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