lock assembly with latching and electronic actuation. For example, the integrated lock assembly can lock a removable battery or some other object (e.g., a storage compartment, a bicycle helmet, a fluid reservoir, or some other container or object) to the frame of the bicycle (e.g., an electric bicycle). The electronic lock assembly can be built into the frame of the bicycle. The lock assembly can include a housing and at least one striker. The at least one striker can protrude from the housing to engage the battery, where the engagement of the battery with the striker can prevent removal of the battery (e.g., separation of the battery from the bicycle). The housing of the lock assembly can be integrated with (e.g., built into, integral with, combined with) the frame of the bicycle such that a user can provide (e.g., set, place, insert) the battery to the housing of the lock assembly to couple the battery with the frame of the bike.

[0022] The lock assembly can include a motor (e.g., an electric motor) to actuate the striker. For example, the motor can actuate the striker to cause the striker to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The battery can be locked to the frame of the bicycle with the striker in the locked position and the battery engaged with the lock assembly. The battery can be separated from the lock assembly with the striker in the unlocked position. The striker can be actuated by a plunger. The plunger can be engaged with the motor (e.g., via gearing) such that actuation of the motor can cause the plunger to move. Movement of the plunger can cause the striker to move from the unlocked position to the locked position or from the locked position to the unlocked position. For example, the striker can be coupled with the plunger via at least one spring such that a distance between the plunger and the striker can be varied. Because the distance between the striker and the plunger can be varied, the plunger can retain the striker in the locked position (e.g., a super-locked position). For example, the striker can be depressed (e.g., pressed inwards into the housing of the lock assembly) with the striker in the locked position and with a distance between the plunger and the striker. The plunger can be actuated (e.g., moved, translated, repositioned) towards the striker to compress the spring and close the distance between the plunger and the striker. The striker can be retained in thelocked position with the distance between the plunger and the striker at least partially closed (e.g., reduced) and with the spring compressed. For example, the striker is unable to be depressed (e.g., pressed inwards into the housing) with the distance between the striker and the plunger at least partially closed.

[0023] The motor can be actuated via an action of the user, such as an action initiated via a mobile device, a near field communication (NFC) tap, an input provided to a screen, other input option. This mechanism can be built directly into the frame of the bicycle. The locking mechanism can be electronic. For example, the user can approach the bike and push the battery into the frame. The battery can snap into place. The system can detect that the battery is present electrically, and the lock actuator closes, securing the battery in place. The technology described herein can also provide some preload of the battery, reducing rattling and movement during riding. When the user wishes to remove the battery, they interact with the system via NFC card, on-screen input, in-app experience, or other means. The system can power the actuator to retract, and the user can simply remove the battery.

[0024] FIG. 1 depicts an example perspective view of a bicycle 100. The bicycle 100 can be an electric bike 100 installed with at least one battery 105. The bicycle 100 can be a human- operated bike 100. The bike 100 can include single rider bicycles, tandem bicycles, cargo bicycles, motor-assist bicycles, pedicabs, electric-assist bicycles, road bicycles, mountain bicycles, or unicycles, among others. The battery 105 can also be used as an energy storage system to power a building, such as a residential home or commercial building. The bike 100 can be fully electric or partially electric (e.g., pedal-powered) and further, the electric bike 100 can be fully autonomous, partially autonomous, semi-autonomous, or unmanned. The electric bike 100 can also be human operated or non-autonomous. A human operator or the rider of the bike 100 can sit on a saddle 110 to operate the bike 100. The rider of the bike 100 can steer, grip, balance, or otherwise control the bike 100 using the handlebar 115.

[0025] The bike 100 can include a frame 120. The frame 120 can support various components of the bike 100, such as a handlebar 115, the saddle 110, the battery 105, at least one light 125, and at least one lock assembly 130. The frame 120 can span a front portion 135. The front portion 135 can support, be coupled with, or include, for example, a wheel 140 of the bike 100, a fork 145 of the bike 100, the handlebar 115, the light 125, among other components. The bike 100 can include two or more wheels 140 (e.g., a front wheel 140 and a rear wheel 140). The frame 120 can span a middle portion 150. The middle portion 150 cansupport, be coupled with, or include, for example, the saddle 110, the battery 105, a crank shaft or drive mechanism 155 of the bike 100, or a pedal 160 of the bike 100, among other components. The frame 120 can include the middle portion 150 including the lock assembly 130. The frame 120 can include a rear portion 165. The rear portion 165 can support, be coupled with, or include, for example, a rear wheel 140 of the bike 100, the light 125, a drive train 170 of the bike 100, or a rack 175 of the bike 100, among other components. Battery 105 can be disposed anywhere in frame 120.

[0026] The bike 100 can include at least one battery 105 or battery pack 105 that can include at least one battery, at least one battery module, or at least one battery cell. The battery 105 can be electrically coupled with the bike 100 (e.g., to the drive mechanism 155, to the light 125, the lock assembly 130, or some other components). For example, the battery 105 can provide electrical energy to the bike 100 to power the bike 100. The battery 105 can be installed or placed within the bike 100. For example, the battery 105 can be installed on the frame 120 of the bike 100 within one or more of the front portion 135, the middle portion 150, or the rear portion 165. The battery 105 can be integrally coupled with the frame 120 such that it is not removable. The battery 105 can be detachably coupled with the frame 120 such that in can be removed (e.g., to charge the battery 105). The battery 105 can include or connect with at least one busbar, e.g., a current collector element. For example, the busbar can include electrically conductive material to connect or otherwise electrically couple the battery 105 with other electrical components of the bike 100 to provide electrical power to various systems or components of the bike 100, such as the lock assembly 130 or some other system.

[0027] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, among others, the lock assembly 130 can be coupled with the frame 120. For example, the lock assembly 130 can be at least partially integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100 such that at least a portion of the lock assembly 130 can be inseparable from, built within, permanently coupled with, or otherwise integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100. The lock assembly 130 can include a housing 200. The lock assembly 130 can include the housing 200 integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100. For example, the housing 200 can be built within or otherwise combined with the frame 120 of the bicycle 100 such that the housing 200 cannot be separated from the frame 120 of the bike 100, at least without disassembling at portion of the bike 100. The housing 200 can be positioned within the frame 120. For example, if the frame is an aluminum frame or frame of some other material having hollow members (e.g., tubes), the housing 200 can be positioned within thehollow core of the frame 120 or frame member. The housing 200 can be positioned within a notch, recess, cut-out, or other void defined by the frame 120. The housing 200 can be permanently coupled with the frame 120. For example, the housing 200 can be welded with the frame 120, integrally molded with the frame 120, secured to the frame 120 via one or more fasteners inaccessible from an exterior of the frame 120, or in some other manner that can prevent the housing 200 from being separated from the frame 120 without at least partially destroying the frame 120, the housing 200, or some other component thereof.

[0028] The housing 200 can be a part of the bike 100 such that an operator or user of bike 100 need not provide a housing 200 in order to use the lock assembly 130 to secure the battery 105 to the bike 100. As depicted in FIG. 2, among others, the housing 200 can be integrated with the frame 120 above the drive mechanism 155 and within the middle portion 150 of the bike 100. For example, the bike 100 can include the housing 200 integrated within the frame 120 and positioned between the drive mechanism 155 and the frame 120. The housing 200 can be integrated within the frame 120 between the drive mechanism 155 and a battery 105. For example, the battery 105 can be coupled with the frame 120 via the housing 200. The lock assembly 130, namely the housing 200 of the lock assembly 130, can be positioned within the middle portion 150 of the bike 100 and beneath the saddle 110 or proximate the drive mechanism 155 and pedal 160. The housing 200 of the lock assembly 130 can be integrated with the frame 120 between a down tube and a seat tube, for example. The housing 200 can be integrated with the frame 120 in some other area.

