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

Abstract

At least one embodiment provides the computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle (100) which comprises an electric motor (120) and a battery (216). The battery is used to supply electrical energy to the electric motor. The electric bicycle can be operated in three operating modes, of which a first operating mode is a riding mode in which the battery supplies electrical energy to the electric motor. A second operating mode is an idle mode in which the supply of electrical energy to all components of the electric bicycle from the battery is switched off. A third operating mode is an intermediate mode in which the supply of energy to the electric motor by the battery is switched off, but at least one other component of the electric bicycle is supplied with electrical energy by the battery. The method comprises a step in which a first communication message (I1) representing a trigger for activating the third operating mode is provided. A control message (SI) is then obtained on the basis of the first message, the control message being created to switch the electric bicycle from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active.

Description

[0001] 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle, system for an electric bicycle and

[0005] electric bicycle

[0006] A computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle is described. Furthermore, a device, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, a system, and an electric bicycle are described.

[0007] Bicycles offer cost-effective, easy-to-use, and emission-free means of transportation. They have also become widespread as sports and fitness equipment, and various types have proven particularly suitable for different sporting activities. In recent years, enthusiasm for electric bicycles (especially so-called "pedelecs") has grown, despite their relatively high weight and price compared to other bicycles.

[0008] One problem to be solved is to specify a computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle that contributes to the reliable operation of the electric bicycle, especially during extended periods of inactivity or rest. Further problems to be solved are to specify a device, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, a system, and an electric bicycle for carrying out such a method.

[0009] First, the computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle is described. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0010] 2

[0011] In at least one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle is provided, comprising an electric motor and a battery. The battery serves to supply the electric motor with electrical energy. The electric bicycle can be operated in three modes, the first of which is a riding mode in which the battery supplies the electric motor with electrical energy. A second operating mode is a standby mode in which the supply of electrical energy to all components of the electric bicycle from the battery is switched off or deactivated. A third operating mode is an intermediate mode in which the energy supply to the electric motor by the battery is switched off, but at least one other component of the electric bicycle is supplied with electrical energy by the battery.The process includes a step in which initial information is provided, representative of a trigger for activating the third operating mode. Subsequently, control information is determined based on this initial information, and this control information is configured to transition the e-bike from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active.

[0012] The present invention is based in particular on the finding that in a standby mode of the electric bicycle, in which the battery for supplying energy to the electric motor is deactivated, other electrical or electronic components of the electric bicycle are not supplied with electrical energy, or only via an auxiliary battery. However, an auxiliary battery has a lower capacity compared to the battery for the electric motor, which can also be referred to as the main battery, and can therefore usually only be charged via 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0013] 3

[0014] to supply energy for the electrical / electronic components for a relatively short period of time.

[0015] The invention utilizes the concept of switching from standby mode to an intermediate mode in the event of an active trigger. In this intermediate mode, the main battery is essentially reactivated, but only to supply energy to one or more electrical or electronic components of the e-bike, not the electric motor. The trigger is activated, for example, when the auxiliary battery falls below a critical charge level. However, other events can also activate the trigger. Overall, this ensures reliable and long-lasting operation of the e-bike. In particular, the functionality of safety-relevant functions of the e-bike can be guaranteed over an extended period.

[0016] The method is a computer-implemented method, i.e., it is carried out by or with the aid of a computer.

[0017] Processor executed.

[0018] The battery (main battery) of the e-bike is primarily intended to power the e-bike's electric motor. The electric motor provides motor-assisted propulsion for the e-bike. The battery is typically located in the down tube or seat tube of the e-bike. The electric motor itself can be located in the bottom bracket, down tube, or seat tube of the e-bike.

[0019] The electric bicycle can be operated in at least three operating modes. One of these operating modes is a first operating mode, which is also referred to here as the riding mode. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0020] 4

[0021] In this operating mode, the electric motor is powered by the battery to propel the bicycle with motor assistance. For example, in the first operating mode, only the electric motor is powered by the battery. Alternatively, in the first operating mode, any electrical or electronic component of the e-bike can be powered by the battery, for example, exclusively by the battery.

