Binamics was partner in the TGVelo project and uses the developed quality measurement system as base for its advises.

TGVelo project

The TGVelo project is conducted by 25 Flemish partners and funded by the Flemish Institute for Science and Technology (IWT). From 10/2014 to 9/2016, 2 FET have been researching the quality of electric bicycles for intensive use at the University of Leuven, Technology Campus Ghent. The finality of this project is a set of standards for the assessment of the quality of light vehicles. The system is developed for electric bicycles, but it might be used for any human-, electric- or hybrid powered two-, three- or four wheeled vehicle lighter than 50kg empty curb weight. The standards are useful for designers, producers, sellers and customers. It eases the selling process and simplifies settlement of warranty claims.

TGVelo Team

The TGVelo project took place in Ghent, Belgium, at the technology campus of KU Leuven. The project is executed by the team listed below.

• Project managers: Prof. Emilia Motoasca, Prof. Jan Cappelle.
• Two full time researchers Jeroen De Maeyer and Dries Callebaut and one part-time researcher Ruben Cherlet.
• Close cooperation with PhD student Bram Rotthier.
• Several student working on their master's thesis.

TGVelo Label

The TGVelo quality system gives an extensive overview of the quality of a light vehicle intended for daily or intensive use. It might be summarized in a label that can be displayed in a store and attached to the vehicle. The form and languages of this label can be standardised.

Vehicle information

Name of the producer or importer

The entity who is final responsible for the warranty of the vehicle as a whole.

Model name

The name of the model. This reflects the unique description of frame and every component of the vehicle as it can be found in the construction files. This implies that the existence of construction files is compulsory if the TGVelo label is used. This can be the same dossier that goes with the CE label.

Type of vehicle

In Belgium and many other European countries, these electric cycle types are possible

• Moped class A or B
• Speed pedelec
• Pedelec
• Propelled device
• Slow cycle (max design speed 6 kph)
• Vehicle for physically handicapped
• Vehicle for pedestrian control
• Race vehicle (exclusively intended for racing)
• Special service vehicle (army, fire brigade, police,…)
• Agricultural or forestry vehicle
• Mountain vehicle (primarily intended for off road)
• Self-balancing vehicle
• Vehicle without a seating position
• Moped with low R-point

The definitions of these vehicles can be found in the European Regulation No 168/2013 and local legislation.

Design speed

Design speed is the speed reached by the electric cycle when pedalling in standard conditions, with a human input of 100 W and the maximum assistance of the motor. It might be expressed for the maximum assistance mode, some modes or all. Design speed allows comparison between for example a heavy bicycle with a powerful motor and a light one with a smaller motor. When the motor is strong enough, the design speed will be equal to the cut-off speed. The parameter is an alternative for technical parameters such as motor torque or power.

Typical resistance

The typical resistance is defined as the resistance that the vehicle has to overcome at 25 km/h, in standardised conditions. It is not important if the needed power comes from the battery, the human or from another source. The typical resistance is in close harmony with the design speed and might be disregarded, but it helps when assessing the probability that one can have a certain range in certain circumstances with the vehicle.

Net available energy

The net available energy at the wheels is an alternative for estimation of vehicle range and battery capacity. Vehicle range strongly depends on environmental conditions, for example winds speed or slope. Battery capacity doesn't take into account the general efficiency of the vehicle, while the new defined parameter is more objective in estimating the vehicle performance.

Size

The length of the smallest and the biggest people that are likely to fit on the cycle. Definition provided by TGVelo

Posture

The posture that the rider likely will hold when riding the vehicle. Definition provided by TGVelo

Max assistance speed

Cut-off speed of the motor, as defined by EN15194.

Inclination grade

The traction grade is the theoretical slope in % on which the bicycle with full load can mount at a constant speed of 10 kph only with the power of the motor.

Speed @ 60 - 90 rpm

This is the lowest speed where one can pedal at 60 rpm and the highest speed where one can pedal at 90 rpm. It is an alternative expression of the more technical gear ratio, gear inches or meter development.

Charging time

Time needed to fully charge the battery.

Usability scores

Protection against theft

The extent to which the cycle is protected against theft. TGVelo gives a high score to the combination of different security devices:

• Presence of a lock that prevents usage of the cycle
• Presence of a lock that fixes the bike to an external object
• Presence of a non-removable identification
• Presence of an always powered tracking mechanism
• Parts can not be loosened by standard equipment

locks are tested according EN 15496

Accessibility of the instruments

How easy can the light and assistance level be switched, can the gears be changed under load or at rest, is gear shifting straightforward and is braking easy with small hands?

Controllability of the motor

A low score is given when the motor starts unintentional, too late or aggressive. A high score is given when it is possible to engage high motor power with small human power and vice versa, and when a cruise-, range- or effort control is available.

Practicality of the battery

The battery will have a high score when the battery is easy removable and easily secured, when a loader is on board and when the system is foolproof.

