A drive unit for an electric bicycle comprising an electric motor and an energy storage device is provided. The drive unit includes a locking mechanism for locking the energy storage device and a control device. The control device is operatively connected to an actuator of the locking mechanism for the energy storage device. The actuator is fastened detachably to the drive unit. The control device is configured to evaluate signals received via a terminal in order to release or block one function of the drive unit as a function of at least one received signal. An electric bicycle, a method for operating an electric bicycle and a computer readable medium also are provided.