Abstract
A sample of 12 electric bicycles offered on the Belgian and Italian markets was the subject of a comparative quality and performance study. This sample contains electric bicycles of different price categories and with different drive technologies. This paper describes the test program that was used for the study and reveals the differences that were observed between the test samples. The electric bicycles were tested on the road in the Brussels region. An appreciation of the electric traction offered by the bicycle in different situations was given: electrical assistance at start, on a flat road, when riding uphill and when decelerating or braking with the bicycle. The vehicle’s driving range under real driving conditions, was determined for the different electric bicycles. Also the electricity consumption when recharging the traction battery was measured and allowed to make an analysis of the cost for driving an electric bicycle. An environmental analysis (well-to-wheel) was made of the electric bicycles and put against the environmental impact of a thermal moped and an electric scooter.
Highlights
Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) form a group of promising alternative vehicles for both personal mobility and goods delivery
An appreciation of the electric traction offered by the bicycle in different situations was given based on the on-road tests: electrical assistance at start, on a flat road, when riding uphill and when decelerating or braking the bicycle
The energy content is obtained by multiplying this number with the nominal voltage level of the battery pack
Summary
Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) form a group of promising alternative vehicles for both personal mobility and goods delivery. It is clear that the products available on the European market present different performances. To evaluate this statement, experimental and scientific evidence is needed. A sample of 12 electric bicycles available on the Belgian and Italian markets was the subject of a comparative quality and performance study. This sample contains electric bicycles of different price categories and with different drive technologies. An appreciation of the electric traction offered by the bicycle in different situations was given based on the on-road tests: electrical assistance at start, on a flat road, when riding uphill and when decelerating or braking the bicycle.
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