Co je sběrnice CAN v elektrokolech?

A Smarter Way to Connect Batteries, Sensors, and More

Introduction: Why Digital Communication Matters in Modern E-Bikes

Jako Regen, we’re committed to engineering cargo e-bikes that don’t just ride well — they think well. And as our bikes evolve to include intelligent displays, precision torque sensors, GPS tracking, IoT connectivity, and battery management systems (BMS), the need for a robust communication protocol becomes undeniable.

This is where Sběrnice CAN enters the picture.

More than just wiring, CAN Bus (Controller Area Network) is a digital communication protocol that lets all key electronic components in an e-bike — controller, battery, display, motor, sensors — talk to each other over a shared network. In this article, we’ll explain:

• What CAN Bus is
• How it compares to UART
• Why it’s essential for modern e-bikes and especially nákladní kola
• Real-world applications and integration considerations
• Pros, cons, and future outlook

To learn what is Communication Protocols in E-Bike Electrical Systems ? Click here for comprehensive guide

What Is CAN Bus? (Controller Area Network)

A Quick Definition

CAN Bus (Controller Area Network) is a multi-master, message-based protocol designed originally for automotive applications. It allows multiple electronic control units (ECUs) to communicate over a single pair of twisted wires without needing a central computer.

In an e-bike context, these ECUs might include:

Rather than running individual wires between each device (like with analog or UART setups), CAN Bus enables all components to share the same data line, reducing complexity and increasing reliability.

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Přizpůsobitelné nákladní elektrokolo - RS01

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Žádost o cenovou nabídku

UART vs CAN Bus: What’s the Difference?

UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver-Transmitter) is another popular protocol in e-bike systems. It’s simpler and cheaper, but more limited in scope.

Here’s how they compare:

Regen Insight: Most entry-level commuter e-bikes still use UART. But for our modular cargo bikes — where IoT modules, dual battery packs, regenerative braking, and multiple sensors are common — CAN Bus is the only scalable solution.

Why CAN Bus Is Ideal for Cargo E-Bikes

Cargo bikes aren’t just oversized bicycles — they’re smart transport machines often designed for logistics, family mobility, or commercial fleets. These use cases demand:

• Real-time torque control for heavy loads
• Battery health monitoring for dual packs
• GPS tracking and theft alerts
• Integration with delivery apps or fleet management systems
• Predictive maintenance and error logging

All of this requires stable, high-throughput communication between modules — precisely what CAN Bus offers.

Application Example: Fleet Cargo E-Bike

Imagine a fleet of Regen cargo bikes used by a postal company:

• Ten/Ta/To display shows real-time diagnostics to the rider.
• Ten/Ta/To battery BMS sends state-of-charge and temperature data to prevent overload.
• A GPS unit logs location and helps with route optimisation.
• Ten/Ta/To controller adjusts power output based on payload, terrain, and sensor feedback.

With CAN Bus, all of these components share data on one unified backbone — with minimal latency and maximum coordination.

System Architecture Diagram

Here’s a simplified visual of a CAN Bus-based e-bike system:

                    +------------------+
                    | Display Unit     |
                    +------------------+
                           |
    +-------------+--------+---------+--------------+
    |             |                  |              |
+--------+   +----------+      +---------+    +-----------+
| Sensor |   | Battery  |      | Motor   |    | GPS/IoT   |
| (e.g.  |   | BMS      |      | Ctrl.   |    | Module    |
| torque)|   +----------+      +---------+    +-----------+
    \___________________________________________/
                Shared CAN Bus (Twisted Pair)

This architecture drastically reduces wiring clutter and increases modularity — making repairs, upgrades, or diagnostics easier.

Advantages of CAN Bus in E-Bikes

Standards Compliance

Modern CAN Bus systems in e-bikes are increasingly aligned with automotive safety standards, such as:

• ISO 11898 (CAN protocol standard)
• EN 15194 (EU standard for EPACs including electrical safety)
• EN 50604-1 (Battery BMS communication and protection)

We design Regen systems with these standards in mind to ensure EU market compliance and long-term reliability.

Disadvantages and Limitations

While CAN Bus offers compelling advantages, it’s not without trade-offs:

However, these downsides are largely outweighed by the benefits in professional or fleet-level applications.

CAN Bus in Regen’s Cargo E-Bike Ecosystem

At Regen, we integrate CAN Bus systems into our mid-to-high-end cargo bike platforms, especially when:

• Customers require multi-battery setups
• The bike includes fleet management or IoT integration
• The use case involves heavy cargo, frequent stop/start cyclesnebo demanding terrain

We also support hybrid systems — combining UART (for legacy display units) a CAN (for advanced modules) — with CAN bridges to ensure forward compatibility and smooth upgrades.

How to Tell If an E-Bike Uses CAN Bus?

Here are three clues:

1. Fewer wires connecting major components (often just a two-wire bus line).
2. Display allows system-wide diagnostics (not just motor error).
3. Bike supports firmware updates or app-level monitoring across multiple modules.

At Regen, we help OEM and ODM clients custom-design their communication architecture to suit their product roadmap and budget — from UART simplicity to full CAN Bus smart bikes.

Conclusion: Smarter Connections for Smarter Bikes

CAN Bus is more than just a data wire — it’s the foundation for intelligent, connected e-bikes. For family riders who want peace of mind, and for logistics operators who demand operational efficiency, CAN-enabled cargo bikes offer unmatched control, diagnostics, and upgradeability.

At Regen, we support brands in building future-ready electric cargo bikes through flexible, standards-aligned system design. If you’re designing a new platform or upgrading from UART to CAN, let’s talk — our engineering team is ready to assist from spec to scale.

📩 Kontaktujte nás to explore CAN Bus solutions for your cargo bike project.