Neodrives Z20 User manual

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FROM MODEL YEAR2018ONWARDS
neodrives Z20
USERMANUAL
ELECTRIFYINGTECHNOLOGY

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100 % riding fun guaranteed
Dear Customer,
This user manual provides acomprehensive overview of the use of the
neodrives rear-mounted motor system Z20.
When developing the new Z20 generation we focused on maximum riding
performance – no other system should give asmoother, more agile ride
than the neodrives rear motor.
So just pedal away and enjoy your ride to the max!
We wish you agreat ride with the neodrives rear motor.

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Contents

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1 Introduction
Why the neodrives rear motor? ......................................... 6
1.1 Our pledge: made in Germany .......................................... 7
1.2 Benefits of neodrives......................................................... 8
1.3 The torque myth...............................................................12
1.4 What differentiates the neodrives
rear motor from amid-drive motor? ................................13
1.5 What changed comparison
since the previous model? ...............................................14
2 Important notes – please observe! .............15
3 The system
3.1 Standard scope of delivery ...............................................17
3.2 Technical data ................................................................ 20
3.3 Factors affecting the remaining range ............................ 23
3.4 Starting the system .........................................................24
4 neoRemote & neoNode
4.1 neoRemote...................................................................... 26
4.2 neoNode.......................................................................... 27
5 neoMMIs
5.1 How the neoMMI 20 works ............................................. 28
5.2 How the neoMMI 20c works............................................ 34
6 Battery
6.1 Overview and functions .................................................. 42
6.2 Charging and storing the rechargeable battery .............. 44
6.3 Removing and inserting the rechargeable battery........... 46
7 Motor
7.1 Installation and removal of the rear wheel ..................... 48
7.2 Recuperation .................................................................. 50
7.3 Thermal management .....................................................51
8 Notes & troubleshooting
8.1 Maximum axle load......................................................... 52
8.2 Cleaning ......................................................................... 52
8.3 Transport ........................................................................ 53
8.4 Safety precautions .......................................................... 53
8.5 Error symptoms and possible measures .......................... 54

6// 1 Introduction
1 Introduction
Why the neodrives rear motor?

1 Introduction // 7
1 Introduction
1.1 Our pledge: made in Germany
93% of the starting materials are made in Germany, 100% of the final assembly
takes place in Albstadt, Germany. We are deeply convinced of Germany as our
primary production location and committed to maintaining this for the future.
At home in Germany
neodrives is the e-bike brand of Alber GmbH. Just under
300 employees develop and manufacture electric motors
for the bicycle and rehabilitation industries.
Service
One of the best service ratings in the e-bike market means
that our customers are quickly assisted in the event of
acomplaint, without the red tape.
The Alber neodrives team
At Alber, our life revolves around bicycles. Many of our
employees are bike enthusiasts, making them the best test
riders.
Everything from asingle source
The neodrives drive system is 100% engineered in-house,
including complete assembly in Albstadt. Development
focuses on maximum riding performance.
Close and long-term relationships with our suppliers are very important to us. Together with our suppliers, our goal is
to produce the best pedelec motor on the market, with afocus on outstanding driving characteristics. In the case of
amalfunction or acomplaint, the geographic proximity to our partners enables short response times and ensures that
our customers are mobile again in no time at all.

