Connected two-wheelers are transforming urban mobility by enhancing safety, personalization, and sustainability through advanced IoT and AI technologies, writes Vikas Kumar, Senior Manager Marketing, Motherson Invenzen Xlab Technology
Executive Summary
The evolution of connected technologies is transforming the automotive industry, and two wheelers are no exception. As the demand for safer, smarter, and more efficient transportation increases globally, the integration of connectivity features in two wheelers (bikes and scooters) offers numerous possibilities for enhancing user experience, improving safety, and enabling a range of innovative services. This white paper explores the concept of connected two-wheelers, identifies potential use cases, and examines how they can reshape the future of urban mobility, sustainability, and rider safety.
Introduction
Two-wheelers represent one of the most popular modes of transportation worldwide, particularly in emerging markets. With the global push for sustainable urban mobility, governments and manufacturers are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to address congestion, pollution, and safety concerns. In parallel, the Internet of Things (IoT) has enabled a wave of smart technology integration across industries, including automotive. Connected two-wheelers leverage IoT, cloud computing, data analytics, and AI technologies to enhance both the riding experience and vehicle performance.
Connected two-wheelers typically consist of bikes or scooters equipped with sensors, GPS, mobile apps, and wireless connectivity that allow the vehicles to interact with the rider, the environment, and other vehicles. The possibilities are vast, ranging from improving safety and rider convenience to enabling fleet management for shared mobility solutions.
Components of Connected Two-Wheelers
The core components of connected two-wheelers typically include:
- Sensors and Telemetry Systems: These measure various parameters such as speed, fuel levels, tire pressure, temperature, and engine performance.
- Onboard Diagnostics (OBD): Provides real-time data on the vehicle’s health and performance, identifying issues and facilitating predictive maintenance.
- GPS and Navigation Systems: Enables turn-by-turn navigation, geofencing, location tracking, and route optimization.
- Smart Wearables and Communication Devices: Integration with helmets, gloves, or jackets to provide real-time alerts, control notifications, or hands-free communication.
- Cloud Connectivity: Secure storage and processing of data that connects vehicles to the cloud for remote diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and fleet management.
- Mobile Apps: Allow users to control, monitor, and interact with their vehicles remotely through smartphones, receiving updates and customizing settings.
- Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) Communication: Enables communication with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure to provide safety warnings and optimize traffic flow. Key Smart Use Cases for Connected Two-Wheelers
Enhanced Safety Features Safety remains one of the top concerns for two-wheeler riders, and connected technology can significantly improve safety on the road through:- Collision Detection and Avoidance: Sensors can detect proximity to other vehicles and obstacles, providing the rider with warnings in real-time or even triggering automatic evasive actions like applying brakes.
- Rider Fatigue Detection: Using AI and biometric sensors, connected systems can monitor signs of rider fatigue and send alerts to take breaks or switch riders.
- Automatic Crash Notification (ACN): In the event of a crash, connected systems can instantly notify emergency services with the exact location and nature of the accident, potentially saving lives.
- Adaptive Headlights and Visibility Assistance: Lights that adjust based on the rider’s speed, steering angle, or road conditions, ensuring better visibility during night rides or adverse weather conditions.
Predictive Maintenance and Diagnostics
IoT-enabled diagnostics allow connected two-wheelers to monitor their health in real-time, detecting issues before they become critical. Benefits include:
- Predictive Maintenance: Sensors continuously monitor engine performance, tire pressure, and battery health, sending notifications about upcoming maintenance needs. This reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and enhances rider confidence.
- Remote Troubleshooting: Dealers or mechanics can access real-time data to remotely diagnose issues, offer repair advice, or schedule service appointments, reducing downtime and repair costs.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates: Software and firmware updates can be pushed directly to the vehicle, ensuring it stays updated without requiring a physical visit to the dealership.
Intelligent Navigation and Route Optimization
Connected two-wheelers can leverage GPS and AI to optimize the riding experience:
- Real-Time Traffic and Road Condition Updates: Smart navigation systems can provide riders with alternative routes based on real-time traffic data, accidents, or road closures, helping to avoid congestion and reduce travel time.
- Eco-Riding Mode: AI can recommend routes that minimize fuel consumption, lower emissions, and ensure a more sustainable ride.
- Geofencing and Anti-Theft Protection: The ability to set virtual boundaries for the bike and receive alerts if the vehicle is moved out of designated areas helps to prevent theft or unauthorized use.
Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and Fleet Management
In urban settings, connected two wheelers can be an integral part of shared mobility solutions, such as scooter-sharing services:
- Fleet Management for Shared Services: Connectivity allows operators to monitor the location, battery levels, maintenance needs, and overall performance of the entire fleet. This improves the efficiency and availability of vehicles.
- User Behavior Analysis: Data analytics can track rider behavior (e.g., riding style, frequency of use), which can help operators personalize services, adjust pricing, and predict demand.
- Seamless User Experience: Integration with MaaS platforms allows users to find, rent, and pay for shared two-wheelers through a mobile app, creating a more convenient, frictionless experience.
Personalized Riding Experience
Connectivity enables a highly personalized experience for riders, enhancing comfort and convenience:
- Smart Ride Modes: Riders can select from different ride modes (e.g., eco, sport, city), with the system adjusting the vehicle’s performance to suit the selected mode.
- Voice and Gesture Control: Riders can control key functions such as navigation, music, or phone calls via voice commands or hand gestures, minimizing distraction and enhancing convenience.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
As urban mobility becomes more focused on sustainability, connected two-wheelers can play a key role in reducing environmental impact:
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Integration: For electric two-wheelers, connectivity can provide real time battery management and optimization, allowing for more efficient charging, tracking of energy consumption, and locating nearby charging stations.
- Emissions Tracking: For combustion engine two-wheelers, smart systems can monitor emissions and fuel consumption, offering real-time data to help reduce environmental impact.
- Eco-Friendly Riding Tips: Connectivity can help promote eco-friendly riding behaviors by suggesting slower speeds, smoother acceleration, and other practices that reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Social Integration and Community Engagement
- Rider Networks and Communities: Connectivity can allow riders to connect with each other, share tips, and experiences, and recommend routes, fostering a sense of community.
- Ride Sharing and Group Rides: Social features can enable group rides where riders can synchronize their journeys and share navigation data.
- Gamification: Riders can track their progress in terms of mileage, fuel efficiency, or eco-friendly behaviors, earning rewards or recognition.
Conclusion
The integration of connected technologies into two-wheelers offers enormous potential to transform how riders interact with their vehicles, enhance safety, and reduce the environmental impact of urban mobility. With advancements in IoT, AI, cloud computing, and mobile applications, the future of connected two-wheelers is full of exciting possibilities.
As cities continue to evolve toward smarter, more sustainable transportation systems, connected two-wheelers will play an essential role in shaping the future of urban mobility. Stakeholders in the automotive, technology, and mobility sectors must continue to collaborate, innovate, and address challenges such as data privacy, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory frameworks to unlock the full potential of connected two-wheelers.
Call to Action Industry leaders, manufacturers, and policymakers should invest in further research and development to explore and implement these smart use cases. By fostering collaboration between technology providers, mobility companies, and governments, connected two wheelers can help pave the way for safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions in the years to come.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by the author are his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of FMM magazine.
Vikas Kumar
Senior Manager Marketing
Motherson Invenzen Xlab Technology