Loading of luggage

Typically, a four wheeled vehicle will score better than a three wheeled. A symmetric, broad stand close to the load will score better than an asymmetric, small stand far from the load. A load fixed on the frame will score better than load that moves with the steer. The score calculation is based on defined measurements.

Shimmy

Shimmy is a kind of natural frequency that a vehicle can show in certain circumstances. A bicycle that shows shimmy at low speed scores worse than a bicycle that shows shimmy at high speed. The shimmy score is determined by driving the cycle without hands at different speeds and by giving an excitation at the steer. The driver is standardised.

Starting and stopping

The starting and stopping score reflects how smooth the driver can handle his cycle while preparing it and taking off for a ride, and docking and securing after a ride. The score is calculated using the needed number of actions.

Walking with cycle at the hand

This score shows how easily the cycle is rolled at the side of a pedestrian. The weight of the cycle and the positions of the centres of gravity plays a role in the scoring mechanism.

Shock dampening

This figure shows how well the cycle absorbs shocks coming from the road. It is measured on the seat post or the R-point. A cycle with small racing tyres will typically have a lower figure than a cycle with balloon tyres will have a lower figure than a vehicle with active spring suspension.

Noise generation

The score takes into account the loudness of the motor and the rigidity of the complete cycle and its components. A vehicle where the components can rattle will have a low score.

Protection against splash water

Vehicles are often used on roads where flakes of water occur. The score indicates how well the driver is protected against dirt and water coming from the roads. A bicycle without fenders will generally have a very low score, a velomobile might score very well.

Protection against dirt

The figures indicates how well the clothes of driver is protected against the dirt and the mechanical action of chain and wheels when using the vehicle or when carrying it. It reflects the efficiency of protections like chain guards and jacket covers and it shows how well the position of chain and wheels is chosen.

Protection against climate

This score indicates how well the driver is protected against the elements. It is probably little distinguishing for modern bicycles. However, rain and cold is one of the main reasons why people don't use cycles. Ponchos, wind screens and covers can rise the score for this parameter.

Safety score

Visibility

A high figure for this parameter indicates that the installed lights are bright, shine as well to the sides as to the front, will rarely be covered by luggage or clothes and complies with the ISO 6742 norm.

Road lighting

A high figure shows that 5m before the vehicle the street is well illuminated.

Brakes

The brake score consists mostly of the brake coefficient, which is defined as the brake force at the wheels over the effectuated hand squeeze force. In other words: it's the efficiency of the brake compared to the force of the hand. The score can be lowered if:

• The redundancy of the brakes is not assured
• The braking force can only be applied during a short period
• Rain influences strongly the braking action
• The weight of the vehicle can lower the brake coefficient below 1

Tyres

The tyres get a good score if he gets a high friction coefficient and puncture resistance.

Protection in case of collision

The extend in which the vehicle protects the driver in case of a collision and the (possible subsequent) fall.

Protection of passengers

The extend in which the vehicle protects the passenger in case of a collision and the (possible subsequent) fall.

Bell

Loudness of the bell. A high score is a bell that sounds loud, but not to loud (avoiding the risk on hearing loss).

Reliability scores

Resistance against failure

The vehicle is subjected to loads of different kinds. After these loads, the initial performance parameters are re-measured. If the vehicle still has the same parameters, the score for the resistance against failure will be high. These loads are applied:

• Impacts on the falling vehicle, lights, reflectors, brake system and fenders
• Forces and vibrations on the vehicle as a whole with as points of action: contact points between wheels and ground, pedals, seat, grips and luggage carriers.
• UV on saddle, transparent screens and colours
• Salt and dust on the vehicle as a whole
• Water and freezing cold on the vehicle as a whole
• Foolish operations concerning gears, chargers, batteries, kickstand, adjustable parts, cables and wires
• Rubbing of labels, electric switches and covers
• Cutting of the saddle, hand grips and tyres
• Puncturing of the tyres

Redundancy

Redundancy is the possibility to have a (temporary) solution when a component fails, so that the journey can continued. E.g.; a flat tyre can be repaired, or when one brake fails, another brake is still functional. The redundancy is examinated on

• Lighting, tyres and brakes
• Chain and gears
• Battery.

Predictability

A predictable vehicle will warn when a fail is going to happen. E.g.; a brittle fracture in the frame causes a sudden fall, while a ductile fracture in the same area often gives the time to brake and soften the consequences. The predictability is examined on

• The frame and the handlebars
• The pedal mechanism
• The electric motor and the battery.

Maintenance

The maintenance score compares the vehicle with an theoretical vehicle that needs maintenance every week, is very hard to maintain and has no standardised components. A high figure means easy to maintain. Following concepts are regarded

• The tyres and attachment of components
• Lubrication and regulation of brakes and gears
• Electric circuits