Pedelec

A pedelec ( portmanteau word for Pedal Electric Cycle ) is a special version of an electric bicycle, in which the driver is assisted by an electric drive, when pedaling. Because the pedaling required, and the support is limited by the maximum 250 -watt motor according to an EU directive for motor vehicles for a driving speed of up to 25 km / h, such vehicle shall be in the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations not as a motor vehicle, but as a bicycle, therefore Plate liability insurance or helmet use do not exist.

A pedelec therefore has an electronic control that prevents the engine delivers power without pedaling and ensures that at higher driving speed of 25 km / h, the support by the motor is not required.

The faster variant is the S- pedelec with also pedalierabhängiger engine support, but with a more powerful engine (typically 350 or 500 watts ) and engine shutdown is not already at 25 km / h but a higher speed. It is considered a moped or motorcycle light motorcycle, for which a license, insurance and an appropriate driving license is required.

• 5.1 European Union
• 5.2 Germany 5.2.1 Road Traffic Act ( Road Traffic Act )
• 5.2.2 use cycle paths ( Highway Code )

General

By using a pedelec are several positive effects. Objectives can be achieved more quickly, since the average speed is higher than in conventional bicycles. Since the drive was less tired, distant targets can be further developed (higher range ). Another advantage is that the driver is less comes through even load up a sweat, which is for commuting to work for many people of importance.

Disadvantages are the higher in comparison to a conventional bicycle pollution by emissions. However, these are lesser than in a powered by internal combustion engine transport. The acquisition costs are considerably higher than for a conventional bicycle. These come in addition to the cost of normal wear and tear, also the regular replacement of the battery and the electricity costs of 0.20-0.40 € per 100 km.

History

The term pedelec was first used in 1999.

The foundation stone for the pedelec principle laid Egon Gelhard from Zuelpich 1982 with a study of the " Gelhard E- Bike". The pedals must rotate, the motor support is dependent on the pedaling. [ Smolik 1] This idea was first realized in a pedelec with which participated in 1990 at the Tour de Sol and the corresponding category was won. [ Dolphin 1 ] It was from Michael Kutter, (now Dolphin e- Bikes) founded the Swiss company Velocity, from 1992 prototypes brought to market in 1995 went over to series production. [ Smolik 2] Kutter is the inventor of EOV control ( EOV stands for Electronic varable overdrive ).

From 1993, the Japanese company Yamaha gave the pedelec under the name Power Assist wider distribution in Japan. Yahama led the PAS control one (PAS stands for Power Assist System).

As of 1995, the first flyer was founded in the same year the Swiss company BKTech AG (today Biketec AG) brought in small series on the market. They were also known outside Switzerland. In Switzerland, the brand name flyer was a synonym for the pedelec.

As Merida MKB / Yamaha and Kynast - - At the end of the 1990s, the market was dominated by large bicycle manufacturers. As of 2000, but the Elektroradwelle ebbed again. A new boom began around 2005 with the lightweight lithium battery. This also helped that today have placed on the market pedelec " chic " is. [ Smolik 3] This was because it would no longer remember as before to a tool for users who have limited or to be restored mobility ( see medical rehabilitation). [ Smolik 4]

In Germany about 1.3 million in 2012 Pedelecs were in use, of which nearly 380,000 were purchased Pedelecs alone in that year (15 % more than in 2011, in which there was an increase of 55% compared to 2010). Since 2008, sales had increased by more than 30 % in each year. By comparison, the bike was stock, according to Bicycle Industry Association ( ZIV ) in the year 2011 was approximately 70 million units ( of which 30 million would be used regularly ). The whole bike market electric bicycles have a share of 10 %, of which 95 % are Pedelecs.

Components

Pedelecs different from an ordinary bicycle by an additional electric motor, a traction battery, an electronic control system for the motor and a sensor for the crank motion detection. Most models are also equipped with a battery charge indicator and an engine power setting, divided either continuously or in support levels. Depending on the weight, engine and battery accommodation also components such as frames and brakes are adjusted, often standard bicycle parts are used.

Accumulator

Besides the engine, the traction battery from battery cells ( often colloquially just " the battery") the most important component of the pedelec technology. Often removable battery pack to be used, for example, can be stored when not in use in the home or charged with external chargers. Are mostly used NiMH, NiCd or Lithium- ion batteries. Are also promising lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are much more durable, but is not yet available as standard are available at most pedelec models. In the near future, the first lithium polymer batteries will be available, which allow a higher energy density. There are also first practical test models in which the battery is charged by a fuel cell with hydrogen tank. The German Post has to test some of these wheels in use, the durability and repair requirements of this system.

Motor control

For switching or control of the engine, there are several possibilities:

• Measurement of force or torque on the signal of a force sensor on the pedal, the pedal crank, the chain or at the wheel
• Measuring the pedaling on the signal from a revolution counter or threshold switch at the handle or at another suitable location
• Measurement of both force and velocity
• Measurement of acceleration or thrust on the thrust followers
• Measurement of electrical values ​​in the serial hybrid ( pedal generator )

In addition, the speed of the vehicle can be measured on the wheel, in particular, for example, to stop the engine from 25 km / h.