[0022] Another of these operating modes is a second operating mode, also referred to here as standby mode. In standby mode, no component of the e-bike is supplied with electrical energy from the battery. In the third operating mode, however, the battery is still connected to the e-bike for the potential power supply of its components, so that a transition to another operating mode, in which the battery is used to power one or more components, can occur automatically, solely through electrical or electronic signals.

[0023] Another operating mode is a third operating mode, also referred to here as the intermediate mode. In intermediate mode, the battery supplies one or more components other than the electric motor with electrical energy.

[0024] In the computer-implemented procedure, the step of providing initial information is executed. This initial information is representative of a trigger for activating the third operating mode. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0025] Here and in the following, if information is representative of a particular quantity or quantities, it means that the quantity or quantities can be extracted from the information, for example, directly derived or at least deduced from the information. In other words, the quantity(ies) is stored in the information, or at least data is stored in the information from which the quantity(ies) can be derived, determined, or calculated. Furthermore, here and in the following, "information" refers specifically to electronic information such as electronic data or electrical signals.

[0026] The trigger can be active or inactive. If the trigger is active, it means that the third operating mode should be activated. If the trigger is inactive, it means, for example, that the e-bike should continue operating in the current mode. The trigger can be represented by a value. If the value is 1, it means that the trigger is active. If the value is 0, it means that the trigger is (still) inactive.

[0027] The process further includes the step in which control information is determined based on the first piece of information. This control information could be, for example, a setpoint for a control loop or an electrical signal such as a PWM signal. The control information is configured to switch the e-bike from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active. That is, the control information is configured so that, when the trigger is active and the e-bike is switched from the second operating mode to the third operating mode, the control information is determined based on the first piece of information. (2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025)

[0028] 6

[0029] Processing by a corresponding electrical or electronic device / component causes it to switch the operation of the e-bike from the second operating mode to the third operating mode. Additionally, the control information can also be configured so that, upon activation, it switches the e-bike from an operating mode other than the second to the third operating mode. With activation and processing of the control information by the device / component, the switch to the third operating mode is performed automatically, i.e., without any additional manual input or action by the e-bike user.

[0030] If the trigger is inactive, the control information is determined, for example, in such a way that the operation of the electric bicycle continues in the current operating mode and / or is switched from the third operating mode to the first or second operating mode.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment, the electric bicycle includes an auxiliary battery that, in the second operating mode, supplies energy to at least one component of the electric bicycle. This at least one component can be, for example, a sensor, a communication unit, or an electromagnet. The auxiliary battery is smaller than the main battery. For example, the capacity of the auxiliary battery is at most 20% or at most 10% of the main battery's capacity. For example, the power or voltage provided by the auxiliary battery alone is insufficient to operate the electric motor. The auxiliary battery has, for example, a capacity of at most 2000 mAh or at most 1300 mAh. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0032] According to at least one embodiment, in the third operating mode the battery charges the auxiliary battery and / or supplies the at least one component with electrical energy. Thanks to the option of having the auxiliary battery charged by the main battery in the third operating mode, the auxiliary battery can be chosen to be particularly small / compact, since a high capacity is not necessary.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes the step of providing a second piece of information that is representative of the state of charge, in particular the voltage, of the auxiliary battery.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined based on the second piece of information. For example, if the state of charge falls below a predefined threshold, the trigger is activated, for instance by setting the value to 1. If the state of charge is greater than or equal to the predefined threshold, the trigger is inactive or remains inactive, which is represented, for example, by the value 0. The threshold is, for example, at most 10% of the maximum voltage of the auxiliary battery.

[0035] Falling below the threshold value, for example, leads to the auxiliary battery being charged by the main battery. If the auxiliary battery's state of charge then exceeds a further threshold value during charging, which is higher than the initial threshold, charging by the main battery can be deactivated again, for example by resetting 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0036] 8

[0037] of the second operating mode. The trigger is then, for example, set to inactive again.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment, in the second operating mode, the auxiliary battery supplies electrical energy to a control unit of the electric bicycle. The control unit is, in particular, a vehicle control unit (VCU). The control unit can be located in the bicycle frame of the electric bicycle, for example, in the top tube.