8// 1 Introduction
Why is riding with aneodrives rear motor more fun than
with other motors?
The motor is positioned directly on the rear wheel and develops power
right where it is needed. Any kind of power transmission, e.g. from the
crank to the chain or the pinion, reduces the actual torque and efficiency
and increases wear and tear. With the neodrives rear motor, the force
acts directly on the rear wheel. The chain, pinion and other parts are not
subjected to great strain, and there is anoticeable, direct response when
accelerating.
The maximum torque of 40Nm is always fully available to the rider,
regardless of the gear selection. In contrast, the 75Nm of amid-drive
motor are reduced by the gear ratio. On the rear wheel, the full torque is
only reached at agear ratio of 1:1 (very small gear). At the most commonly
used gear ratio of approx. 2:1 (middle or large chainring at the front, middle
pinion at the back), the torque is already halved, down to 37.5Nm.
Sensitive force sensor for supremely smooth response –
yo-yo eect practically eliminated
The force sensor is the interface between the pedelec rider and the drive
system. The more sensitive the sensor, the smoother the ride. With this in
mind, the force sensor has been taken to awhole new level compared to
the previous version (neodrives Z15). With its extremely high sensitivity
the sensor registers forces from as little as 0.5Nm, significantly reducing
the so-called “yo-yo effect”. As aresult, power delivery is both strong and
refined at the same time.
Unassisted riding noticeably improved
At speeds over 25km/h and when riding at assistance level 0, the motor
runs with considerably less effort than the previous version (neodrives
Z15). However, as with all e-bikes, there is still some residual resistance,
regardless of the position of the motor. Similar to adynamo hub, all electric
motors are subject to slight core losses.
Riding dynamics
1.2 Benefits of neodrives
No motor is as powerful, with equally smooth operation. Ideal for touring and trekking pedelecs,
women's and city pedelecs, cool urban pedelecs and cargo pedelecs.

1 Introduction // 9
1 Introduction
Quietness
Less is more! In contrast to conventional mid-drive motors, there is no gearing in the neodrives rear
motor, enabling entirely silent and vibration-free driving.
Enjoy nature in peace and quiet
A smooth ride is also aquestion of acoustics: motor assistance is not
immediately betrayed by loud whirring. Users of neodrives rear motors
appreciate its superior riding qualities and quiet performance.

10 // 1 Introduction
Why does the neodrives rear motor protect the gear
system and chain?
• As the motor is installed on the rear wheel, it does not “tug” on the chain,
unlike mid-drive motors.
• No elaborate hardware/software is necessary to detect gear shifts.
• A high-level of compatibility with standard bicycle components and long-
term availability of spare parts are assured.
Long maintenance intervals for chain, pinion and gear system thanks to direct installation of the
motor on the rear wheel. Both the components of the motor and pedelec are protected. The motor's
electronics and its force and speed sensors are safely integrated inside the motor.
Minimal maintenance

1 Introduction // 11
1 Introduction
Recharge your batteries when riding downhill! This makes larger
ranges possible, whilst taking the strain off the brakes.
Why does the neodrives rear motor have arange of over
100%?
• The powerful energy recovery, also referred to as recuperation, increases
thebattery range by 15% or more and now works up to approx. 45km/h.
• The new machine development ensures high motor eciency.
Energy recovery

0
20
40
60
12 // 1 Introduction
The torque of the mid-motor can be greatly reduced
by the transmission ratio.
Small transmission ratio
Large transmission ratio
* At aspeed of 18 to 25km/h.
Torque [Nm]*
neodrives Z20 Average mid-motor
1.3 The torque myth
The rear motor has atransmission-independent performance
When comparing the data sheets of mid-drive motors you will find values of up to 90Nm
torque. This does not mean that mid-drive motors are more than twice as powerful as the
neodrives rear motor. The torque that actually reaches the rear wheel from the mid-drive motor
is significantly influenced by the gear selection. With agear ratio of, for example, a38-tooth
chainring and a19-tooth pinion – i.e. arange mostly used by the majority of riders – the torque
on the rear wheel is already halved. Furthermore, internal gear hubs especially cannot withstand
high torques continuously, which is why mid-drive motors are throttled ex works. Another
drawback: with the high torque the chain is put under alot of strain, which drastically reduces
its life expectancy.
Our tip:
Test ride all systems. You will hardly notice adifference in power when comparing high-quality
mid-drive motors with the neodrives rear motor. Thanks to the position of the motor in the rear
wheel, the rear motor even seems to be significantly more powerful.
As mentioned earlier, the maximum torque of 40Nm is always fully available to the rider,
regardless of the gear selection. With the mid-motor the torque is reduced by the gear selection
in such away that only approx. half of the torque arrives at the rear wheel.