[0029] The bike 100 can include the lock assembly 130 electrically coupled with the battery 105 or some other battery of the bicycle. For example, the battery 105 can be electrically coupled with the lock assembly 130 to facilitate the actuation or movement of one or more components of the lock assembly 130, such as those components within the housing 200. In this way, the lock assembly 130 can be configured to be controlled or actuated electronically via power provided by the battery 105, rather than being controlled or actuated manually or mechanically (e.g., via some manual action of an operator). For example, the battery 105 can provide power to the drive mechanism 155 to power the bike 100 (e.g., propel the bike by causing the at least one wheel 140 to rotate) and also provide power to the lock assembly 130 to operate the lock assembly 130 (e.g., components within the housing 200 or components coupled with the housing 200. The battery 105 can provide power to the lock assembly 130 and other components of the bike 100 (e.g., the drive mechanism 155, the light125, or some other component) simultaneously, separately, in sequence, or in some other manner.

[0030] As depicted in FIGS. 2-3, among others, the lock assembly 130 can be coupled with a securing member 205. For example, the securing member 205 can be a U-shaped bar, a chain, or some other object that can be positioned around some object (e.g., a bike rack or other public infrastructure) to secure the bike 100 to the object. The securing member 205 can selectively couple with the housing 200 of the lock assembly 130 to couple the securing member 205 to the bike 100, which can further couple the bike 100 to some other object.

[0031] As depicted in FIGS. 3-5, the lock assembly 130 can include the housing 200 having at least one opening 305. The lock assembly 130 can include the securing member 205 having at least one end 300. For example, the housing 200 can define the opening 305 to receive the end 300 of the securing member 205. The end 300 of the securing member 205 can be a free end (e.g., a terminal end) of the securing member 205 or some other object protruding from the securing member 205. For example, the securing member 205 can be a U-shaped member (e.g., a rod), chain, tether, linkage, rope, cable, or other member. The securing member 205 can be a rigid member such that it cannot flex or bend without substantial force. For example, the securing member 205 can have two ends 300 separated by some distance, where that distance is fixed because the securing member 205 is rigid. The securing member 205 can be flexible or semi-flexible. For example, the securing member 205 can include two ends 300 that can be moved toward or away from each other as the securing member 205 flexes or bends. The securing member 205 can include a material or structure that can permit a limited or defined amount of flexure or bending. For example, the securing member 205 can flex a limited amount to allow the ends 300 of the securing member 205 to move toward or away from each other by some predefined amount (e.g., less than 5 inches, less than 3 inches, less than 1 inch).

[0032] The securing member 205 can include at least two ends 300. For example, the securing member 205 can include two ends 300 separated by a distance. The distance can be greater than a width, thickness, or other dimension of an object, such as a bike rack, a tube, or some other structure to which the bike 100 can be secured (e.g., locked). For example, the two ends 300 of the securing member 205 can be configured to be positioned around the object to which the bike 100 is to be secured. In this way, the securing member 205 be wrapped around the object with the object positioned within an area between the two ends 300.

[0033] The opening 305 of the housing 200 can receive the end 300 of the securing member 205. For example, the opening 305 can be a hole, aperture, passageway, or other opening in the housing 200. The opening 305 can include a dimension (e.g., a diameter, a radius, a cross-sectional area) that is greater than a dimension (e.g., a diameter, a radius, or a cross-sectional area) of the end 300 of the securing member 205. The housing 200 can include two or more openings 305. For example, the housing 200 can include a number of openings 305 corresponding to the number of ends 300 of the securing member 205. The housing 200 can include two openings 305, and each opening 305 can receive one end 300 of the securing member 205 to couple the securing member 205 with the housing 200.

[0034] The lock assembly 130 can include the housing 200 including the opening 305 to receive the end 300 of the securing member 205 to couple the securing member 205 with the frame 120 of the bike 100. For example, because the housing 200 can be integrated with the frame 120 of the bike 100, the securing member 205 can be coupled with the frame 120 of the bike 100 by virtue of the securing member 205 being coupled with the housing 200. The securing member 205 can couple (e.g., engage) with the housing 200 to couple (e.g., secure) the frame 120 of the bike 100 with an object, such as a bike rack or some other structure. For example, the securing member 205 can engage with the housing 200 to secure the bike 100 to an object (e.g., a bike rack) positioned at least partially between the securing member 205 and the housing 200.

[0035] The lock assembly can include the housing 200 including the opening 410. The opening 410 can be a hole, aperture, passageway, or other opening in the housing 200. The opening 410 can include a dimension (e.g., a diameter, a radius, a cross-sectional area) that is greater than a dimension (e.g., a diameter, a radius, or a cross-sectional area) of a striker 360, as discussed below. The housing 200 can include two or more openings 410. For example, the housing 200 can include a number of openings 410 corresponding to the number of strikers 360.

[0036] The housing 200 can include at least one striker 360 and at least one striker 315. The striker 360 can engage battery 105 to couple the battery 105 with the housing 200 of the lock assembly 130. For example, the striker 360 can extend at least partially through the opening 410 of the housing 200 such that the striker 360 protrudes from the housing 200. The portion of the striker 360 extending from the housing 200 through the opening 410 can engaged a locking region (e.g., an opening) of the battery 105 to secure the battery 105 to the housing200 such that the battery 105 cannot be separated from the housing 200. The striker 360 can be at least partially positioned within a cavity 345 of the housing 200. For example, at least a portion of the striker 360 can protrude from the housing 200 while another portion of the striker 360 remains within the cavity 345 of the housing.

[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, among others, the housing 200 can define the cavity 345. For example, the housing 200 can include a first housing 400 and a second housing 405 that, when coupled together, define the housing 200 and a cavity 345 positioned at least partially between the first housing 400 and the second housing 405. The cavity 345 can contain various components of the lock assembly 130. For example, cavity 345 can contain at least one motor 350, at least one gear 340, at least one control device (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)) 365, at least one plunger 330, and at least a portion of the striker 315 and the striker 360. The opening 305 and the opening 410 of the housing 200 can each provide access into the cavity 345. As depicted in FIG. 5, among others, the first housing 400 and the second housing 405 can be coupled together via one or more fasteners 510. The first housing 400 or the second housing 405 can further be coupled with the frame 120 of the bike 100 via the fastener 510 or some other fastener.

[0038] As depicted in FIGS. 3-7, among others, the striker 360 can include a locking portion 370 and a flange 375. The locking portion 370 can be an end, such as a tapered, beveled, or other end shaped to engage the battery 105, as discussed below with reference to FIGS. 6-8. The locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can protrude from the housing 200 via the opening 410 of the housing 200. For example, the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can extend through the opening 410 while another portion of the striker 360 can remain within the cavity 345 of the housing 200. The flange 375 of the striker 360 can be a portion of the striker 360 that extends radially relative to the locking portion 370. For example, a width or diameter of the flange 375 of the striker 360 can be greater than a width or diameter of the locking portion 370. The width or diameter of the flange 375 of the striker 360 can be greater than a width or diameter of the opening 410 of the housing 200. For example, the flange 375 can include a dimension greater than a dimension of the opening 410 such that the flange 375 of the striker 360 is unable to pass through the opening 410. For example, the flange 375 can contact an inner surface 380 of the housing 200 rather than extend freely through the opening 410. The locking portion 370, on the other hand, can include a dimension (e.g., a diameter orwidth) less than the diameter or width of the opening 410 such that the locking portion 370 can extend through the opening 410.

