If eCall – European automatic emergency call – has become mandatory for cars, few two-wheelers are equipped with an automatic emergency call system. Using accelerometer-based applications, the devices can detect when a rider has fallen, locate them and call for help automatically. However, the European Union is working towards the mandatory implementation of the European eCall system on all motorcycles.
eCall is an automatic emergency call system implemented in Europe and based on 112, the single European emergency number, as well as geolocation using Galileo satellite navigation.
Made mandatory on new automobiles sold in the European Union since March 2018, the network halves the time between the incident and the arrival of help. According to the European Union, eCall could save 2 lives and reduce serious injuries by 500% per year. This is a huge impact and motorcycle manufacturers, component developers and other specialists are preparing for the eCall system to be integrated into motorcycles in the near future.
BMW already offers its intelligent emergency call function on specific models, for a price of €300 to €400, and does not require a subscription. On the other hand, aftermarket providers like LoJack cost €399 and include an annual subscription, stolen vehicle tracking and route logging. Bosch and Continental are currently developing modules to sell to motorcycle manufacturers, while Yamaha is considering creating an exclusive program for its range of vehicles.
It goes without saying that each system has a specific way of functioning. In the case of Yamaha, the motorcycle not only contacts emergency services, but also activates the hazard lights, headlight and horn to attract attention. Bosch and LoJack leverage the user's smartphone network via Bluetooth while the Dekra system uses a special headset for communication with the rider.
Although the benefits of such systems are obvious, some fear that these devices could be used to track their location and trace their misbehavior. However, the EU has stipulated that eCall systems should only transmit information in the event of a crash.
Tests on such systems were planned for 2021, but the current health crisis has caused the schedule to drift slightly. With this equipment already mandatory on new cars sold in the European Union and with so many companies developing their own modules suitable for two-wheelers, the technology will be ready for use in no time.