1 Introduction // 13
1 Introduction
Rear motor Mid-drive motor
1.4 What differentiates aneodrives rear motor
from amid-drive motor?
neodrives rear motor CONVENTIONAL MID-DRIVE MOTOR
Silent, no disturbing noises from agearbox Noticeable noises from the gears installed in the motor
Powerful response and smooth performance thanks to the large motor
installed directly on the rear wheel
Delayed response; in some cases, jerky engagement of motor due to indirect
coupling of motor and rear wheel
Minimal wear of chain and gear system due to motor installed
on the rear wheel
Increased wear of chain and gear system due to motor position in the middle –
the motor“tugs”on the chain and gears, causing faster wear of both
Recuperation when riding downhill saves the brakes and also recharges
thebattery No recuperation possible
Extremely simple operation and compatibility with standard bicycle
components – long-term availability of spare parts is assured Use of drive-specic components frequently required, e.g. crank or chainring

14 // 1 Introduction
1.5 What has changed compared
to the previous model?
Latest technologies
The heart of the neodrives rear motor system is the directly connected, gearless motor.
The goal of the new development was to make it even more robust, more powerful and smoother.
Thanks to the use of the latest technologies, this has been achieved to an exceptional degree.
High-quality workmanship, integration
and design:
Slim motor connector, aluminium motor housing
powder-coated with great care and finished with
meticulous attention to detail – an attractive
enhancement for every pedelec.
Machine development and updated
electronics:
The performance of the neodrives rear motor has been
optimised once again. At an efficiency of 85%, it far
exceeds that of competitors and enables bikes to achieve
even greater ranges.
Full compatibility and easy installation
and removal of the motor:
The neodrives rear motor is compatible with all standard
bicycle components, now also for 11-speed designs, stub
axles and standard 6 V e-bike headlights. Long-term
spare parts availability is assured. For approvals, please
note the document in the downloads area:
https://www.neodrives.com/downloads.html
Force sensor:
The patented force sensor of the neodrives rear
motor responds extremely smoothly and ensures
exceptionally well-balanced performance.

2 Important notes // 15
2 Important notes
In addition to this user manual, further documents are enclosed with your
pedelec. Please observe the instructions and notes contained therein.
Thereis currently no legal obligation to wear ahelmet when using
apedelec. Nevertheless, it is advisable to wear ahelmet for your own safety.
Intended use of neodrives components
Your pedelec, which is supplied with neodrives components by aspecialist
dealer,
• is designed as atrekking bike for normal person transport on public roads
or as
• a mountain bike, which is specially designed for use o-road.
Settings and repairs to the pedelec and the individual components are only
considered as intended use if they are explained and permitted in this user
manual, in the user manual of the pedelec manufacturer, in the instructions
of the component manufacturers or in other documents enclosed with the
purchase of the pedelec.
The manufacturer accepts no liability for damage caused negligently by
misuse, improper maintenance, improper repairs or improper use. It is the
responsibility of the rider to check the pedelec as prescribed, to have any
work done on it and to use it responsibly.
This user manual describes exclusively the use of the neodrives components
attached to your pedelec and corresponds to the state of the art at the time
of printing. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes resulting
from the further development of mechanics, software or legal requirements.
The manufacturer regards the following cases as misuse of the neodrives
components attached to your pedelec:
• Use of the drive system contrary to the instructions and recommendations
of this user manual
• Exceeding the technical performance limits dened in this user manual
• Technical modications to the neodrives components
• Changes to the software of the neodrives components
• Unauthorised attachment or unauthorised use of neodrives components on
bicycles or any pedelec other than the one supplied to you
The manufacturer declines any liability for damage resulting from misuse of
the components.
Before starting the journey, familiarise yourself with the safety and danger
information in the individual chapters of these operating instructions and all
other enclosed documents.
2 Important notes – please observe!
Explanation of symbols
Permissible operating conditions / locations for use
The neodrives components can be operated at temperatures between -20°C
and +45°C → siehe Seite 22. In addition, observe the information
on permissible operating conditions in the operating instructions
ofthepedelec manufacturer. Its restrictions of the permissible operating
conditions (e.g. maximum climbing capability, maximum permissible
obstacle height, maximum user weight) must also be observed when using
the pedelec. Observe the safety and danger information in the individual
chapters of these operating instructions.
Safety precautions
Warning of possible dangers to your health, indication of possible
risks of injury; warning of possible technical problems or damage.
Always observe these precautions in order to avoid injury to persons
and damage to the product.