[0039] The striker 360 can include the locking portion 370 to engage an opening 615 of the battery 105. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, among others, the battery 105 can include a locking region 600. The locking region 600 can be a notch, groove, slot, recess, or other portion of the battery 105 that can be provided over the housing 200 of the lock assembly 130, as is discussed in detail below with reference to FIGS. 7-9. The locking region 600 of the battery 105 can include or define at least one opening 615. The opening 615 can be a hole, aperture, passageway, or other opening formed in or defined by the battery 105. The opening 615 can include a dimension (e.g., a diameter, a radius, a cross-sectional area) that is greater than a dimension (e.g., a diameter, a radius, or a cross-sectional area) of the locking portion 370 of the striker 360. The battery 105 can include two or more openings 615. For example, the battery 105 can include a number of openings 615 corresponding to the number of strikers 360 of the lock assembly 130. The battery 105 can include two openings 615, and each opening 615 can receive one locking portion 370 of one striker 360 to couple the battery 105 with the housing 200. For example, the locking portion 370 can be at least partially encapsulated or surrounded by the opening 615 such that movement of the striker 360 is limited (e.g., restricted, prevented) by the opening 615. In this way, the engagement of the striker 360 with the opening 615 of the battery 105 can prevent the separation of the battery 105 from the housing 200.

[0040] The lock assembly 130 can include the striker 360 to move to protrude from the housing 200. For example, the lock assembly 130 can include the striker 360 movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, where the striker 360 can protrude from the housing 200 with the striker 360 in the locked position. At least a portion of the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can protrude from the housing 200 via the opening 410 with the striker 360 in the locked position. For example, the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can protrude from the housing 200 to engage the opening 615 of the battery 105 with the striker 360 in the locked position, as depicted in FIG. 7 among others. At least a portion (e.g., an entirety) of the locking portion 370 can be positioned within the cavity 345 with the striker 360 in the unlocked position. For example, the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can be entirely within the cavity 345 of the housing 200 with the striker 360 in the locked position such that the striker 360 does not engage the battery 105 or some other object.

[0041] The striker 360 can be coupled with a plunger 330. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5, among others, the striker 360 can be coupled with the plunger 330 via a fastener 505 and a spring 355. The fastener 505 can be a screw, pin, rod, shaft, rivet, or other fastener. The fastener 505 can include a threaded portion engaged with one of the striker 360 and the plunger 330. The fastener 505 can include a head portion engaged with the other of the striker 360 and the plunger 330. For example, the fastener 505 can be threadedly engaged with the striker 360 and slidably engaged with the plunger 330, where a shank of the fastener 505 can slide relative to the plunger 330 and where the head of the fastener 505 can retain the plunger 330 to define a maximum distance between the plunger 330 and the striker 360.

[0042] The striker 360 can be compressibly coupled with the plunger 330 via the fastener 505. For example, the fastener 505 can include be operatively coupled with the spring 355 or other compressive member (e.g., a rubber washer, a gas spring, or some other compressible component). The fastener 505 can include the spring 355 surrounding a body or shank of the fastener 505 such that the spring 355 can be compressed along an axis that is substantially (e.g., ± 15%) coaxial with a central axis of the fastener 505. For example, the fastener 505 couple the striker 360 with the plunger 330 with the spring 355 positioned between a surface of the plunger 330 and a surface of the striker 360. The striker 360 can be separated from the plunger 330 by a distance 700. The distance 700 can be varied as the spring 355 is compressed. For example, the striker 360 can move toward or away from the plunger 330 along the central axis of the fastener 505 as the spring 355 is compressed or extended. In this way, the spring 355 of the fastener 505 can act against the striker 360 push the striker 360 away from the plunger 330 while the fastener 505 can retain the striker 315 by coupling the striker 315 with the plunger 330. For example, a spring force applied by the spring can act to position the striker 360 by a maximum distance 700 away from the plunger 330, where the maximum distance 700 is defined by a portion of the fastener 505 coupling the striker 360 with the plunger 330. When the spring force is overcome (e.g., by a force acting on the striker 360 in a direction towards the plunger 330, the distance 700 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 can be reduced to move the striker 360 closer to the plunger 330.

[0043] The spring 355 can be compressed to move the striker 360 towards the plunger 330. For example, because the striker 360 can be coupled with the plunger 330 via the fastener 505 and the spring 355, the distance 700 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 can be reduced when the striker 360 moves towards the plunger 330. The striker 360 can be movedtowards the plunger 330, for example, when the striker 360 is pushed inwards towards the plunger 330 (e.g., pushed in a direction extending into the cavity 345 of the housing 200). Accordingly, the striker 360 can be depressed towards the plunger 330 to reduce an amount of the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 extending through the opening 410 and protruding from the housing 200. For example, the striker 360 can be depressed such that the locking portion 370 or only a small portion of the locking portion 370 can protrude from the housing 200 such that striker 360 can be disengaged from the battery 105.

[0044] The plunger 330 can retain the striker 360 in the locked position. For example, the plunger 330 can be actuated (e.g., moved, translated, repositioned) closer to the striker 360 such that the distance 700 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 can be reduced. As noted above, the flange 375 of the striker 360 can contact the inner surface 380 of the housing 200 with the locking portion 370 fully extended from the housing 200 such that the striker 360 cannot be moved further in an outward direction. For example, the contact between the flange 375 and the inner surface 380 can prevent the striker 360 from moving further in an outward direction. With the striker 360 prevented from moving further in the outward direction, the plunger 330 can be moved towards the striker 360 and the spring 355 can be compressed. For example, the plunger 330 can be moved towards the striker 360 as the striker 360 remains stationary such that the distance 700 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 is reduced. The distance 700 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 can be substantially (e.g., 90%) reduced such that the spring 355 is fully compressed or nearly (e.g., 90%) fully compressed. The striker 360 can be unable to move toward the plunger 330 (e.g., in a direction extending inwards toward the cavity 345) with the spring 355 compressed and the distance 700 between the striker 360 reduced. The striker 360 can be substantially (e.g., 90%) prevented from moving towards the plunger 330 based on the compressed spring 355 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 and substantially (e.g., 99%) prevented from moving further outward based on contact between the flange 375 with the inner surface 380 of the housing 200. Accordingly, the any movement of the striker 360 can be substantially prevented with the plunger 330 moved towards the striker 360 while the flange 375 of the striker 360 is also engaged with the inner surface 380 of the housing 200. The plunger 330 can retain the striker 360 in the locked position (e.g., a position with the locking portion 370 extending at least partially through the opening 410 of the housing 200) with the flange 375 of the striker 360 engaged with the inner surface 380 of the housing 200 and the spring 355 between the plunger 330 and the striker 360 at least partially compressed.

[0045] The lock assembly 130 can include a motor 350 and at least one gear 340. The motor 350 and the gear 340 can be positioned within the cavity 345 of the housing 200. For example, the housing 200 can include the motor 350 and the gear 340. The gear 340 can be operatively coupled with the motor 350. For example, the gear 340 can be rotatably coupled with the motor 350 such that operation of the motor 350 (e.g., actuation of the motor 350) can cause the gear 340 to rotate. The motor 350 can include at least one shaft 500. The gear 340 can be coupled with the shaft 500. The motor 350 can be an electric motor 350, such as an AC motor, a DC motor, a brushless motor, or some other kind of motor. The motor 350 can be actuated to cause the shaft 500 to rotate in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) or in a second direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction). For example, the motor 350 can be electrically coupled with the battery 105 of the bike 100 and can be configured to receive power (e.g., electrical energy) from the battery 105 to actuate the motor 350. For example, to actuate the motor 350, power can be transmitted to the motor 350 from the battery 105, which can cause the shaft 500 of the motor 350 to rotate, which can further cause the gear 340 coupled with the shaft 500 to rotate. If the motor 350 is a DC motor, for example, the battery 105 can apply a first voltage to the motor 350 to cause the shaft 500 and the gear 340 coupled with the shaft 500 to rotate in a first direction. The battery 105 can apply a second voltage to the motor 350 to cause the shaft 500 and the gear 340 to rotate in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, where the second voltage can have a polarity that is opposite (e.g., inverted with respect to) the first voltage. The motor 350 can be a non-backdrivable motor such that the motor 350 cannot be operated in absence of power (e.g., power provided by the battery 105 or otherwise.

