How We Consistently Measure E-Bike Performance

Here at Electric Bike Report, it is our mission to provide detailed, honest, and objective reviews of each e-bike we test. We want to help you to understand how each product performs and feels, so you can better decide if it’s the right e-bike for your needs.

To do that consistently, we have established a series of standardized, real-world tests that allow us to gather data in a relatively scientific manner. It’s the best we can do without a sealed, climate-controlled lab that would cost millions of dollars to build and staff appropriately (though we’d happily accept donations toward the cause if anyone wants to contribute!). So yes, some human shortcomings are to be expected, and of course your personal results on your own e-bike will vary since there are a host of factors that can alter an e-bike’s performance on any given day. However, this approach allows us to roughly measure any specific e-bike’s individual performance, but also gives us the ability to compare models between various categories, classes, and spec levels. We do our best to keep things consistent, even having certain team members be the dedicated operators on tests where weight is a significant variable.

While our methods have evolved over time (and will continue to), we want them to be as clear as possible. For this reason, we have put together this list of the various trials that make up our testing process, with detailed explanations of each.

Circuit Test

Our test circuit consists of a paved 1-mile loop that includes four right turns and a small incline with 30 feet of elevation gain.

First, we make one lap on each e-bike we test with zero assistance from the motor. The e-bike in question is always turned on, but its pedal assist system (PAS) will be set to PAS 0. On this lap, we measure the time it takes to complete, as well as an average of the bike’s speed in miles per hour. We then repeat this process again for each of the bike’s PAS levels.

This test is usually the first we perform on every e-bike, because it allows us to familiarize ourselves with each product in a consistent way. Specifically, it allows us to understand how the bike’s motor engages, how effective its torque or cadence sensor is, and how it handles. It also gives us the chance to see what speeds the bike is capable of in each PAS setting, and informs us what settings to use on our next test.

It’s also important to note that we try to apply a consistent level of effort and maintain a steady pedal cadence throughout the test. We think of it as giving 70% – the type of pedaling you might do on a traditional bike if you were trying to get to work with time to spare, but didn’t want to show up sweaty. Maintaining this consistency makes it easier to separate our own input from that of the motor; we can focus more on how the motor behaves, instead of how much harder we’re able to ride with its assistance.

Range Test

This trial is actually two separate evaluations performed on our local network of paved multi-use paths here in St. George, Utah.

For each test, we pedal a fully-charged e-bike until its battery expires. One test is performed in the PAS setting that provides maximum motor assistance, which drains the battery quickly while allowing the rider to achieve high speeds. The second test is done in the PAS setting that provides the least amount of input from the motor while still drawing power consistently, which happens over a much longer period of time.

To be fair, this low PAS test can be somewhat subjective. In our experience, many bikes do not provide meaningful assistance in PAS 1, and often don’t help the rider beyond six miles per hour. In these cases, we increase the PAS level until we find a setting that provides an appreciable level of motor assistance. Typically, we stop once we see that the bike is allowing its rider to achieve 8-10 mph with near-constant motor input.

In each test, we measure the distance the bike was able to travel, its average speed, the amount of elevation it gained, and the time that elapsed throughout the process. Most of that data is gathered for optional, anecdotal use in our reviews, but we always report the bike’s mileage.

This test gives us an idea of each e-bike’s minimum and maximum range when used practically. There are many factors that influence the distance an e-bike can travel, and we cannot possibly account for them all, so the results from this test are considered to be a rough estimate. We can, however, use this data to compare to the range advertised by the manufacturer of the e-bike in question, and either reinforce or refute their claims.
[Read more…] about Electric Bike Report’s Testing Process Explained