Shimano Patents Electric Brake-By-Wire System

Shimano recently patented an electronic bicycle braking system, expanding on its existing ‘DI2’ wireless shifting technology. This development could eliminate the need for traditional brake cables and hydraulic hoses. But the question is – do we really need it?

The Patents

The company has proposed three designs: an electric-hydraulic hybrid system, a mechanical-electric hybrid system, and a fully electric system. The hybrid systems maintain a mechanical connection between the brake lever and the bike's brakes, allowing for features such as ABS and hill-descent control on electric cargo bikes.

The fully electric system operates wirelessly, with no physical connection between the handlebar-mounted levers and the calipers and rotors on the bike's wheels. This design has raised questions about safety and reliability, particularly in the event of battery failure.

Where Can E-Brakes Be Used?

Potential applications for this technology include complex cargo e-bikes and recumbent bicycles with extended wheelbases. However, its necessity for standard commuter, road, or mountain bikes remains a topic of discussion within the cycling community.

While brake-by-wire systems are common with four-wheelers and have already found applications in Formula One cars and some high-end, luxury models as well, their application in the two-wheeler world is still unheard of. 

But the fact that bicycle brakes are similar in application to motorcycles, particularly with the disc brake setup. Chances of Shimano’s new patented technology trickling down to motorcycles cannot be negated. The question remains, how far are we from this inevitable development?