16 // 3 The system
3 The system

3 The system // 17
3 The system
neodrives neoTwistlock
andneoRemote
neoMMI displayBattery
Battery varies depending on
bike model and manufacturer.
(Various variations of
semi-integrated or external
batteries.)
neodrives rear motor
3.1 Standard scope of delivery
The neodrives Z20 drive system only has afew individual components.
Itcan be combined with different types of displays and batteries.
Note: Example, the battery and its mounting may vary depending on the
bike.
To optimise the overall system, completely new displays, battery
management systems (BMS), motor electronics and plugs have been used.
This means, for example, that the new Z20 neoMMI cannot be retrofitted
to the Z15 system. Find out more about the Z10 and Z15 systems in the
corresponding technical manuals, which are available for download online.
www.neodrives.com/downloads
neodrives neoNode
The mounting of the neoNode depends on the bicycle model.
It is integrated in the frame.Torque receiver Cable harness
neodrives components
• neodrives rear motor
• neodrives neoNode (installed on the Pedelec)
• neodrives neoTwistlock and neoRemote (control element)
• neodrives display neoMMI 20 or 20c (display device)
• Cable harness
• This user manual
Important
The components of the new Z20 drive system are not compatible with
the predecessor versions Z10/Z15, i.e. the system components cannot
be interchanged.

18 // 3 The system
1. Rear motor Z20
5. neoMMI 20, model year 2018/19
2. neoMMI 20c 3. neoTwistlock with neoRemote
7. Installation kit for neoTwistlock
4. Torque receiver
(different designs)
6. Cable harness
(different designs)
Overview of Z20 system components
General components (same for every battery system)
1. Z20 rear motor as ahollow, threaded, stub axle version
2. neoMMI 20c
3. neoTwistlock with neoRemote
4. Torque receiver (in different designs)
5. Alternative: neoMMI 20
6. Cable harness, available in different lengths
7. Installation kit for neoTwistlock
Optional battery system → see page19

3 The system // 19
3 The system
1. Semi-integrated battery UR V7
The figure shows the UR V7 battery.
Other proprietary battery types available.
2. neoNode with JST plug (UR V7, UR V8) 2. neoNode with neodrives plug
3. Battery charger for UR V7 battery
Voltage: 42 V DC
Charging current: 4 A
3. Battery rail for UR V2 battery
4. Battery charger for UR V2 battery
1. External battery UR V2
Optional: system with external battery
or semi-integrated battery
System with semi-integrated battery System with external battery
Components for every battery system → see page17 Components for every battery system → see page17
1. Battery UR V7, V8 (semi-integrated) incl. installation kit 1. Battery UR V2, V5 (external) incl. installation kit
2. neoNode with JST plug 2. neoNode with neodrives plug
3. Battery charger for UR V7 battery 3. Battery rail for UR V2 battery
4. Battery charger for UR V2 battery

20 // 3 The system
3.2 Technical data
Drive unit
Range 120km
Speed 25km/h
Power rating (peak) 250 W (650 W)
Operating voltage 36V
Nominal torque 12Nm
Peak torque 40Nm
Efficiency 85% (incl. electronics)
Power electronics control system Integrated in the wheel hub
Cassette hub Conventional cassette, up to 11 speeds (Shimano MTB)
Brake disc From adiameter of approx. 180mm
Torque receiver Torque receiver varies depending on dropout
Weight 4.2kg (drive unit incl. freehub)
neoRemote (control elements) + neoTwistlock (mounting plate)
neoRemote 5 buttons: Power, Light, Set, Support Level + and –,
22.2mm internal diameter, permanently wired
neoTwistlock Handlebar mounting, angle adjustable in 15° steps
Weight (incl. cable and remote) 55g
Drive unit
Displays and control unit