[0039] The control unit comprises, in particular, a printed circuit board on which one or more electrical components are mounted and electrically connected. The auxiliary battery can be part of the control unit, for example, mounted on the printed circuit board. For example, in the second operating mode, the auxiliary battery supplies one or more components of the control unit, in particular the entire control unit, with electrical energy.

[0040] The auxiliary battery can also supply the control unit, or at least a component of the control unit, with electrical energy in the first and / or third operating modes. In the third operating mode, for example, the control unit is powered by the auxiliary battery, and the auxiliary battery is simultaneously charged by the battery. Alternatively or additionally, the battery can also supply the control unit with electrical energy in the first and / or third operating modes.

[0041] According to at least one embodiment, in the second operating mode the auxiliary battery supplies electrical energy to an anti-theft device for the e-bike. For example, 2024-0079WG / #103 December 11, 2025

[0042] 9

[0043] The auxiliary battery supplies electrical energy to an electromagnet of the anti-theft device. The electromagnet can, for example, hold a pin in a locking position, preventing the rotation of the pedal shaft and / or one of the wheels of the e-bike from being held by the pin.

[0044] The auxiliary battery can also supply the anti-theft device with electrical power in the first and / or third operating modes. In the third operating mode, for example, the anti-theft device is powered by the auxiliary battery, and the auxiliary battery is simultaneously charged by the main battery. Alternatively or additionally, the main battery can also supply the anti-theft device with electrical power in the first and / or third operating modes.

[0045] According to at least one embodiment, in the second operating mode the auxiliary battery supplies a GNSS antenna unit with electrical energy. The GNSS antenna unit enables the electric bicycle to be positioned. The GNSS antenna unit is, for example, part of the control unit.

[0046] In addition to the GNSS antenna unit, the auxiliary battery can also power an LTE antenna unit and / or a Bluetooth antenna unit in the second operating mode. The LTE and / or Bluetooth antenna unit can also be part of the control unit. The LTE and / or Bluetooth antenna unit is used, for example, to enable communication between the e-bike and the user's mobile device, such as a smartphone. Here and in the following, an antenna unit specifically includes the actual antenna or radiator for receiving or transmitting signals. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0047] 10

[0048] Transmission of electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, an antenna unit can include an antenna module with electronic circuits for processing the signals received by the antenna.

[0049] The auxiliary battery can also supply one or more of the antenna units with electrical power in the first and / or third operating mode. In the third operating mode, for example, the antenna units are powered by the auxiliary battery, and the auxiliary battery is simultaneously charged by the main battery. Alternatively or additionally, the main battery can also supply the antenna units with electrical power in the first and / or third operating mode.

[0050] According to at least one embodiment, the computer-implemented method includes a step in which a third piece of information is provided that is representative of a signal wirelessly transmitted to the electric bicycle. The signal is, for example, a GNSS signal, an LTE signal, or a Bluetooth signal.

[0051] According to at least one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined depending on the third piece of information. For example, a wirelessly transmitted signal from a mobile device can be used to command the device to switch to the third operating mode. That is, the wirelessly transmitted signal activates the trigger.

[0052] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step in which a fourth piece of information is provided, which is representative of a measurement signal from a sensor of the 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0053] 11

[0054] Electric bicycles are equipped with sensors. For example, the sensor might be an accelerometer, a yaw rate sensor, or a velocity sensor. The sensor can be part of an IMU unit of the electric bicycle. The fourth piece of information is then specifically representative of a measurement signal associated with the movement of the electric bicycle.

[0055] According to at least one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined depending on the fourth piece of information. For example, the trigger is activated when the e-bike is moved while in standby mode. Such movement could be an indication of an attempted theft.

[0056] By activating the third operating mode, for example the control unit and / or the auxiliary battery are supplied with energy from the battery, so that the GNSS antenna unit of the electric bicycle can be supplied with energy for a long period of time and thus it is possible to locate the electric bicycle for a long period of time.

[0057] According to at least one embodiment, the method comprises a step in which a fifth piece of information is provided, which is representative of a user input at an input point of the electric bicycle. The input point can, for example, be part of the control unit. The input point can be a keypad or a touchscreen.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined depending on the fifth piece of information.

