Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular modes of transportation around cities. One of the most common concerns for potential buyers is e-bike range. How far can you go before you need to charge?
With the recent advancements in battery technology, e-bikes can now achieve longer range and faster charge times than ever before. The exact range you can get depends on a number of factors including the size of your bike’s battery and motor, your weight, the terrain, your riding style, whether you’re using pedal assist or a throttle, and much more. In this guide, we will dive into e-bike range.
This guide answers the question, “how far can I ride on a single charge?” We’ll explain how range is measured and how to estimate your range. In addition, we’ll list some factors that affect the range of your e-bike. We’ll also offer some ways to improve your range.
Whether you’re commuting to work, riding mountain trails, or taking leisurely weekend rides down a bike path, I hope this guide helps you choose the right e-bike and battery for you.
Table of Contents
- What is the Range of an E-Bike?
- Factors that Affect the Rang of an E-Bike
- How to Estimate the Range of an E-Bike
- How is E-Bike Range Measured?
- How to Improve the Range of an Electric Bike
- Can I Ride an E-Bike Without Power?
- Which E-Bikes Have the Longest Range?
- Motor Wattage
- Regenerative Braking
- Electric Bike Battery Life Expectancy
- FAQ About Electric Bike Range
What is the Range of an E-bike?
The range of an e-bike is the distance you can ride on a single charge before the battery runs out. The range can vary depending on a wide range of factors including the power output, battery capacity, bike weight, rider weight, the weather, the type of power control (pedal assist vs throttle), and more. We’ll talk more in-depth about factors that determine range later on.
How Far Can an E-bike Go on a Single Charge?
An e-bike can have a range of anywhere from 15-100+ miles. Most modern e-bikes have a range of 30-50 miles. Lower-end e-bikes might have a range of just 15-20 miles. A premium e-bike with a large battery or multiple batteries might have a range of over 100 miles.
Factors that Affect How Far an E-bike Can Go
A wide range of factors can affect the range that you get out of your electric bike. Under ideal conditions, an e-bike might get 50 miles of range. The same e-bike might only get 40 miles of range when the conditions change. In this section, we’ll outline some of the main factors that determine your e-bike’s range.
Battery Capacity
The battery capacity is the main factor determining the range of the e-bike. The battery capacity of an electric bike is usually measured in watt-hours (Wh). Watt-hours are a measurement of the amount of energy stored in an electric bike battery.
The number tells you the number of watts the battery can deliver for one hour. The higher a battery’s capacity the farther you can travel on a single charge.
For example, an e-bike with a 960 Wh battery will achieve twice as much range as an e-bike with a 480 Wh battery because it holds twice as much energy. It can run twice as long.
The Weight of the Ebike, Rider, and Gear
A heavier bike will have a shorter range. An e-bike with a heavier rider will also have a shorter range. In addition, if you load your e-bike down with cycling luggage or other gear, it will also have a shorter range.
The extra weight reduces the bike’s range because it takes more energy to move more mass around. This causes your battery to deplete faster. You can get more range when riding a lightweight e-bike without any luggage.
The Outside Temperature
Batteries don’t perform as well when temperatures drop below 40°F. In below-freezing conditions, your range will drop substantially. You might lose 50% of your range when temperatures drop below freezing. E-bike batteries offer the best range between 60 and 80℉.
Road Conditions
A bumpy road reduces range because more energy is needed to move the bike over uneven terrain. Hitting potholes slows the bike down. It takes energy to accelerate the bike back up to speed. Riding on a smooth, flat road requires less energy and allows you to go further on a single charge.
Wind Conditions
Riding into a headwind reduces electric bike range. More energy is needed to overcome the wind resistance. On the other hand, riding with a tailwind allows you to travel further on a single charge.
Wheel Size, Width, Pressure, and Tread Pattern
The wheels and tires affect your range. Larger diameter wheels increase rolling resistance and lower range. Smaller diameter wheels can reduce efficiency when traveling on bumpy surfaces. They can get hung up on bumps and slow you down.
Tire width also plays a role in energy efficiency. Wider tires generally offer more grip but create more drag and friction, reducing your range. More narrow tires are more efficient but offer less traction.
Tire pressure should be adjusted to suit rider weight and terrain. Higher pressures offer more efficiency while riding on flat ground. If you’re riding rough terrain, lower tire pressure may give you more grip and improve bump absorption but reduce your range. Try to run your e-bike tires at the maximum recommended PSI for the best range.
Finally, tread pattern affects grip and efficiency. Lower profile designs provide superior range but reduce grip. Aggressive designs provide better grip but reduce efficiency.
Motor Size
Electric bike motors come in a range of sizes. The most common sizes are 250w. 500, 750. 1000w motors are also common. Larger motors are also available.
Generally speaking, electric bikes with larger motors have less range than those with smaller motors. Larger motors use more energy and drain the battery more quickly.
A 500w motor will drain a 500 Wh of battery in one hour if run at peak power. A 250w motor will take 2 hours to drain a 500 Wh battery if un at peak power.
The Power Control System
E-bikes come with either pedal assist system, a throttle, or both. You’ll get more range when you’re using pedal assist. This is because you are supplying part of the pedal power. The motor doesn’t have to do all of the work. The pedal assist just makes pedaling easier. This saves power.