The measurement can be further processed mechanically or electronically and is used to the motor on and off, or adjusted continuously by means of a control function.

The supplied power is calculated based on the sensor data ( the force sensor, crank speed, vehicle speed ) depending on the selected degree of support of the motor control. The so-called support levels, that is, how strongly supports the motor in addition to the driver's performance, are in a horizontal journey between 5 and 400 percent.

Since the motors can heat up considerably in operation and especially on uphill stretches, some have a temperature sensor in the motor winding. Here, the electronic switches upon reaching a certain temperature, the support from or reduced them. The electronics also protects the battery by switching off at a specified discharge in order to prevent a deep discharge and to ensure sufficient power to operate the lighting system. This can also be done by electronics in the battery pack.

Force control

In the version with force sensor, the engine is automatically to a certain percentage of the services provided by the driver performance. In many models, this percentage may be adjusted in several stages. There are also models in which the level of support can be adjusted to the customer only at the dealer.

Rotary motion detection

In the version with speed sensor (s ) of the motor based on a function will automatically add a set percentage of the self- applied force. Since the force required at the speed increases greatly, it can be calculated with some models even without force sensor.

Sliding or traction

The shift attention and traction allows for a motor support without pedal movement to 6 km / h under Maximization of the legislation. The pushing aid offers the advantage that you can let the bike roll beside him with motor support, without the need to pedal or push itself (eg, if one carries a heavy load or so you can make the wheel run up independently on an incline ). On some models, the allowed 6 km / h will only move into top gear is reached in the other gears, the wheel rolls correspondingly slower. In any case, it allows a faster ( and physically more controlled ) starting from a stop on " green " -switching traffic lights.

Power Electronics

The power electronics is, depending on the type of engine used from a dc motor controller with pulse width modulation or an inverter.

Motor types

There are used almost exclusively DC motors. One uses commutatorless and brushed pancake motors that are suitable for the direct drive, as well as brushed motors with gear. The coals of the motors with carbon brushes are subject to wear and tear.

The use of maintenance free AC induction motors for pedelec is the exception.

Direct rotor hub motors offer the possibility of regenerative braking, ie the recovery of energy when braking. Apart from a minor charging the accumulator when going downhill, this mainly has the advantage of low noise and wear-free auxiliary brake.

Force approach of the electric drive

See generally starting points of the electric drive. When pedelec specifically is the type of control the drive through the pedaling motion (see above), which can be integrated in the drive.

Drive positions

The driving position has a significant impact on the performance of the pedelec. The following combinations of drive motor position and have prevailed:

• Hub motor in the front wheel
• Central engine in the bottom bracket
• Hub motor in the rear wheel

Range

In general, the range is with motor assistance from 7 km (at constant slope) and up to 70 km. At medium power addition, it is about 20 to 50 km. In some models two successive switchable batteries are by default placed in luggage bags, here the range is specified at medium power with the addition of over 100 km. A conventional battery (36 V / 7 Ah) in a pedelec ( mass 1.9 to 5.1 kg) has an energy content of about 250 Wh ( for comparison: 1 kg gasoline, however, 11,500 Wh). The conversion of electrical energy into mechanical work is carried out, depending on the efficiency of the motor and the motor controller under heat loss. Typically thus cause losses of about 25 percent. Thus, a pedelec with a 70 -kg driver ( mass ≈ 100 kg ) 21 km ride calculation at 1.4 % incline far on battery power - helps the driver with a higher ratio in the range is possible.

Legal

In non-European countries can pedelec (or for electric bikes in general ) Other definitions and rules apply as below.

European Union

The " Directive 2002/24/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 March 2002 on type-approval of two-or three-wheel motor vehicles and repealing Council Directive 92/61/EEC " joined under Rule 23 on May 9, 2002 force.

Until 9 May 2003 Member States were required under Article 20, paragraph 1, to transpose the Directive into national laws and regulations. According to Article 20, paragraph 3 " Member States may for the first time into service of vehicles which comply with the provisions of this Directive shall not be prohibited. "

The Directive, which aims at the classification of two - and three-wheel motor vehicles, and it in what their requirements in placing on the market in the Member States can not be prohibited, refers in Article 1, paragraph 1 lit. a) to h ) for which vehicles and their components and separate technical units, the Directive does not apply.

This EU Directive is not applicable to, inter alia:

"H ) cycles with pedal assistance which are equipped with an auxiliary electric motor having a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kW [ 250 watt ], which is progressively reduced with increasing vehicle speed, and upon reaching a speed of 25 km / h, or sooner if will comply with the rider pedaling interrupted [. ] "

As initially presented, such hybrid powered bicycles are called Pedal Electric Cycles, so pedelec. So-called " fast pedelec " or "S - pedelec " with a pedal assistance up to 45 km / h not covered by this exception to the rule.

