In field tests on e-bike range, the results have so far depended heavily on the rider and the external conditions. Riding weight, tires, air pressure, surface, weather, rider performance and behavior cannot be reproduced in every case, and the results are generally not comparable. This is why Bosch eBike Systems and the German Bicycle Industry Association (ZIV), with support from the industry (Accell Group, Shimano, Velotech), have set up the "Standardized Range Test R200". This test makes the performance of eBikes comparable by standardizing the bikes to a uniform support factor of 200 percent - hence: R200. This means that the drive system of the tested e-bike supports an average rider performance of 70 watts with 140 watts. This corresponds to a medium to high support factor.

The R200 test procedure also specifies values for the average speed (20 kilometers per hour) and the average cadence (60 revolutions per minute). Typical example values are set for other factors such as weight, type of terrain, surface, starting frequency and wind conditions (see below)The defined parameters are intended to represent the average of real driving conditions, so the standard is designed to be practical. At the end of the test, there is a concrete indication of how many kilometers an electric bike rides under these standard conditions. According to Bosch, the result is intuitive and understandable for the customer. Most importantly, they can compare the range of different eBikes. Due to different frame and bike specifications, manufacturers have to test each model individually using the R200 method. R200 also provides information on the battery capacity and energy consumption of the eBike.

Goal: More transparency when buying an e-bike

"The comparability of e-bike drive systems and greater transparency when buying a pedelec is extremely important to us. With the R200, there is now a well-founded answer to the important question 'How far can I get on one battery charge? ZIV Managing Director Siegfried Neuberger adds: "eBike sales have been rising steadily for years. It was therefore time to define a uniform standard that allows eBike ranges to be compared transparently. We are convinced that the R200 test procedure will become established."

DIN Spec expected from the end of 2019

The R200 is carried out on qualified test benches. All the operator has to do is enter the values from the requirements catalog. The first manufacturers have already commissioned the testing institutes Velotech and the ETI at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to test the performance of e-bikes according to the R200 measurement method.

Bosch eBike Systems, the ZIV and the companies from the bicycle industry involved in the development are also cooperating with the German Institute for Standardization (DIN) to make R200 a market-compliant standard (DIN Spec). The aim is to publish the R200 as a DIN Spec at the end of 2019 and establish it on the market. The DIN Spec can serve as the basis for a DIN standard.

According to Bosch, the R200 test makes it possible to compare the range of different pedelecs objectively and under standardized conditions. An individual range for the next e-bike tour with a Bosch drive system can be determined by entering personalized riding parameters with the Bosch eBike range assistant.

Example of the parameter set for the R200 test

• Support factor: 200%
• Total weight (rider + e-bike + luggage): 100kg
• Average speed: 20 km/h
• Average rider cadence: 60 rpm
• Average pedaling power rider: 70 W
• Sitting position: touring bike
• Type of terrain: hilly
• Surface: Asphalt road with poor quality
• Road frequency: medium
• Wind conditions: slightly windy
• Bike light: not switched on
• Bike condition: as good as new (battery, drivetrain)