Effects of Operating Conditions on the Performance of An Electric Assisted Bicycle

The use of electric bicycles is one of the alternative solutions to reduce exhaust emissions from vehicles using fossil fuels. To design an electric bicycle with high-performance, the influences of operating conditions on its performance need to be considered. A simulation study is carried out to evaluate the effects of input conditions, such as rider mass, slope, and wind speed, on the motion and power required of an electric assisted bicycle. Mathematical models are created to depict the operation of the electric bicycle, including a bicycle dynamic model with rider's control, a bicycle dynamic model with the motor assistance, and a required power model to overcome the resistance forces. Based on the simulation results obtained for examining the effects of input conditions on the motion characteristics of the electric bicycle, an appropriate power could be chosen for the electric motor.