German vehicle association creates standard for measuring electric bike range
German vehicle association ZIV (Zweirad-Industrie-Verband) has created a benchmark standard to measure electric bike range.
Enabling shops to better answer questions on range, the ‘standardised range test R200’ will deliver a means to objectively contrast and compare the ranges of different models, potentially giving sales staff better tools to up sell to higher-spec models.
The new procedure, detailed in full in this document (German language only), is carried out on qualified test rigs and is characterised in particular by reproducible results.
Relevant influencing factors are, for example, the battery, the drive system, the powertrain and the tyres of the electric bike. In addition, the range of an electric bike depends very much on the selected support mode (eg Eco, Sport, Turbo).
In order to make the results comparable, the new method normalises all e-bikes to a uniform support factor of 200 percent (hence “R200”). The 200 percent support factor means that the drive system of the electric bike with a driver power of 70W additionally supports 140W. In addition, the “standardised range test R200” shows the battery capacity and energy consumption of the e-bike.
The test creates a level playing field for variables otherwise affecting battery life, most notably creating a uniform terrain with no adverse wind conditions and with careful consideration of the bike’s weight accounted for.
The Accell Group, Bosch E-Bike Systems, Shimano and Velotech provided advice as part of the standard creation.
The Zweirad-Industrie-Verband eV is the national advocacy and service provider of the German and international bicycle industry.These include manufacturers and importers of bicycles, e-bikes, bicycle components and accessories.