[0046] The gear 340 can be coupled with the shaft 500 such that rotation of the shaft 500 can cause a corresponding rotation of the gear 340. The gear 340 can be a circular gear having one or more gear teeth extending radially from the gear 340. The plunger 330 can be operatively coupled with the gear 340. For example, the plunger 330 can include one or more gear teeth 335 configured to mesh (e.g., engage with) the gear teeth of the gear 340. The plunger 330 can include the gear teeth 335 extending from a linear portion (e.g., a shank, beam, or other portion). The gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can be positioned at or near (e.g., within 3 inches) of a proximal end of the plunger 330, while the striker 360 can be coupled with a distal end of the plunger 330. For example, the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can be positioned toward the gear 340 and the motor 350 such that the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can engage with the gear 340. The gear teeth 335 can extend from a linear portion of theplunger 330 such that the gear teeth 335 are positioned in a linear fashion (e.g., forming a line). Accordingly, engagement of the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 with gear teeth of the gear 340 can translate rotational motion of the gear 340 into linear motion of the plunger 330. Engagement of the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 with the gear teeth of the gear 340 can translate linear motion of the plunger 330 into rotational motion of the gear 340. For example, as the gear 340 rotates about the shaft 500 of the motor 350, the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can engage with the gear teeth of the gear 340 such that the rotation of the gear 340 causes the plunger 330 to translate (e.g., move, actuate, slide). The gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 can extend along a curvilinear or curved portion of the plunger 330 such that the gear teeth 335 extend along a curvilinear, curved, or other path. The gear teeth 335 can be engaged with the gear teeth of the gear 340 such that rotation of the gear 340 about the shaft 500 can cause movement of the plunger 330 along the path corresponding to the curvilinear shape of the plunger 330, for example.

[0047] The lock assembly 130 can include the plunger 330 engaged with the gear 340 and configured to cause the striker 360 to engage the opening 615 of the battery 105 via rotation of the gear 340. For example, because the striker 360 is coupled with the plunger 330, a movement of the plunger 330 (e.g., a lateral translation, linear movement, or movement along some other path) can cause a corresponding or at least partially corresponding movement of the striker 360. For example, a linear movement of the plunger 330 can cause a corresponding linear movement of the striker 315. A rotation of the gear 340 can cause a linear movement of the plunger 330, which can further cause a linear movement of the striker 360. For example, the motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500, which can further cause rotation of the gear 340. The gear teeth of the gear 340 can be meshed with the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 such that rotation of the gear 340 can cause movement of the plunger 330. The movement of the plunger 330 can cause a corresponding movement of the striker 360 with the striker 315 coupled with the plunger 330. The movement of the plunger 330 can cause a compression or an extension of the spring 355 positioned between the plunger 330 and the striker 360. For example, before the plunger 330 can draw the striker 360 inwards into the cavity 345, the linear movement of the plunger 330 can cause the spring 355 to extend and the fastener 505 to slide relative to the striker 360 until the fastener 505 (e.g., a head of the fastener 505) contacts the striker 360 and causes the striker 360 to move inwards. Before the plunger 330 can push the striker 360 outwards such that the locking portion 370 extends from the opening 410, the outward linear movement of the plunger 330 can cause the spring 355 to compress between theplunger 330 and the striker 360 until the spring is substantially (e.g., 80%) compressed, at which point the movement of the plunger 330 can cause the striker 360 to move outwards.

[0048] The striker 315 can engage the end 300 of the securing member 205 to couple the securing member with the housing 200. For example, the striker 315 can engage the end 300 of the securing member 205 to couple the securing member 205 with the frame 120 of the bike 100. The striker 315 can include a locking portion 320. The locking portion 320 can be an end, such as a tapered, beveled, or other end shaped to engage the end 300 of the securing member 205. For example, the end 300 of the securing member 205 can include a locking region 325. The locking region 325 of the end 300 can be a notch, slot, groove, impression, or other feature shaped to engage the locking portion 320 of the striker 315. For example, the locking region 325 can be a notch or notched area of the end 300 that can receive at least a portion of the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 to couple the end 300 within the opening 305 of the housing 200. The securing member 205 can be coupled with (e.g., engaged with) the housing 200 with the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 engaged with the locking region 325 of the end 300.

[0049] The lock assembly 130 can include the striker 315 to move to engage the end 300 of the securing member 205. The striker 315 can be coupled with a plunger 330. For example, as depicted in FIG. 5, among others, the striker 315 can be coupled with the plunger 330 via a fastener 505. The fastener 505 can be a screw, pin, rod, shaft, rivet, or other fastener. The striker 315 can be compressibly coupled with the plunger 330 via the fastener 505. For example, the fastener 505 can include be operatively coupled with a spring 355 or other compressive member. The fastener 505 can include the spring 355 surrounding a body or shank of the fastener 505 such that the spring 355 can be compressed along an axis that is substantially (e.g., ± 15%) coaxial with a central axis of the fastener 505. For example, the fastener 505 couple the striker 315 with the plunger 330 with the spring 355 positioned between a surface of the plunger 330 and a surface of the striker 315 such that the striker 315 can move toward or away from the plunger 330 along the central axis of the fastener 505 by compressing the spring 355. In this way, the spring 355 of the fastener 505 can bias the striker 315 away from the plunger 330 while the fastener 505 can retain the striker 315 by coupling the striker 315 with the plunger 330. For example, a spring force applied by the spring can act to position the striker 315 some distance away from the plunger 330, where the distance is defined by the fastener 505 coupling the striker 315 with the plunger 330. When the spring force isovercome, for example, the distance between the striker 315 and the plunger 330 can be reduced to move the striker 315 closer to the plunger 330.

[0050] The lock assembly 130 can include the plunger 330 engaged with the gear 340 and configured to cause the striker 315 to engage the end 300 of the securing member 205 via rotation of the gear 340. For example, because the striker 315 is coupled with the plunger 330, a movement of the plunger 330 (e.g., a lateral translation, linear movement, or movement along some other path) can cause a corresponding or at least partially corresponding movement of the striker 315. For example, a linear movement of the plunger 330 can cause a corresponding linear movement of the striker 315. A rotation of the gear 340 can cause a linear movement of the plunger 330, which can further cause a linear movement of the striker 315. For example, the motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500, which can further cause rotation of the gear 340. The gear teeth of the gear 340 can be meshed with the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330 such that rotation of the gear 340 can cause movement of the plunger 330. The movement of the plunger 330 can cause a corresponding movement of the striker 315 with the striker 315 coupled with the plunger 330.

[0051] The striker 315 can move from a first position with the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 disengaged from the locking region 325 of the end 300 of the securing member 205 to a second position with the locking portion 320 engaged with the locking region 325. For example, the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 can engage the locking region 325 of the securing member 205 to secure (e.g., lock, engage, or couple) the securing member 205 with the housing 200. The striker 315 can move from the second position with the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 engaged with the locking region 325 of the end 300 of the securing member 205 to the first position with the locking portion 320 disengaged from the locking region 325. For example, the locking portion 320 of the striker 315 can be disengaged from the locking region 325 of the securing member 205 such that the securing member 205 can be freely removed from the housing 200.

