Information from the manufacturer's website, translated via Google,
https://pi-pop.fr/
"WHO ARE WE?
When Adrien Lelièvre, mechanical engineer and founder of Pi-POP, discovered the potential of supercapacitors 10 years ago, he had the intuition that this component had its place in the ecological transition.
Joined by his wife and a team of electronic engineers, he spent 7 years developing, in France in the Centre Val de Loire region, a patented system capable, not of consuming energy, but of managing energy, our energy.
Is the Pi-POP bike as fast and powerful as conventional electric bikes?
Thanks to its intelligent management system , Pi-POP provides smooth and responsive assistance. It is equipped with a motor that offers 250W assistance up to 25 km/h , thus complying with the regulations for VAE (electrically assisted bicycles). The integrated torque sensor automatically adjusts the level of assistance according to the cyclist's pedaling effort, ensuring a natural and efficient ride. The supercapacitor system ensures rapid energy regeneration, providing optimal assistance during starts and climbs. Pi POP is the perfect blend of the ecological pleasure of a muscle bike and the comfort of an electric bike.
What types of terrain can the Pi-POP bike handle effectively?
The Pi-POP battery-free electric bike is designed to excel in a variety of terrains, especially urban environments and hilly cities. Its energy recovery technology and autonomous assistance system are optimized to handle gradients of up to 100 meters, making it ideal for hilly cities and slightly uneven roads . Pi-POP is perfectly suited to moderate inclines and urban journeys , providing a pleasant and efficient riding experience thanks to its energy recovery system during descents and braking. However, it is not designed for mountainous terrain or long climbs, as these extreme conditions would not allow for the alternation between assistance and regeneration to be maintained. For urban environments with varying terrain, Pi-POP is the ideal solution.
Using this data, the bike can analyze your situation and determine whether you need assistance or not. This also allows it to optimize regeneration phases. The idea is to ensure the user has as little to do as possible other than pedal.
How long do supercapacitors last compared to lithium-ion batteries?
The supercapacitors used in the Pi-POP battery-free e-bike offer an impressive lifespan of around 15 years, far superior to the lithium-ion batteries of traditional e-bikes, which typically need to be replaced every 3 to 5 years. Not only do supercapacitors last longer, but they also maintain optimal performance throughout their life cycle. Unlike batteries, supercapacitors do not gradually lose their capacity and are able to recharge very quickly while being more resistant to temperature fluctuations. By choosing Pi-POP, you are investing in a durable and economical e-bike , with reduced maintenance costs and a reliable solution for intensive daily use."