Bicycles have long been celebrated for their simplicity and repairability. Yet, as electric bikes surge in popularity, a troubling trend has emerged: manufacturers are increasingly designing these bikes to be hermetically sealed units, limiting repair options and often forcing users into a dependency on proprietary services. This shift raises significant concerns, especially when companies go out of business, leaving consumers with expensive, inoperable machines.

One striking case involves an electric bike owned by a user named Fransisco, who prefers to keep the manufacturers name confidential. However, from the description provided, it appears to be a VanMoof model. This bike features a built-in light, which, astonishingly, can only be activated via the manufacturer's now-defunct cloud-based application. This reliance on cloud technology for basic functionality exemplifies the pitfalls of modern electric bike design.

The issue escalates considerably when a company faces bankruptcy. In Fransisco's scenario, the light on his bicycle became completely inoperable due to the absence of the cloud service. Faced with a dilemma, he undertook a clever hack to restore functionality. By removing the electronics panel from the bike, he was able to manipulate the components within the frame. He repositioned the electronics up the tube, leaving access to the light connector exposed. With ingenuity, he replaced the original light's power source with an off-the-shelf USB-C Li-Po charger paired with a small battery cell. To complete the project, he designed and 3D printed a new panel, integrating a switch to operate the light using a suitable resistor. The final result, while startlingly vibrant due to the bright green filament used, maintains a seamless appearance that mimics the bike's original design.

This situation serves as a stark reminder of the potential downsides of hardware that depends on external applications and cloud services. For avid cyclists and DIY enthusiasts alike, it underscores the importance of opting for equipment that prioritizes repairability and independence from proprietary tech ecosystems. The Hackaday community resonates with this cautionary tale, as many share the belief that such products should be avoided. In light of these developments, perhaps its time for a 'cycling manifesto' akin to those seen in the automotive world, advocating for user rights and repair freedoms in the face of increasingly closed systems.

We extend our gratitude to user [cheetah_henry] for tipping us off about this notable instance of innovation amid adversity.