[0052] The end 300 of the securing member 205 can be inserted into the opening 305 in a first direction, and the striker 315 can move in a second direction to engage the locking region 325 of the securing member 205. For example, the second direction can be non-parallel with the first direction (e.g., perpendicular or some other non-parallel angle). The end 300 of the securing member 205 can be inserted into the opening 305 and the striker 315 can move to engage the end 300. The end 300 of the securing member 205 can be inserted into the opening305 with the striker 315 in a first position where the striker 315 is disengaged from the end 300 such that the securing member 205 can be freely removed from the opening 305. The striker 315 can be moved to engage the end 300 of the securing member 205 with the end 300 inserted into the opening 305. For example, the motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500, which can cause a corresponding rotation of the gear 340, which can further cause a movement of the plunger 330 to move the striker 315 into a second position where the striker 315 is engaged with the end 300 such that the securing member 205 cannot be freely removed from the opening 305. The motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500 in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) to move the striker 315 into engagement with the end 300 of the securing member 205 to couple (e.g., secure, lock) the securing member 205 with the housing 200. The motor 350 can be actuated to rotate the shaft 500 in a second direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction) to move the striker 315 out of engagement with the end 300 of the securing member 205 to decouple (e.g., disengage, release) the securing member 205 from the housing 200. For example, with the securing member 205 can be removed from the housing 200 after the motor 350 is actuated to rotate the gear 340 in a direction configured to draw the striker 315 away from the locking region 325 of the end 300 of the securing member 205.

[0053] The lock assembly 130 can include the housing including a first side 415 and a second side 415. For example, as depicted in FIG. 4, among others, the housing can be rectangular in shape having at least the first side 415 (e.g., a left side) opposite the second side 415 (e.g., a right side). Each of the sides 415 can define or include the opening 410. The lock assembly 130 can include multiple strikers 360, where each striker 360 can protrude from one of the openings 410 of the housing 200. For example, the lock assembly 130 can include a first striker 360 that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, where the first striker 360 protrudes from the first side 415 (e.g., through the opening 410) of the housing 200 with the first striker 360 in the locked position. The lock assembly 130 can include a second striker 360 that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, where the second striker 360 protrudes from the second side 415 (e.g., through the opening 410) of the housing 200 with the second striker 360 in the locked position.

[0054] The lock assembly 130 can include multiple plungers 330 to move (e.g., actuate) multiple strikers. For example, the lock assembly 130 can include two plungers 330 with each plunger 330 coupled with a striker 360. Both plungers 330 can be coupled with the same gear 340 such that both plungers 330 can move based on a rotational movement of the gear 340. Forexample, the plungers 330 can include gear teeth 335 meshed with gear teeth of the gear 340 such that a rotational movement of the gear 340 (e.g., rotational movement caused by actuation of the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500) can cause each of the plungers 330 to move. A first plunger 330 can be meshed with the gear 340 at a first radial location of the gear 340, and a second plunger 330 can be meshed with the gear 340 at a second radial location of the gear 340, where the second radial location can be diametrically opposed to the first radial location. As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5, among others, the rotation of the gear 340 in a first direction can cause a first plunger 330 to move in one direction (e.g., a positive X-direction) and a second plunger 330 to move in another direction (e.g., a negative X-direction). For example, rotation of the gear 340 can cause two plungers coupled with the gear 340 to move outward, which can further cause two strikers 360 to move outwards and protrude out of the opening 410 of the housing 200 to engage the opening 615 of the battery 105. The two plungers 330 can move at the same rate (e.g., pace, inches per second, millimeters per second, or some other rate) or at a different rate. For example, each plunger 330 can move to cause a striker 315 to engage the locking region 325 of the securing member 205 at substantially (e.g., ± 10%) the same time. Accordingly, the multiple strikers 360 can each protrude from an opening 410 of the housing 200 on opposing sides 415 of the housing 200 simultaneously.

[0055] The lock assembly 130 can include a second set of plungers 330 and a corresponding second set of strikers 315. The strikers 315 can engage another object, such as the securing member 205 or a securing member having a different geometry, dimension, or form factor, as discussed above. The striker 315 can be coupled with the plunger 330 and can move based on a movement of the plunger 330 such that the striker 315 can be moved into and out of engagement with some other object (e.g., the securing member 205). The striker 315 can be coupled with the plunger 330 via the fastener 505 and the spring 355. The striker 315 can be coupled with the plunger 330, where the plunger 330 can be operatively coupled with the gear 340. For example, the motor 350 can include two gears 340, including one to actuate the striker 360 to engage the opening 615 of the battery 105 and another to actuate the striker 315 to engage the securing member 205, for example. Each gear 340 can be coupled with a shaft 500 of the motor 350. For example, the motor 350 can include two or more shafts 500, with each shaft 500 coupled with a gear 340 or some other member. Each of the shafts 500 of the motor 350 can be actuated simultaneously or at separate times. For example, each of the shafts 500 of the motor 350 can be independently operable.

[0056] The lock assembly 130 can include a control device 365. The control device 365 can be a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 365, a printed circuit board, a controller, a computing system, or some other device configured to control the lock assembly 130. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 5, among others, the lock assembly 130 can include a PCBA 365 positioned within the cavity 345 of the housing 200 and configured to control the lock assembly 130. The PCBA 365 can be communicably coupled with the motor 350. For example, the PCBA 365 can be communicably coupled with the motor 350 to actuate (e.g., operate, start, stop, control) the motor 350. The PCBA can be electrically coupled with the battery 105 or some other power source. For example, the PCBA 365 can require electrical power to operate. The PCBA 365 can provide electrical energy to the motor 350 to actuate the motor 350 (e.g., to rotate the shaft 500). For example, the battery 105 or some other power source can provide power to the PCBA 365, and the PCBA 365 can in turn provide power to the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can control or modulate a polarity of a voltage provided to the motor 350. For example, motor 350 can be a DC motor, and the PCBA 365 can modulate the power provided by the battery 105 or some other power source to control whether or not the shaft 500 of the motor rotates in one direction or another direction (e.g., an opposite direction).

[0057] The PCBA 365 can include a communication interface to facilitate communications with one or more other components. For example, the PCBA 365 can include the communication interface to communicate with the motor 350 for the purpose of controlling the motor 350, monitoring the operation of the motor 350, or otherwise communicating with the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can include the communication interface to communicate with other components of the bike 100, an operator, or another device. For example, the PCBA 365 can include the communication interface to receive data regarding the battery 105 (e.g., a state of charge or some other property of the battery) or to transmit data to a controller or computing system of the bike 100 (e.g., to cause the light 125 to emit light in response to an action of the lock assembly 130). The communication interface can be configured for wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency transmissions, short-range wireless transmissions, near field communication (NFC) transmissions, or other wireless communications). For example, the PCBA 365 can include an input / output device (e.g., a wireless transceiver or some other device) to facilitate wireless communications or wired communication between the PCBA 365 and some other device (e.g., an operator’s mobile device, some other network-connected device). The communication interface can facilitate communication with remotely locateddevices, such as a central operator (e.g., the manufacturer of the bike 100 or some other trusted entity).

[0058] The PCBA 365 can include one or more processors coupled with one or more memory devices. For example, the memory devices can store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors can cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations can include, for example, actuating the motor 350 to cause the striker 360 of the housing 200 to engage (e.g., couple with, contact) the opening 615 of the battery 105 to couple the battery 105 with the housing 200. The operations can further include actuating the motor 350 to cause the striker 360 of the housing 200 to retract into the cavity 345 of the housing 200 to disengage the battery 105 from the housing 200, for example. The operations can include sounding an audible alarm (e.g., via a speaker or other audio device), operating a visual indication (e.g., illuminating the light 125 to indicate that the bike 100 is locked), providing a notification or alert (e.g., pushing a notification to a mobile device of an operator or presenting an alert on a graphic display of the bike 100 or some other device).

