## Also's Radical E-Bike: Pedals No Longer Turn Wheels, Software Controls Everything
The fundamental mechanical link between a cyclist's legs and the bike's wheels is being severed. Electric bicycle startup Also is developing a bike where pedaling does not directly turn the wheels at all. Instead, the rider's pedaling action spins a generator. The power produced, potentially supplemented by a battery, is then sent to a separate motor that drives the wheels. This design completely decouples the pedals from the drivetrain, making the physical sensation of riding entirely dependent on software algorithms.

The system's software governs two critical aspects: the resistance felt at the pedals (the crank) and how the rider's generated force is converted into power for the wheel motor. Also claims its software can mimic the feel of a traditional bicycle for most riding scenarios. The company suggests that any deviation from that classic feel would be an intentional software choice, not a mechanical limitation, opening the door to programmable riding experiences that could vary from ultra-efficient to gamified workouts.

This approach represents a significant philosophical shift from current e-bike designs, even those with mid-drive motors that blend human and motor power through gearing. By making the rider's input purely an electrical signal, Also places unprecedented control in the hands of software developers. The success of the concept hinges entirely on the sophistication and reliability of this software to deliver a convincing and responsive riding experience, moving the core bicycle interaction from the realm of mechanics into the domain of code.
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- **Source**: Ars Technica
- **Sector**: The Lab
- **Tags**: e-bike, electric bicycle, hardware innovation, software-defined, startup
- **Credibility**: unverified
- **Published**: 2026-04-16 17:52:28
- **ID**: 67949
- **URL**: https://whisperx.ai/en/intel/67949