Germany

Road (StVG )

By changing the Road Traffic Act with effect from June 21, 2013 it was clarified that Pedelecs whose engine support itself off at least 25 km / h, no motor vehicles are. This clarification also applies to Pedelecs with electric motor starting or pushing aid up to 6 km / h

Use cycle paths ( Highway Code )

Pedelecs up to 25 km / h bbH are considered bicycles. Thus, the same rules regarding bike paths use apply.

The legal position of S- Pedelecs (engine support more than 25 km / h, according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Office previously classified as light mopeds ) is unclear. According to the Road Traffic Regulations ( Highway Code ) before 1 September 2009, was § 42 para 2 No. 5 Highway Code: "Whoever travels a moped by pedaling, you have the [ marked ] bike path use ". This was also true for S- Pedelecs unclear, however, whether the same was true when the engine support or only at its sole pedal drive. In that the new legislation of 2009, the special arrangements for the Moving by kicking has been lifted, but the validity of this amendment due to a technicality is controversial. Example, the Federal Ministry of Transport not the changes of 2009, however, sees this amendment null and void and has published on its website a version of the Highway Code, which includes changes from 2010 (with respect to winter tires ). After this version has a Yugo / S pedelec (at least with the engine off ) the signposted cycle are used, according to the version published by the Federal Ministry of Justice of the bike path but must not be used when he is in town and was not explicitly released for mopeds. The new version of the Highway Code of 2013 here follows the amendment of 2009, and also no longer contains the sentence modified to be kicking. Only the phrase " Outside built-up areas, you may use with mopeds bike paths. " Is in § 2 paragraph 4 contain.

Whether this is generally still applies or for newer, no longer approved as a (light - ) moped S- Pedelecs applies, it is also unclear: The Federal Ministry of Transport published on 30 November 2012 at Verkehrsblatt a legal opinion, according to which they are admitted as mopeds and so never likely to bike paths.

Austria ( Highway Code and CFG )

According to § 2 para 1 22 of the Highway Code 1960 two types of electric bicycles are distinguished:

• Lit. "B ) a [ bicycle], which is also equipped with an electric drive in accordance with § 1 paragraph 2a KFG 1967 ( electric bike )" ( therefore hybrid drive according to definition pedelec );
• Lit. "D ) an electrically driven vehicle, the drive corresponds to an electric bicycle as defined in § 1 paragraph 2a KFG 1967 " ( thus only one - electric drive).

Not as motor vehicles according to § 1 paragraph 2a KFG apply electric bikes - whether hybrid ( pedelec ) or exclusively powered by electricity - as bicycles for purposes of traffic in 1960

Where the above criteria are not exceeded, therefore, such Electric bicycle / pedelec is not applicable under Austrian law as electric motorcycle and therefore requires neither approval nor vehicle registration. As for normal ( only human powered ) bikes, the provisions of Regulation bicycle, for the control of these are the same Highway Code rules as for human powered bikes, including the bike trail duty use with single-track bicycles also apply to electric bicycles. For their (commercial ) In placing on the market of the product liability provisions.

" Fast pedelec " (with pedal assistance up to 45 km / h) are not allowed as bicycles in Austria. Whether they lit at best as a moped under Article 1, Section 2. a) Directive 2002/24/EC (or as a motor bike according to § 2 para 1, line 14 KFG ) and are registered as a motor vehicle may be driven typable, (October 2010) is so far not known.

Switzerland

The legal situation in Switzerland is described in electric bike. Specifically, the allowable unit performance is higher than in the EU Directive, namely 500 W with pedal assistance up to 25 km / h In S- pedelec with pedal assistance up to 45 km / h to 1000 W allowed. However, the pedelec drive is not explicitly prescribed, but only implicitly assuming 20 to 25 km / h, respectively, between 30 and 45 km / h

Security

Pedelecs prescribed technical requirements apply to legally continue to be regarded as a bike and to meet appropriate safety standards. In fast pedelec (support up a maximum of 45 km / h) result from the higher speeds additional risks. Thus, it may lead to incorrect assessments of speed, for example when overtaking. To illustrate the consequences of such critical situations, the Insurers Accident Research ( UDV ) has conducted a research project with road tests, performance tests and crash tests. On the other hand, many users report that they drive defensively with additional electric drive, because it is easier again to achieve the running speed after a deceleration. The Bavarian accident statistics for the first half of 2012 lists 6186 accidents with bicycles, of which 76 (ie about 1.2 %) in " [ ... ] bikes [n ] with electric pedal assistance " on. In an e -bike share of 8 % that speaks for reduced risk through e-bikes. On the relationship between security concerns and the insurers, a contribution of the magazine back across.

In a test criticized Stiftung Warentest has tested together with the general German Automobile Club eV in May 2013, the quality of 16 pedelec. Here at nine Pedelecs major deficiencies were noted: twice broke the frame, three times the handlebar in three models, the brakes were too weak and four models used motor with no interference. Criticism of the test is aimed primarily against the panicky coverage that was picked up in the media with headlines such as "electronic scrap on two wheels " immediately and the non-transparent test conditions, which are classified as unrealistic.