[0059] The PCBA 365 can be operatively coupled with the motor 350. For example, the PCBA 365 can be operatively coupled with the motor 350 to selectively operate (e.g., actuate) the motor 350 to cause a rotation of the gear 340 of the housing 200. As discussed above, rotation of the gear 340 can cause the striker 360 to engage the opening 615 of the battery 105 to secure the battery 105 to the housing 200. The PCBA 365 can transmit a signal to the motor 350, for example, to cause the motor 350 to operate (e.g., cause the shaft 500 to rotate the gear 340). For example, the PCBA 365 can cause the motor 350 to operate in response to a signal. The signal can be provided to the PCBA 365 via the communication interface or via some other means. For example, the PCBA 365 can receive a wireless signal via the communication interface and, in response to the received signal, cause the motor 350 to operate. The received wireless signal can be, for example, an input from an operator (e.g., a user, an owner of the bike 100, or some other authorized individual). The input from the operator can be input provided via a mobile application on a mobile device (e.g., cellular phone, tablet computer, or other device), an NFC tap between a key card or mobile device and the housing 200, or some other input. The operator input can be a physical (e.g., tactile) input provided via a button, switch, or other input device on the bike 100, on the battery 105, on the housing 200, or positioned in some other location. The operator input can cause the PCBA 365 to operate (e.g., actuate) the motor 350 to engage the striker 360 with the opening 615 of the battery 105 tosecure the battery 105 with the housing 200. The operator input can cause the PCBA 365 to operate (e.g., actuate) the motor 350 to disengage the striker 360 from the opening 615 of the battery 105 to unlock (e.g., disengage, decouple) the battery 105 from housing 200.

[0060] The PCBA 365 can be operatively coupled with the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to selectively actuate (e.g., move) the plunger 330 and correspondingly move the striker 360 based on some condition. For example, the lock assembly 130 (e.g., the housing 200 of the lock assembly 130) can include at least one sensor communicably coupled with the PCBA 365 and configured to transmit a signal (e.g., data, information, or some other data structure) to the PCBA 365, where the PCBA 365 can operate based on the signal. For example, the lock assembly 130 can include a proximity sensor that can detect the presence of the battery 105. The proximity sensor can be positioned on the side 415 of the housing 200 or in some other location on the housing 200 such that when the battery 105 is placed on the housing 200 (e.g., in a position where the opening 615 of the battery 105 is aligned with the opening 410 of the housing 200), the sensor can detect the presence of the battery 105. The PCBA 365 can actuate the motor 350 to move the plunger 330 and engage the striker 360 with the opening of the battery 105 based on the detected presence of the battery 105. The proximity sensor can be an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a photoelectric sensor, or some other sensor, for example. The lock assembly 130 can also include some other sensor or switch (e.g., a pressure switch) or a button that can detect the presence of the battery 105 on or near the housing 200.

[0061] Based on the detected presence of the battery 105, the PCBA 365 can cause the striker 360 to move from an unlocked position to a locked position. Based on the detected presence of the battery 105, the PCBA 365 can cause the plunger 330 to move towards the striker 360 to prevent further movement of the striker 360 (e.g., to retain the striker 360 in the locked position) such that the striker 360 is in a super-locked position. The PCBA 365 can actuate the motor 350 based on some other condition, such as a user entry of a passcode, a distance between a mobile device of the user and the bike 100, or some other condition. For example, the PCBA 365 can actuate the motor 350 based on the presence of the battery 105 as determined by an electrical connection between the battery 105 and the bike 100 (e.g., the PCBA 365). The battery 105 can provide electrical power to the PCBA 365 of the lock assembly 130 once the battery 105 is attached to the housing 200 (e.g., provided onto the housing 200). Once the PCBA 365 is powered, the PCBA 365 can perform one or moreoperations, including an operation to cause the plunger 330 to move towards the striker 360 to retain the striker 360 in the locked position, for example.

[0062] As depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the battery 105 can include the locking region 600. The locking region 600 can be bottom or a portion of a bottom of the battery 105 defined by at least one side 610 and at least one underside surface 605. The locking region 600 can be a groove, slot, notch, impression, indentation, concavity, inset region, or some other region of the battery 105. For example, the locking region 600 can be a rectangular or at least partially rectangular slot of the battery 105 having a form factor that corresponds to a form factor of the housing 200. As depicted in FIG. 7, for example, the housing 200 can include a rectangular side profile. The battery 105 can include a locking region that corresponds to the rectangular profile of the housing 200 such that the battery 105 can fit over the housing 200. For example, the battery 105 can fit over (e.g., at least partially on top of) the housing 200 such that the housing 200 can be positioned at least partially within the locking region 600 of the battery 105. As depicted in FIG. 7, the housing 200 can be at least partially within the locking region 600 of the battery 105 with the battery 105 installed on or secured to the housing 200 of the lock assembly 130.

[0063] The battery 105 can include at least one connector 620. The connector 620 can be an electrical connector. The connector 620 can facilitate electrical connection between the battery 105 and the bike 100. For example, the battery 105 can provide power to the bike 100 and various systems of the bike 100 (e.g., the drive mechanism 155, the lock assembly 130, the light 125, or some other component or system) with the connector 620 of the battery 105 electrically coupled with a corresponding electrical connector of the bike 100. The connector 620 of the battery 105 can be electrically coupled with a corresponding electrical connector of the bike 100 with the battery installed on or secured to the housing 200 of the lock assembly 130.

[0064] As depicted in FIG. 8, among others, the lock assembly 130 can include the striker 360 coupled with the plunger 330 via the spring 355 and the fastener 505 to facilitate the locking of the battery 105 to the housing 200. For example, the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can include an angled or tapered upper edge. When the battery 105 is moved onto the housing in the direction 800, the side 610 of the locking region 600 of the battery 105 can contact the locking portion 370 of the striker 360. For example, the side 610 can contact the tapered edge of the locking portion 370, where contact between the side 610 and the taperededge can cause the striker 360 to be depressed into the cavity 345 of the housing 200 by some amount. The spring 355 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 can be compressed as the striker 360 is depressed and with the plunger 330 stationary (e.g., fixed, not moving). The striker 360 can remain depressed into the cavity 345 until the opening 615 of the battery 105 becomes aligned with the opening 410 of the housing 200, at which point the compressed spring 355 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 can act on the striker 360 to cause the striker 360 to protrude through the opening 410 and into the opening 615 of the battery 105. Accordingly, the striker 360 can be in a locked position as the battery 105 is provided to the housing 200. The spring 355 can compress to allow the striker 360 to be temporarily depressed as the battery 105 is installed over the housing 200. The spring 355 can cause the striker 360 to spring outwards and at least partially into the opening 615 of the battery 105 when the battery 105 is fully installed on the housing 200.

[0065] As depicted in FIG. 9, among others, the battery 105 can include at least one reinforcing member 900. For example, the battery 105 can include the reinforcing member 900 to prevent the battery 105 from being forcibly removed from the housing 200 or to increase a force required to forcibly remove the battery 105 from the housing 200. The reinforcing member 900 can be a metal plate or hardened member that spans some length of a bottom of the battery 105, namely a length of the bottom of the battery 105 corresponding to the opening 615. For example, the reinforcing member 900 can cover an area of the bottom of the battery 105 positioned beneath the opening 615 of the battery 105. The reinforcing member 900 can define the bottom of the opening 615.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 10, among others, depicts a method 1000 of operating the lock assembly 130. The method 1000 can include one or more of the ACTS 1005-1030. The ACTS 1005-1030 can be performed in the order depicted in FIG. 10 or in some other order. Any of ACTS 1005-1030 can be omitted.

[0067] The method 1000 can include providing a battery at ACT 1005. For example, the method 1000 can include providing the battery 105 onto the housing 200. The battery 105 can include the locking region 600. The locking region 600 can be on the bottom of the battery 105 or on some other side or face of the battery 105. The locking region 600 can be a groove, notch, indent, impression, slot, or other feature having a form factor corresponding to a form factor of the housing 200. For example, the housing 200 and the locking region 600 of the battery 105 can include a rectangular or semi -rectangular form factor. The battery 105 can beprovided onto atop, over, or at least partially over the housing 200 such that the housing 200 can be positioned at least partially within the locking region 600 of the battery 105.

