As I started this thread, I suppose I have a responsibility to form some sort of conclusion.This should be fun.
Thanks to everybody that took part, especially flecc, with whom I was particularly annoying, for the purpose of debate, you understand. He tolerated it well.
My apologies to anyone whom input their views but got no response, especially Bob About, whom I know tried several times.I can only say, I agreed with all you said and could add little to it.
My conclusion, if you can call it that.
Let me just say, I'm no expert, this kind of thing is outside of my usual skill's, so I'm learning as I go.
I thought setting a standard or some kind of benchmark would be relatively easy. Not unlike testing any other appliance.Apparently not, but I'll have a go.
The main obstacle appears to be the infinite variations in conditions facing an ebike in the real world.
Infinite variations simply means, constantly changing within known limit's. Although knowing this doesn't make the task much easier.
As ebike sales are aimed at the adult[14+] population in general, I assume the variations in conditions would be limited to those faced by the average commute or leisure ride. So, no extreme's of terrain or weather.Well, not for the vast majority.
Rider variations? Being adult machines with a maximum load capacity, rider build and weight fall within a varied, but again, limited range.
Rider ability, possibly the most significant of all the variable's, or is it? The manufacturer seems to have already taken this into account by setting limits to the pedelec system? The points where assistance cuts in and out and the variables in between. An able rider will have little trouble pedalling beyond the point of assistance therefore making range more a measure of personal achievement than ebike ability.
At this point its worth remembering, the project is testing the ebike, not rider. Outside the range of assistance there is virtually zero power consumption save a minimal monitoring amount, so the test should be restricted to within assistance limits to avoid unassisted distances[down to rider]confusing the final result.
It would surely be more helpful for the consumer to know, what an ebike is capable of within the limits of assistance, than a guesstimate based on assumptions of rider ability.
E.g "This ebike will cover 12 mile's with minimal input from rider, greater distances are easily achieved with increased rider input"
Okay, this wouldn't be perfect, but then what is? We may at least be able to plan a journey in the knowledge we could get home with a little power in reserve.
What would be needed for a test of this kind? A rolling road to simulate varied condition's and a mechanical means of pedalling
within the assisted range to simulate varied rider input. Appropriate means of recording, power consumption, distance and time. Possible with todays technology? Probably, but thats just my opinion.
Finally, One of the biggest inconsistencies with ebike's is the battery, no two perform identically, unless cells have been matched perfectly in production and then you'll pay accordingly. Even those rated best can under perform and often do. Hopefully Lifepo4 may eliminate this to some extent and appears to be the way to go.
Thats about it, for some this would have made some sense, others maybe not. I did my best. Taking a lead from Old Timer's signature I'll finish with these words.
If my ranting's expose a fool, its surely my audience? Whom should have known better than listen.