[0059] For example, entering a code or command at the input point activates the trigger, switching from the second operating mode to the third operating mode. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0060] 12

[0061] The switching is done. For example, the user can specify that the auxiliary battery should be charged by the main battery.

[0062] According to at least one embodiment, the method includes a step in which a sixth piece of information is provided that is representative of a time signal.

[0063] For example, the electric bicycle includes a clock. The clock is, for instance, part of the control unit. The clock provides the time signal, or the sixth piece of information.

[0064] According to at least one embodiment, the first piece of information is determined depending on the sixth piece of information. For example, as soon as the time signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, where the threshold is a predetermined time, the trigger is activated. This allows, for example, charging of the auxiliary battery by the main battery if the second operating mode is set for longer than a predetermined time interval.

[0065] Next, the apparatus is specified. The apparatus is a data processing device that includes means for carrying out the method described herein. In particular, the apparatus is or includes a computer or processor, for example, a microcontroller. For example, the apparatus is the control unit mentioned above or forms part of it. For example, the apparatus may be mounted on the circuit board of the control unit and electrically connected. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0066] 13

[0067] Next, the computer program and the computer-readable storage medium are specified. The computer program comprises instructions that, when executed by a data processing device, cause it to perform the procedure described here. The computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium.

[0068] Next, the system for an electric bicycle is specified. The system is specifically designed to carry out the procedure described here. Therefore, all features disclosed for the procedure are also disclosed for the system, and vice versa.

[0069] In at least one embodiment, the system for an electric bicycle comprises a data processing device according to one of the embodiments described herein. The system further comprises a battery for supplying an electric motor of the electric bicycle with electrical energy. The system also includes a battery management module that is coupled to the battery and configured to supply components of the electric bicycle with electrical energy from the battery, depending on control information. The device is, or can be, coupled to the battery management module via a signal connection in order to provide the battery management module with the control information.

[0070] "Signal-technically coupled" means that the components are linked for signal and data exchange. Specifically, the control information causes the battery management module to supply one or more specific components of the bicycle with electrical energy from the battery. 2024-0079WG / #103 December 11, 2025

[0071] 14

[0072] to supply the battery. The battery management module includes, for example, several (electronic) switches that connect the components to the battery and that can be opened or closed depending on the control information.

[0073] The system may further include the electric motor and / or one or more of the aforementioned components.

[0074] Next, the electric bicycle is described. The electric bicycle in question is specifically a pedelec. The electric bicycle comprises the system according to one of the design forms described here.

[0075] The following sections provide a more detailed explanation of a computer-implemented method, a data processing device, a system, and an electric bicycle described herein, with reference to the drawings and exemplary embodiments. Identical reference numerals indicate identical elements in the individual figures. Where elements or components are functionally identical in different figures, their description is not repeated for each subsequent figure. For the sake of clarity, elements may not be labeled with corresponding reference numerals in all figures.

[0076] They show:

[0077] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the electric bicycle,

[0078] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the system comprising an embodiment of the data processing device, 2024-0079WC / #103 December 11, 2025

[0079] - 15 -

[0080] Figures 3 to 9 show flow diagrams of exemplary implementations of the computer-implemented method.

[0081] Figure 1 schematically shows an electric bicycle 100 with a bicycle frame 102, which includes a lower frame section 108 and an upper frame section 110. The lower frame section 108 forms a down tube, and the upper frame section 110 forms a top tube. The down tube 108 extends towards a bottom bracket 106. A pedal axle 104 extends through the bottom bracket 106. The electric bicycle 100 includes an electric motor 120 for the motor-assisted drive of the electric bicycle 100. Here, the electric motor 120 is shown by way of example in the bottom bracket 106, but it could also be located in the seat tube or down tube.

