The field of the invention relates to bicycle systems, especially to bicycle systems adapted for use with smartphones, to smartphones configured for use with bicycle systems, and to methods and to computer software for use with such bicycle systems or smartphones, and to servers configured to communicate with such bicycle systems or smartphones. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a bicycle system including a bicycle, the bicycle system including a processor integral to the bicycle, the bicycle system further including a battery integral to the bicycle, wherein the processor is powerable by the battery, the bicycle system including a smartphone holder configurable to receive a smartphone and to connect the smartphone to the processor, wherein in use the smartphone holder is attachable to, and detachable from, the smartphone. Advantages include that the smartphone can be charged by the battery, the smartphone can communicate with the processor so as to receive various information such as maintenance-related information of the bicycle system, the bicycle system can investigate the smartphone identity to check for unauthorized use of the bicycle system, the smartphone is held during bicycle system travel which reduces the risk of damage to the smartphone, and the bicycle system shape is more aerodynamic than that of a bicycle to which a processor and/or a battery has merely been bolted-on.

A method for operating a motorcycle. In the method, an environment of the motorcycle is acquired and free spaces in the environment that are usable by the motorcycle are detected, and a change in the free spaces and a trajectory of the motorcycle are predicted and evaluated for conflicts, and in a conflict case, a conflict-free alternative trajectory is ascertained for the motorcycle and communicated to a rider of the motorcycle.

A method for operating a motorcycle. In the method, an environment of the motorcycle is acquired and free spaces in the environment that are usable by the motorcycle are detected, and a change in the free spaces and a trajectory of the motorcycle are predicted and evaluated for conflicts, and in a conflict case, a conflict-free alternative trajectory is ascertained for the motorcycle and communicated to a rider of the motorcycle.

An open vehicle includes a surroundings sensor and an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to cause, depending on a signal of the surroundings sensor, a sound output device to output a sound to warn the driver of the vehicle. The sound has at least one frequency component in a frequency range from 900 to 20000, in particular 1000 to 10000, hertz.

An open vehicle includes a surroundings sensor and an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to cause, depending on a signal of the surroundings sensor, a sound output device to output a sound to warn the driver of the vehicle. The sound has at least one frequency component in a frequency range from 900 to 20000, in particular 1000 to 10000, hertz.

A running bike is to be operated selectively with and without power. The running bike includes a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a rear fork rotatably engaged with a rear wheel, a handlebar coupled to the front fork for steering the running bike, a frame extending between and connecting the front fork and the rear fork, an electronic controller coupled to the frame, and a drivetrain assembly coupled to the frame and in communication with the electronic controller. The drivetrain assembly includes an electric motor configured to selectively drive the rear wheel. A battery selectively provides power to the drivetrain assembly. A clutch is coupled to the handlebar and is in communication with the electronic controller. The clutch is configured to be actuated by an operator to proportionally increase or decrease power to the drivetrain assembly electronically.

A running bike is to be operated selectively with and without power. The running bike includes a front fork rotatably engaged with a front wheel, a rear fork rotatably engaged with a rear wheel, a handlebar coupled to the front fork for steering the running bike, a frame extending between and connecting the front fork and the rear fork, an electronic controller coupled to the frame, and a drivetrain assembly coupled to the frame and in communication with the electronic controller. The drivetrain assembly includes an electric motor configured to selectively drive the rear wheel. A battery selectively provides power to the drivetrain assembly. A clutch is coupled to the handlebar and is in communication with the electronic controller. The clutch is configured to be actuated by an operator to proportionally increase or decrease power to the drivetrain assembly electronically.

A non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning device comprising: a head portion including a first cap body and a second cap body, the first cap body and the second cap body enclosing a mounting cavity; a shank portion fixedly connected to the head portion, the shank portion including a mounting portion configured to secure the positioning device to a carrier; a positioning apparatus mounted within the mounting cavity and configured to communicatively connect with an electronic device to enable the electronic device to locate the carrier. This positioning device is particularly suitable for discreet installation via the shank portion (e.g., through threaded connection) on vehicles such as bicycles. Notably, this embodiment of the positioning device, featuring a head portion and a shank portion, can be used on any equipment (referred to as an external carrier) beyond transportation vehicles, provided there is a need for positioning.

A non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a positioning device comprising: a head portion including a first cap body and a second cap body, the first cap body and the second cap body enclosing a mounting cavity; a shank portion fixedly connected to the head portion, the shank portion including a mounting portion configured to secure the positioning device to a carrier; a positioning apparatus mounted within the mounting cavity and configured to communicatively connect with an electronic device to enable the electronic device to locate the carrier. This positioning device is particularly suitable for discreet installation via the shank portion (e.g., through threaded connection) on vehicles such as bicycles. Notably, this embodiment of the positioning device, featuring a head portion and a shank portion, can be used on any equipment (referred to as an external carrier) beyond transportation vehicles, provided there is a need for positioning.

A notification system for notifying a user of information on driving of a bicycle includes a processor and a storage to store a computer program to control an operation of the processor. The processor is configured or programmed to execute the computer program to acquire traveling speed information representing a traveling speed of the bicycle, perform a first count operation of counting a time duration in which a first state of the traveling speed not being higher than a first predetermined speed, is continued based on the traveling speed information, and in a case in which the first state has been continued for a first predetermined time duration, notify the user via a notifier of first information indicating that the driving of the bicycle by the user has been appropriate.