Electric assisted bicycles and measurement of real-time performance characteristics for power management strategies

Electric assisted bicycles can offer a cost effective alternative for commuter applications. However there is limited knowledge about the operating characteristics of such bicycles, which is necessary to optimize the rating of energy storage as it can significantly affect their range and weight. This study examines and realises an alternative design for a wheel hub direct drive. The paper also investigates the power requirements for electrically assisted bicycles by analysis of real time test results using a mobile system, which includes all necessary sensors and a data acquisition system. The paper provides the details of the test setup and presents a number of characteristic test results based on an identical riding path and typical riding groups to reflect the practical power requirements for power management strategies.