Simulation-Based Assessment of Banking Angle Effects on Electric Bike Lateral Stability Under Steady-State Conditions

In recent years, the number of consumers of three-wheeled vehicles has increased because of their practicality. However, along with the rise in demand comes a growing safety concern, particularly regarding vehicle lateral stability during maneuvers. This highlights the need to understand the factors that influence stability.

This research aims to develop a validated model that evaluates the effects of the banking angle on three-wheeled e-bike lateral stability. Using simulation, the model is designed to determine critical banking angles that lead to skidding during cornering. The static model was validated by comparing the weight of the actual and simulated e-bike model. Then, the dynamic model was validated by comparing the acceleration when undergoing steady-state cornering.

The results validate the static and dynamic models as the solved percentage difference between the actual and simulated setup was limited to 19.628%. They also show that the skid index increases as the bank angle increases and the e-bike starts to skid beyond a banking angle of 6 degrees. It was found that the e-bike understeers at low bank angles due to the increased centrifugal force. By contrast, the e-bike oversteers at high bank angles due to the influence of gravitational force.

Drivers and passengers should be aware that driving at high speeds during cornering, especially on roads with high bank angles, could lead to accidents. To avoid accidents, drivers should consider driving at speeds less than 12 km/h and on inclines less than 6°.