[0068] The method 1000 can include engaging the battery at ACT 1010. For example, the method 1000 can include engaging the battery 105 with the striker 360 of the lock assembly 130 at ACT 1010. The striker 360 can be positioned in a locked position such that the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can at least partially protrude from the opening 410 of the housing 200 before the battery 105 is provided at ACT 1005. As the battery is provided at ACT 1005, the side 610 of the locking region 600 of the battery 105 can contact the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 and cause the striker 360 to retract into the cavity 345 of the housing 200. For example, contact between the locking region 600 of the battery 105 and the striker 360 can move the striker 360 inwards and compress the spring 355. Once the battery 105 is inserted over the housing 200 (e.g., once the housing 200 is at least partially within the locking region 600 of the battery 105), the opening 410 of the housing 200 can be substantially (e.g., 75%) aligned with the opening 615 of the battery 105. With the opening 615 substantially aligned with the opening 410, the spring 355 can act on the striker 360 to move the striker 360 outward and into engagement with the opening 615 of the battery 105 to engage the battery 105.

[0069] The method 1000 can include actuating a motor at ACT 1015. For example, the method 1000 can include actuating the motor 350 at ACT 1015. The motor 350 can include the shaft 500 coupled with the gear 340. The gear 340 can include gear teeth engaged with the gear teeth 335 of the plunger 330. The plunger 330 can be coupled with the striker 360 via the fastener 505 and the spring 355. Movement of the shaft 500 can cause movement (e.g., rotation) of the gear 340, which can further cause movement of the plunger 330 toward the striker 360. The flange 375 of the striker 360 can be positioned against the inner surface 380 of the housing 200 such that the striker 360 cannot move outwards. The plunger 330 can move towards the striker 360 as the motor 350 is actuated and as the shaft 500 and gear 340 are rotated. The motor 350 can be actuated via the PCBA 365. For example, the PCBA 365 can transmit a signal to the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500. The PCBA 365 can provide power via the battery 105 to the motor 350 to actuate the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can transmit the signal to the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction). The PCBA 365 can cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in response to an operator input. For example, the PCBA 365 can receivean operator input and can cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in the first direction based on the operator input. The PCBA 365 can cause the motor 350 to actuate based on some condition, such as the detected presence of the battery 105. For example, the PCBA 365 can be communicably coupled with a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of the battery in the installed position (e.g., the position in which the striker 360 engages the opening 615 at ACT 1010).

[0070] The method 1000 can include compressing a spring at ACT 1020. For example, the method 1000 can include compressing the spring 355 between the striker 360 and the plunger Movement of the plunger 330 can cause the spring 355 positioned between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 to compress. The distance 700 between the plunger 330 and the striker 360 can be decreased as the spring 355 is compressed. As the distance 700 is reduced, the striker 360 can be retained in the locked position. For example, the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can protrude from the housing 200. The plunger 330 can be moved towards the striker 360 at ACT 1015 as the flange 375 prevents the striker 360 from moving further outwards such that the distance 700 between the striker 360 and the plunger 330 is reduced. As the distance 700 between the plunger 330 and the striker 360 is reduced, the striker 360 can be unable to move inwards or substantially unable (e.g., 90% unable) to move inwards. The striker 360 can be retained in the locked position (e.g., a position with the locking portion 370 protruding from the housing 200 and into the opening 615 of the battery 105 with the spring 355 compressed between the plunger 330 and the striker 360.

[0071] The method 1000 can include actuating a motor at ACT 1025. For example, the method 1000 can include actuating the motor 350 at ACT 1025. The motor 350 can be actuated at ACT 925 to draw the striker 360 into the cavity 345 of the housing 200. For example, the motor 350 can be actuated to retract the striker 360 into the cavity 345 such that the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 can be within the cavity 345 or not protruding from the housing 200. The striker 360 can be retracted into the housing 200 such that the locking portion 370 is not positioned within the opening 615 of the battery 105. The motor 350 can be actuated via the PCBA 365. For example, the PCBA 365 can transmit a signal to the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500. The PCBA 365 can provide power via the battery 105 to the motor 350 to actuate the motor 350. The PCBA 365 can transmit the signal to the motor 350 to cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 in a second direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction). The PCBA 365 can cause the motor 350 to rotate the shaft 500 inresponse to an operator input. For example, the PCBA 365 can include a communication interface configured to receive and transmit inputs, signals, or other communications to the motor 350, among other components. The PCBA 365 can receive the operator input via the communications interface. The input can be an indication to actuate the motor 350 to, for example, unlock the lock assembly 130. The input can be provided by an operator via tactile or physical input (e.g., via a button or switch) or via wireless communication. For example, the operator input can be an input provided via NFC tap with a wireless transceiver positioned on the frame 120 of the bike 100 or in some other location (e.g., the securing member 205). The operator input can be an input provided via a mobile application (e.g., via a graphical user interface of a mobile application) or by some other means.

[0072] The method 1000 can include disengaging the battery at ACT 1030. For example, the method 1000 can include disengaging the striker 360 from the opening of the battery 105 or disengaging the battery 105 from the housing 200 at ACT 1030. The battery 105 can be removed from the housing 200 (e.g., separated from the lock assembly 130) with the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 positioned within the opening 410 or within the cavity 345 of the housing 200. For example, the battery 105 can be removed from the housing 200 with the locking portion 370 in the unlocked position. The striker 360 can be in the unlocked position with the locking portion 370 of the striker 360 not extending out of (e.g., protruding from) the housing 200 and into the opening 615 of the striker 360 positioned within the opening 410 or within the cavity 345 of the housing 200. The striker 360 can include the locking portion 370 disengaged from the opening 615 of the battery 105 as a result of the striker 360 being retracted (e.g., moved away) from the opening 615 via the actuation of the motor 350 at ACT 1025. The battery 105 can be freely removed from the housing 200 with the striker 360 disengaged from the opening 615.

[0073] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an architecture for a computer system 1100 that can be employed to implement elements of the systems and methods described and illustrated herein, including, for example, the lock assembly depicted in FIGS. 1-5 and 7-9, among others. For example, the PCBA 365 can be or include the computing system 1100 can include at least one bus 1105 or other communication component for communicating information and at least one processor 1110 or processing circuit coupled to the bus 1105 for processing information. The computing system 1100 can also include one or more processors 1110 or processing circuits coupled to the bus for processing information. The computingsystem 1100 also includes at least one main memory 1115, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus 1105 for storing information, and instructions to be executed by the processor 1110. The main memory 1115 can be used for storing information during execution of instructions by the processor 1110. The computing system 1100 may further include at least one read only memory (ROM) 1120 or other static storage device coupled to the bus 1105 for storing static information and instructions for the processor 1110. A storage device 1125, such as a solid state device, magnetic disk or optical disk, can be coupled to the bus 1105 to persistently store information and instructions.

[0074] The computing system 1100 may be coupled via the bus 1105 to a display 1135, such as a liquid crystal display, or active matrix display, for displaying information to a user such as a rider of the bike 100 or other end user. An input device 1130, such as a keyboard or voice interface may be coupled to the bus 1105 for communicating information and commands to the processor 1110. The input device 1130 can include a touch screen display 1135. The input device 1130 can also include a cursor control, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor 1110 and for controlling cursor movement on the display 1135.

[0075] The processes, systems and methods described herein can be implemented by the computing system 1100 in response to the processor 1110 executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 1115. Such instructions can be read into main memory 1115 from another computer-readable medium, such as the storage device 1125. Execution of the arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 1115 causes the computing system 1100 to perform the illustrative processes described herein. One or more processors in a multiprocessing arrangement may also be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory 1115. Hard-wired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions together with the systems and methods described herein. Systems and methods described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0076] Some of the description herein emphasizes the structural independence of the aspects of the system components or groupings of operations and responsibilities of these system components. Other groupings that execute similar overall operations are within the scope of the present application. Modules can be implemented in hardware or as computer instructions on a non-transient computer readable storage medium, and modules can be distributed across various hardware or computer based components.

