The new standard for testing the autonomy of electric bicycles
This new standard, developed by the German association ZIV, wishing to adopt it internationally, should allow better comparisons between the various models on the market.
If the standards for the autonomy of electric vehicles are clearly established, there is a kind of disorganization in the field of electric bicycles. In the absence of a standard, each manufacturer announces its own figures with its own calculation methodology. Result: it is difficult for uninformed consumers to navigate ...
However, autonomy is an important factor for many of them, and it is for this reason that the German association ZIV (Zweirad-Industry-Verband) has decided to establish a strict protocol designed to establish performance on standardized cycles, as is already the case in the automotive world.
This new test, dubbed the R200, should allow an objective comparison of the autonomy of different models. A protocol based on the average usage of electric bicycles and developed in collaboration with various manufacturers such as Bosch, Shimano or the Accell group.
The R200 test bench test takes into account various factors that affect the autonomy of e-bikes, such as battery life, training mode, bike and tire weights. Since the actual autonomy also depends on the support mode used, the tests are carried out evenly with 200% (hence the R200). To detail these results, the ZIV then links representative values associated with weight, terrain type, and even climatic conditions, where wind can positively or negatively affect autonomy.
For ZIV, the goal is to make the R200 test an international standard that can be applied to all manufacturers. The road can be long, especially since some may see this new standard as an additional constraint.
To find out more, by following this link you will find detailed documentation - unfortunately in German - summarizing the R200 test methodology and the various measurement procedures.
And you ? What do you think of the idea behind this new standard?