[0082] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of system 220. System 220 comprises a control unit 200, namely a so-called VCU 200. This is arranged, for example, in the upper tube 110. The VCU 200 comprises a data processing device 202, in particular a processor 202, a GNSS antenna unit 204, an internal battery 206 or auxiliary battery 206, a clock 214, an LTE antenna unit 224, a Bluetooth antenna unit 226, and an input device 228. The input device 228 is, for example, a keyboard or a touchscreen. The auxiliary battery 206 is designed to supply power to the VCU 200 and its components. Device 202 is interconnected via signaling with GNSS antenna unit 204, antenna units 224 and 226, and clock 214 to receive and process their signals and / or to send control information to them. Furthermore, device 202 is connected to input point 2024-0079WO / #103, dated December 11, 2025.

[0083] 16

[0084] 228 coupled to receive signals from it and, if necessary, to supply it with control information.

[0085] The VCU 200 and the device 202 are also interconnected via signal processing with several electrical components installed in the electric bicycle 100. Component 208, for example, is an accelerometer or a yaw rate sensor. Component 208 can also be an IMU unit. Component 210 is, for example, a speed sensor, a barometer, or a magnetometer. Component 212 is, for example, an electronic anti-theft device.

[0086] The VCU 200 and the device 202 are also interconnected via signaling to a battery management module 218. The battery management module 218 is in turn connected to a battery 216, or main battery 216, of the electric bicycle 100. The battery 216 is located, for example, in the seat tube or the down tube 108 of the electric bicycle 100. In a riding mode, the battery 216 supplies the electric motor 120 with electrical energy. The battery management module 218 is configured to supply different components of the electric bicycle 100 with electrical energy from the battery 216, depending on control information. In particular, the battery management module 218 is configured to supply the electric motor 120 and the VCU 200 with electrical energy from the battery 216.

[0087] During operation, one or more measurement signals from sensors 208 and 210 can be sent to the VCU 200 or the device 202. Using these measurement signals, the device 202 can, for example, determine the position of the electric bicycle. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0088] 17

[0089] or detect movement of the electric bicycle 100. The position can also be determined independently using the GNSS antenna unit 204. From the measurement signals, the device 202 can then, for example, generate control information for the battery management module 218.

[0090] The electric bicycle 100 can be operated in at least three operating modes. In the first operating mode, also called riding mode, the battery 216 supplies the electric motor 120 with electrical energy to propel the electric bicycle 100. For example, in riding mode, the battery 216 supplies only the electric motor 120 with electrical energy. Other electrical components of the electric bicycle 100 are then supplied with electrical energy, for example, by the auxiliary battery 206. Alternatively, in riding mode, the battery can supply all electrical / electronic components of the electric bicycle 100 with electrical energy. The auxiliary battery 206 is then not used in riding mode.

[0091] In a second operating mode, also called standby mode, battery 216 does not supply any component of the electric bicycle 100 with electrical energy, including the electric motor 210. Battery 216 is essentially deactivated. However, one or more electrical components of the electric bicycle 100 can then be supplied with electrical energy by the auxiliary battery 206 in standby mode.

[0092] In a third operating mode, also called intermediate mode, battery 216 supplies at least one component of the 2024-0079WC / #103 December 11, 2025

[0093] 18

[0094] Electric bicycles 100 are powered by electricity, but not by the electric motor 120. In intermediate mode, as in standby mode, the power supply to the electric motor 120 via battery 216 is deactivated. In intermediate mode, battery 216 charges, for example, the auxiliary battery 206.

[0095] The battery management module 218 can be instructed by appropriate control information to switch between different operating modes. For example, depending on the control information, the battery management module 218 opens or closes electronic switches that connect the battery 216 to components of the electric bicycle 100.

[0096] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle, illustrated by a flowchart. The method is carried out, for example, by the device 202 of Figure 2. A corresponding computer program can be stored on the device 202.

[0097] In this process, an initial piece of information (II) is provided in one step. This initial piece of information (II) is representative of a trigger for activating the third operating mode. In a further step, a control piece of information (SI) is then determined based on the initial piece of information (II). The control piece of information (SI) is configured to switch the electric bicycle 100 from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active.

[0098] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the computer-implemented method based on a 2024-0079WG / #103 December 11, 2025

[0099] 19

[0100] Flowchart. Here, a second piece of information 12 is initially provided, which is determined as a function of a signal S_206 from the auxiliary battery 206. The second piece of information 12 is representative of the state of charge of the auxiliary battery 206. The first piece of information II is then determined as a function of the second piece of information 12.