[0077] The systems described above can provide multiple ones of any or each of those components and these components can be provided on either a standalone system or on multiple instantiation in a distributed system. In addition, the systems and methods described above can be provided as one or more computer-readable programs or executable instructions embodied on or in one or more articles of manufacture. The article of manufacture can be cloud storage, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a flash memory card, a PROM, a RAM, a ROM, or a magnetic tape. In general, the computer-readable programs can be implemented in any programming language, such as LISP, PERL, C, C++, C#, PROLOG, or in any byte code language such as JAVA. The software programs or executable instructions can be stored on or in one or more articles of manufacture as object code.

[0078] Example and non-limiting module implementation elements include sensors providing any value determined herein, sensors providing any value that is a precursor to a value determined herein, datalink or network hardware including communication chips, oscillating crystals, communication links, cables, twisted pair wiring, coaxial wiring, shielded wiring, transmitters, receivers, or transceivers, logic circuits, hard-wired logic circuits, reconfigurable logic circuits in a particular non-transient state configured according to the module specification, any actuator including at least an electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator, a solenoid, an op-amp, analog control elements (springs, filters, integrators, adders, dividers, gain elements), or digital control elements.

[0079] The subject matter and the operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, e.g., one or more circuits of computer program instructions, encoded on one or more computer storage media for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatuses. Alternatively or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machinegenerated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus. A computer storage medium can be, or be included in, a computer-readable storage device, a computer-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory array or device, or a combination of one or more of them. While a computer storage medium is not a propagatedsignal, a computer storage medium can be a source or destination of computer program instructions encoded in an artificially generated propagated signal. The computer storage medium can also be, or be included in, one or more separate components or media (e.g., multiple CDs, disks, or other storage devices include cloud storage). The operations described in this specification can be implemented as operations performed by a data processing apparatus on data stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices or received from other sources.

[0080] The terms “computing device”, “component” or “data processing apparatus” or the like encompass various apparatuses, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, a system on a chip, or multiple ones, or combinations of the foregoing. The apparatus can include special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can also include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, a crossplatform runtime environment, a virtual machine, or a combination of one or more of them. The apparatus and execution environment can realize various different computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing and grid computing infrastructures.

[0081] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, app, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program can correspond to a file in a file system. A computer program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0082] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors executing one or more computer programs to perform actions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows canalso be performed by, and apparatuses can also be implemented as, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data can include non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0083] The subject matter described herein can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or a combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), an inter-network (e.g., the Internet), and peer-to- peer networks (e.g., ad hoc peer-to-peer networks).

[0084] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all illustrated operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in a different order.

[0085] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, and although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one implementation are not intended to be excluded from a similar role in other implementations or implementations.

[0086] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” “comprising” “having” “containing”“involving” “characterized by” “characterized in that” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations consisting of the items listed thereafter exclusively. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein consist of one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0087] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein may also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations. References to any act or element being based on any information, act or element may include implementations where the act or element is based at least in part on any information, act, or element.

[0088] Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0089] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. References to at least one of a conjunctive list of terms may be construed as an inclusive OR to indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0090] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase theintelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence have any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

[0091] Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0092] Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within + / - 10% or + / -10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of + / - 10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A lock assembly, comprising: a housing integrated with a frame of a bicycle; a striker coupled with a plunger and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the striker configured to protrude from the housing in the locked position; and the plunger configured to retain the striker in the locked position.

2. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: the striker to engage an opening of a battery, the battery coupled with the bicycle to provide power to the bicycle.

3. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: a motor comprising a gear, the plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the plunger to retain the striker in the locked position.

4. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: a motor comprising a shaft and a gear, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause a rotation of the gear, the gear engaged with the plunger and configured to cause the plunger to move the striker from the locked position to the unlocked position.

5. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: a motor comprising a shaft and a gear, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause a rotation of the gear, the gear engaged with the plunger and configured to cause the plunger to move the striker from the locked position to the unlocked position; and the striker to engage an opening of a battery with the striker in the locked position, wherein the striker is disengaged from the battery with the striker in the unlocked position.

6. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: the housing including a first side and a second side, wherein the striker is configured to protrude from the first side of the housing with the striker in the locked position; and a second striker coupled with a second plunger and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the second striker configured to protrude from the second side of the housing with the second striker in the locked position.

7. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: the striker movably engaged with the plunger via a spring, wherein a distance between the striker and the plunger is configured to decrease as the spring is compressed.

8. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: the striker comprising a flange, the flange to engage with an inner surface of the housing; and the striker movably engaged with the plunger via a spring, the plunger configured to move towards the striker with the flange of the striker engaged with the inner surface of the housing to compress the spring such that a distance between the striker and the plunger is decreased.

9. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: a motor comprising a shaft and a gear, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause a rotation of the gear, the gear engaged with the plunger; and a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the motor, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively cause the plunger to move the striker from the locked position to the unlocked position.

10. The lock assembly of claim 1, comprising: a motor comprising a shaft and a gear, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause a rotation of the gear, the gear engaged with the plunger; and a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the motor, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively cause, based on an operator input, the plunger to move the striker from the locked position to the unlocked position; wherein the operator input is received via a wireless communication.

11. An electric bicycle, comprising: a battery; and a lock assembly, comprising: a housing integrated with a frame of a bicycle; a striker coupled with a plunger and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the striker configured to protrude from the housing in the locked position;the plunger configured to retain the striker in the locked position to lock the battery to the frame.

12. The electric bicycle of claim 11, comprising: the striker to engage an opening of a battery, the battery coupled with the bicycle to provide power to the bicycle.

13. The electric bicycle of claim 11, comprising: a motor comprising a gear, the plunger engaged with the gear and configured to cause the plunger to retain the striker in the locked position.

14. The electric bicycle of claim 11, comprising: a motor comprising a shaft and a gear, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause a rotation of the gear, the gear engaged with the plunger and configured to cause the plunger to move the striker from the locked position to the unlocked position; and the striker to engage an opening of a battery with the striker in the locked position, wherein the striker is disengaged from the battery with the striker in the unlocked position.

15. The electric bicycle of claim 11, comprising: the housing including a first side and a second side, wherein the striker is configured to protrude from the first side of the housing with the striker in the locked position; and a second striker coupled with a second plunger and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, the second striker configured to protrude from the second side of the housing with the second striker in the locked position.

16. The electric bicycle of claim 11, comprising: the striker comprising a flange, the flange to engage with an inner surface of the housing; and the striker movably engaged with the plunger via a spring, the plunger configured to move towards the striker with the flange of the striker engaged with the inner surface of the housing to compress the spring such that a distance between the striker and theplunger is decreased.

17. The electric bicycle of claim 11, comprising: a motor comprising a shaft and a gear, the shaft coupled with the gear and configured to cause a rotation of the gear, the gear engaged with the plunger; and a printed circuit board assembly operatively coupled with the motor, the printed circuit board assembly configured to selectively cause the plunger to move the striker from the locked position to the unlocked position.

18. A method, comprising: engaging a battery with a striker of a lock assembly, the striker to engage the battery with the striker in a locked position and disengage the battery in an unlocked position, the lock assembly integrated with a frame of a bicycle; and actuating a motor of the lock assembly to move a plunger, the plunger coupled with the striker and configured to retain the striker in the locked position.

19. The method of claim 18, comprising: compressing, based on a movement of the plunger, a spring between the striker and the plunger to decrease a distance between the plunger and the striker, wherein the striker is configured to be retained in the locked position based on the distance between the plunger and the striker.

20. The method of claim 18, comprising: receiving, by a printed circuit board assembly, an operator input; and actuating, based on the operator input, the motor to move the plunger; wherein a movement of the plunger causes the striker to disengage the battery to decouple the battery from the lock assembly.

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