Simulation, Design, and Verification of an Electrified Bicycle Energy Model

Vehicle electrification is an increasingly popular design strategy for improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. This study uses an experimental and model-based approach to quickly and easily predict and optimize the efficiency of an electric bicycle system based on selection of critical parameters, including motor efficiency curves, rider behavior, mass, aerodynamics, and tire performance. The model is used to guide the construction of an electrified bicycle system to achieve the highest energy consumption performance among design alternatives. Tests of power consumption in actual usage show good agreement between the design predictions and measured performance.