[0101] For example, if the voltage of the auxiliary battery 206 falls below a predefined threshold, the trigger is activated to switch from the second to the third operating mode. In the third operating mode, battery 216 recharges the auxiliary battery 206.

[0102] In the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 5, a third piece of information 13 is provided, which is representative of one or more signals S_204, S_224, S_226 transmitted wirelessly to the electric bicycle 100. The signals S_204, S_224, S_226 can be, for example, GNSS signals, LTE signals, or Bluetooth signals. The first piece of information II is then determined based on the third piece of information 13.

[0103] If the third piece of information 13 is representative of a received GNSS signal, the position of the electric bicycle 100 can be determined from it. If, for example, the position changes even though the electric bicycle 100 is in standby mode, this could indicate an attempted theft, and the first piece of information II can be determined accordingly so that it is representative of the active trigger. A correspondingly generated control information SI leads to a transition to the third operating mode, in which one or more components of the electric bicycle 100, for example the auxiliary battery 206 and / or the 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0104] 20

[0105] The anti-theft device 212 is powered by electricity from battery 216.

[0106] If the third piece of information 13 is representative of an LTE signal or a Bluetooth signal, these signals can be signals from a user's smartphone and contain a user-issued command to switch to the third operating mode. If the signals or the third piece of information 13 contain such a command, the first piece of information is determined, for example, in such a way that the trigger is activated and a control information SI is generated depending on the first piece of information II, which causes a switch from the second to the third operating mode.

[0107] In the exemplary embodiment of the computer-implemented method shown in Figure 6, measurement signals S_208, S_210 are provided by sensors 208, 210. A fourth piece of information 14 is representative of these measurement signals. The first piece of information II is then determined as a function of the fourth piece of information 14.

[0108] For example, if the fourth piece of information 14 is representative of movement of the electric bicycle 100, which can be derived from the measurement signals S_208 and / or S_210, this can indicate an attempted theft if the sleep mode is activated. The first piece of information II can then be determined based on the fourth piece of information 14 in such a way that the trigger is activated. The correspondingly generated control information SI then initiates a transition from the second to the third operating mode, in which, for example, the auxiliary battery 206 and / or the 2024-0079WC / #103 December 11, 2025

[0109] 21

[0110] The anti-theft device 212 is powered by electricity from battery 216.

[0111] In the exemplary embodiment of the computer-implemented method shown in Figure 7, a fifth piece of information 15 is provided, which is representative of a user input S_228 by the user of the electric bicycle 100. For example, this user input is the entry of a code via input point 228. Depending on this fifth piece of information 15, the first piece of information II is then determined. If, for example, the user input S_228 is correct, the first piece of information II is determined such that the trigger is active, and accordingly, a control information SI is determined that causes a transition from the second to the third operating mode.

[0112] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, a sixth piece of information 16 is provided, which is representative of a time signal S_214. The time signal S_214 is provided, for example, by the clock 214. The first piece of information II is then determined depending on the sixth piece of information 16. If, for example, the time signal S_214 is greater than a predefined threshold, this means that the standby mode has been active for too long. The first piece of information II is then determined accordingly so that the trigger is active, and the control information SI subsequently generated causes a transition from the second operating mode to the third operating mode, in which, for example, the auxiliary battery 206 is recharged. The clock 214 can be reset when switching to the third operating mode. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0113] - 22 -

[0114] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the first piece of information II is determined depending on one or more of the pieces of information 12 to 16. 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025

[0115] 23

[0116] Reference symbol list:

