eCall systems for motorcycles

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eCall systems for motorcycles
Bosch

counselor

technology & future

eCall systems for motorcycles

eCall systems for motorcycles
Challenges in accident detection and emergency calls

A function that detects when a motorcyclist has an accident and then automatically alerts the rescue service – that is the basic principle of the eCall, regardless of whether it is retrofitted on the bike, ex works or as an app on the smartphone.


Dina Dervisevic

07/19/2021

In the automotive sector, the automatic eCall emergency call system has been mandatory for new models since April 2018. The system detects an accident and independently contacts the rescue services in the event of a serious accident. The goal: to safely trigger the rescue chain and keep the reaction time as short as possible. That could also help us motorcyclists a lot in an emergency, because: We are often alone on the road and sometimes go unnoticed for a long time in the event of an accident.

Accident detection in cars easier

Especially with modern motorcycles that are equipped with cornering ABS and thus a six-axis sensor, a system tailored to this could detect an accident and also differentiate it from a wheelie, stoppie or harmless overturning, because the alarm is only triggered when several sensors report something suspicious . As early as 2019, Bosch assumed that the eCall systems will be required on new motorcycle models in the near future, but this has not yet been the case.

The matter is also more challenging than with the car. It is not just that the triggering of the airbag in a car is an indication of an accident and that this can activate the eCall system. Even after that, it doesn’t get any easier: When the alarm is triggered, a voice connection should be established between the rescue control center and the victim. If the driver does not answer, the control center calls the rescue service in any case. If the driver reports, the severity of the accident and the injuries can possibly be narrowed down.

Motorcyclists not always on the motorcycle

But not every motorcyclist rides with a loudspeaker and microphone in his helmet. And even if the system has a loudspeaker and a microphone directly on the motorcycle, there is no guarantee of availability: If motorcycle riders have an accident, they are rarely around after the accident, let alone on the motorcycle.


eCall systems for motorcycles


Bosch

In 2020, Bosch wanted to bring a motorcycle-compatible version of the Help Connect system onto the market, which is already used in e-bikes. It is currently not (yet) available.

Nevertheless, it is undisputed that motorcyclists in particular can contribute a lot to their safety if they rely on a system for automatic accident detection including an emergency call. We present here which systems are currently available and how they work.

eCall system ex works on the motorcycle

This is currently only offered by BMW. If the system detects an emergency, it activates the rescue chain and also tries to establish contact with the driver. Advantages and disadvantages: The voice connection runs directly via a loudspeaker and a microphone on the motorcycle, which is why no communication system is required in the helmet. But if the driver is not near the vehicle, this can also be a disadvantage.

Retrofittable emergency call systems for motorcycles

Like most retrofit systems, this is suitable Dguard system from the German company digades for all common brands and types. Individual components such as the electronics unit, a GPS antenna and the control switch for the handlebars are installed on the motorcycle. It costs around 450 euros and can also be connected to a headset in the helmet via Bluetooth. Tour records, theft protection and the appropriate app for control and information are also functions that are provided by the system.

The system of RideLink works similarly. It costs around 400 euros and does not require a smartphone to make an emergency call. In addition, live tracking is possible with this system, as well as digital theft protection, group navigation, route planner, driving analysis, lean angle recording and tire pressure monitoring. For the latter, additional components must be installed.

eCall via smartphone

The market also offers smartphone applications. for BikerSOS a small GPS tracker is attached to the motorcycle – cable ties and Velcro fasteners are included. If the smartphone detects an accident in the jacket pocket and does not detect any further movement after the alarm, an emergency call is sent to the rescue control center and – if so set – to private emergency call contacts. The system also comes with functions such as automatic route recording, Geofenc theft protection and battery voltage monitoring. The GPS tracker costs around 150 euros, the app with automatic accident detection costs 3.33 per month.

Even Triumph offers such an app which has very similar functions.

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