E-bike and e-scooter batteries use CAN protocol because it is the only communication standard that combines extreme noise immunity, real-time safety guarantees, and cross-brand diagnostic compatibility in the harsh electrical environment of two-wheeled electric vehicles.
In 2025, over 92 % of mid-drive electric bikes and virtually all premium electric scooter battery packs sold in Europe, North America, and China rely on CAN bus. Even many budget brands that swore by UART two years ago are quietly switching.
Before diving deeper into the benefits, let’s take a look at what CAN actually is and why it is becoming the standard for electric two-wheelers.
What It Really Means When E-Bike and E-Scooter Batteries Use CAN
CAN (Controller Area Network) is a two-wire differential bus (CAN-H and CAN-L) that lets every component speak and listen at the same time:
- Battery BMS
- Motor controller
- Display / app
- Lights, brakes, torque sensor
Critical messages like “cell over 60 °C – shut down immediately” are broadcast with a priority ID and guaranteed to arrive within milliseconds, even when the 15 kW motor is throwing massive electromagnetic interference.
Why E-Bike and E-Scooter Batteries Use CAN Instead of Other Protocols
Modern LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles) require continuous, high-quality data transmission between multiple components. CAN supports that by offering:
- High resistance to noise from motors and power electronics
- Fast, accurate data exchange between BMS, controller, and display
- Multi-node communication with IoT, GPS, chargers, and sensors
- Low data loss, even in rough outdoor usage
- Automotive reliability, essential for safety-critical components
CAN vs Alternatives
Protocol | Max Distance (Practical) | Speed (Typical BMS Use) | Noise Immunity | Still Used in Premium Packs? | Why/Not for E-Bikes/Scooters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CAN | 40 m | 125–1000 kbps | Excellent | Yes (92%+) | Industry standard: Real-time, error-proof, universal tools. |
UART | 3–5 m | 9600–115 kbps | Poor | Budget scooters only | Cheap but point-to-point; fails in noise. |
I²C | <50 cm | 100–400 kHz | Terrible | Almost extinct | Internal cells only; too fragile for wires. |
SMBus | 1–2 m | 100 kHz | Poor | Legacy packs only | Laptop-style; slow for EVs. |
RS485 | 100–500 m | 9.6–115 kbps (Modbus) | Good | Rare (5–10%, budget/custom) | Great for distance/industrial, but no arbitration; needs custom protocol. |
Safety Benefits: Why CAN Improves Battery Protection
Safety is a primary reason e-bike and e-scooter batteries use CAN. Its architecture supports:
- Built-in error detection, preventing corrupted messages
- Faster communication of overcurrent, short circuit, and thermal faults
- Reliable shutdown commands to avoid damage
- Continuous, real-time BMS status reporting
The result: fewer failures, fewer risks, and a more controlled ride experience.
Performance Benefits: Why High-Performance Models Use CAN
Beyond safety, CAN delivers better ride quality and system performance:
- Smoother power and torque control, especially for mid-drive motors
- More accurate SOC/SOH reporting, improving range prediction
- Better current and voltage management during acceleration
- Improved regenerative braking coordination
- Stable two-way communication for advanced controllers
These advantages matter for high-torque cargo bikes, city-sharing scooters, and performance e-MTBs.
Smart Features: E-Bike and E-Scooter Batteries Use CAN for Intelligence
Modern electric mobility is increasingly connected. CAN supports that ecosystem:
- GPS tracking
- Bluetooth and 4G modules
- IoT fleet management
- Cloud monitoring
- Remote diagnostics via apps
- OTA firmware updates
- Real-time data logging for maintenance
Simpler protocols cannot handle these smart functionalities reliably.
Regulations Are Forcing Everyone So E-Bike and E-Scooter Batteries Use CAN
- UL 2849 (2024 revision) + UL 2271 now require or strongly recommend deterministic, fault-tolerant communication for >500 Wh packs
- EU EN 50604 (2024) and upcoming 2026 Battery Regulation reward CAN-level robustness
- Insurance companies in Germany, Netherlands, and California already refuse fleet coverage without proven CAN communication logs
Tritek Integrates CAN into E-mobility Batteries
Tritek’s intelligent BMS uses CAN to support advanced applications across different e-mobility products. CAN enables:
- Real-time data exchange with major controllers
- Accurate battery status on displays and mobile apps
- Multi-battery systems and hot swapping
- Built-in GPS/Bluetooth/4G connectivity
- OTA firmware updates
- Remote diagnostics and fleet-level monitoring
Conclusion: Your Next Pack Will Use CAN
In 2025 and beyond, e-bike and e-scooter batteries use CAN because nothing else delivers:
- Bulletproof reliability in electrically noisy environments
- Guaranteed delivery of life-critical safety messages
- Universal service and diagnostic tools
- Regulatory and insurance acceptance worldwide
The cost difference is now pennies. The safety difference is measured in fires prevented and riders protected. Check any e-bike or e-scooter over 500 Wh released this year, 19 times out of 20, its battery speaks CAN.
Looking for a CAN-Based Battery Pack?
Tritek’s intelligent BMS and battery solutions are built around native CAN communication, supporting mid-drive motors, fleet IoT systems, multi-battery configurations, and OEM-level diagnostics. If you’re developing your next e-bike or e-scooter platform, Tritek can help you integrate a safer, smarter, and fully compliant CAN-enabled power system.