[0117] 100 bicycles

[0118] 102 bicycle frames

[0119] 104 Pedal shaft

[0120] 106 bottom bracket

[0121] 108 down tube

[0122] 110 top tube

[0123] 120 electric motor

[0124] 200 Control unit / VCU

[0125] 202 Data processing device 204 GNSS antenna unit

[0126] 206 Auxiliary battery

[0127] 208 Sensor

[0128] 210 Sensor

[0129] 212 Thief stole protector

[0130] 214

[0131] 216 (Main) Battery

[0132] 218 Battery Management Module

[0133] 220 System

[0134] 224 LTE module

[0135] 226 Bluetooth module

[0136] 228 Input point

[0137] S_2 06 Signal

[0138] S_2 08 Signal

[0139] S_210 Signal

[0140] S_214 Signal

[0141] S_22 4 Signal

[0142] S_22 6 Signal

[0143] S 228 Signal

Claims

2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025 Patent claims 1. Computer-implemented method for operating an electric bicycle ( 100) , wherein - the electric bicycle ( 100) has an electric motor ( 120) and a battery (216) to supply the electric motor ( 120) with electrical energy, - the electric bicycle ( 100) can be operated in three operating modes, of which - a first operating mode is a driving mode in which the battery (216) supplies the electric motor (120) with electrical energy, - a second operating mode is a rest mode in which the supply of electrical energy from the battery (216) to all components of the electric bicycle ( 100) is switched off, - a third operating mode is an intermediate mode in which the power supply to the electric motor ( 120) by the battery (216) is switched off, but at least one other component of the electric bicycle ( 100) is supplied with electrical energy by the battery (216), - the procedure comprises the steps: - Providing initial information ( II ) that is representative of a trigger to activate the third operating mode; - Determining tax information (SI) depending on the first information (II), wherein - the control information (SI) is set up to transfer the electric bicycle (100) from the second operating mode to the third operating mode when the trigger is active.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein 2024-0079WO / #103 December 11, 2025 25 - the electric bicycle ( 100) includes an auxiliary battery (206) which, in the second operating mode, supplies energy to at least one component of the electric bicycle ( 100), - the battery (216) in the third operating mode charges the auxiliary battery (206) and / or supplies at least one component with electrical energy .

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step: - Providing a second piece of information ( 12 ) that is representative of the state of charge of the auxiliary battery (206); wherein - the first piece of information ( II ) is determined depending on the second piece of information ( 12 ).

4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein - the auxiliary battery (206) in the second operating mode supplies a control unit (200) of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy .

5. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein - the auxiliary battery (206) in the second operating mode supplies an anti-theft device (212) of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy .

6. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein - the auxiliary battery (206) in the second operating mode supplies a GNSS antenna unit (204) with electrical energy .

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step: - Providing a third piece of information ( 13) that is representative of a wirelessly connected to the electric bicycle ( 100)2024-0079WC / #103 11 December 2025 26 transmitted signal (S_204 , S_224, S_226); where - the first piece of information ( II ) is determined depending on the third piece of information ( 13 ).

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step: - Providing a fourth piece of information ( 14 ) that is representative of a measurement signal (S_208, S_210) of a sensor (208, 210) of the electric bicycle ( 100); wherein - the first piece of information ( II ) is determined depending on the fourth piece of information ( 14 ).

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step: - Providing a fifth piece of information ( 15) that is representative of a user input (S_228 ) at an input point (228 ) of the electric bicycle ( 100); wherein - the first piece of information ( II ) is determined depending on the fifth piece of information ( 15 ).

10. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising the step: - Providing a sixth piece of information ( 16) that is representative of a time signal (S_214 ); wherein - the first piece of information ( II ) is determined depending on the sixth piece of information ( 16 ).

11. Device (202) for data processing comprising means for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims.

12. Computer program, comprising commands that, when executed by a computer, execute this program. 2024-0079WC / #103 December 11, 2025 - 27 - cause the process according to any one of claims 1 to 10 to be carried out.

13. Computer-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 12 is stored.

14. System (220) for an electric bicycle, comprising - a device (202 ) for data processing according to claim 11, - a battery (216) for supplying an electric motor (120) of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy, - a battery management module (218) which is coupled to the battery (216) and is designed to supply components of the electric bicycle (100) with electrical energy from the battery (216) depending on a control information (SI), wherein - the device (202) is coupled or can be coupled to the battery management module (218) via signal technology in order to provide the control information (SI) to the battery management module (218).

15. Electric bicycle (100) , comprehensive - the system (220) according to claim 14.

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