You’ll get less range when you use the throttle because the motor will be doing all of the work for you. This takes more energy. Your battery will drain faster.
For more info, check out my guide to pedal assist vs throttle controlled ebikes.
The Pedal Assist Mode You’re Using
Most electric bikes offer 3-5 different levels of pedal assist. There may be an eco mode that saves energy. There may also be a performance mode that is designed for riding at high speeds. This mode uses more energy. The pedal assist mode you choose has a major effect on your range. The less pedal assist you use, the more range you’ll get.
The Age of the Battery
Batteries degrade as they age. A brand-new battery may give you 50 miles of range. The same battery may only give you 35 miles of range 2 years later.
Battery life is usually measured in charge cycles. Modern lithium batteries can last 500-1000 charge cycles. After a battery degrades to 75% of its original capacity, it should be replaced.
Batteries also degrade with age, even if they aren’t used. Most e-bike batteries last 2-5 years depending on how much they’re used. As a battery ages, you’ll get less and less range out of it.
The Type of Battery
The type of battery used in your electric bike can have a big impact on its range. Different types of batteries offer different energy densities. The most common type of electric bike battery is lithium.
Lithium batteries are the most efficient batteries available for electric bikes. They provide excellent power output with minimal weight and are considered to be the gold standard when it comes to electric bikes. Lithium battery powered electric bikes typically have the longest range.
Nickel batteries offer a good balance between performance and cost savings compared to lithium batteries. While they don’t provide as much power or range as lithium batteries, they generally last longer than lead acid batteries and weigh less than lead acid batteries while providing more power output than them as well.
Lead acid batteries are usually much cheaper than lithium or nickel batteries but provide less power output and shorter ranges. Additionally, lead acid batteries tend to have a shorter lifespan overall which means they will need to be replaced more frequently.
Maintenance and the Condition of the Ebike
An electric bike that is well-maintained will have a longer range than an e-bike that is poorly maintained. If the drivetrain is clean, lubed, and free of rust, the bike will run more smoothly and efficiently.
If the drivetrain is dirty and rusty, it will have more additional friction and drag. It takes more energy to overcome this. Your battery will drain a bit faster.
Having the tires properly inflated properly will also help you to achieve a better range. If the bike’s tire pressure is too low, the tires will create more friction with the ground, which costs you energy and reduces your range.
How Much You Pedal
Most e-bikes come with a pedal assist system. With pedal assist, the motor supplies part of the pedaling power. It doesn’t do all of the work for you. The motor assists you by making pedaling easier. This system could use a torque sensor or cadence sensor.
If you don’t pedal at all and let the motor do all of the work, your range will be significantly shorter. If you do most of the pedaling and just let the motor help you with difficult sections like hills and headwinds, you’ll get much more range.
You don’t have to use the battery all the time. You can just use it when you need it. Turning off the motor is a great way to preserve battery life and extend your range.
The Type of Riding You Do
The type of riding you do can have a significant impact on your electric bike’s range. For example, while riding in an urban environment, you’re more likely to encounter stop-and-go traffic. This type of riding generally uses more battery power. It takes more energy to accelerate from a stop than it does to ride at a steady rate on an open road. Your e-bike’s range will likely be a bit shorter than advertised in this situation. However, many e-bikes designed for city riding also come with features like regenerative braking to help conserve battery power.
Road riding on an e-bike is generally easier on your battery than city riding. You’re likely to ride at a steady pace with fewer stops and starts, which means you’ll use less battery power overall. You can expect to get closer to the advertised range of your e-bike while road riding.
Mountain biking is the most challenging type of riding for an e-bike battery. Riding on steep terrain or challenging trails will use up more battery power than cruising on a flat road. Additionally, you’re more likely to use your e-bike’s motor more frequently and at higher power levels, which will drain your battery even faster. If you’re planning to do a lot of off-road riding, you may want to look for an e-bike with a larger battery capacity or bring along an extra battery. Electric mountain bikes come with larger batteries than electric road bikes.
Your Fitness
Physically fit cyclists will get more range than those who are out of shape. This is because they can pedal harder and with more efficiency. If you’re fit, you don’t have to use the motor as much.
An out-of-shape cyclist will require will tire out more quickly while traveling the same distance as a fit cyclist. They will need to rely on the motor more.
As mentioned earlier, your weight will also affect your range. Overweight riders will achieve less range than riders who are of a healthy weight. One great way to improve range is to lose some weight.
Your Riding Position
An e-bike with an upright riding position will have a shorter range than an e-bike with a more aerodynamic, forward-leaning riding position. This is because the rider creates more air resistance when seated in an upright riding position. The body acts as a sail, slowing you down. It takes more energy to overcome the additional air resistance. Riding in a forward position cuts through the wind resistance more easily, improving range.
Your Average Riding Speed
Riding fast reduces your range. This is mostly because of wind resistance. At speeds over 10 mph, air resistance becomes the main force acting against you. It takes more energy to overcome the air resistance, reducing your range.
Riding too slow can also be inefficient. For an average 250w pedelec e-bike, the optimal speed will be around 12-14 mph. While riding at this speed, you will maximize your range.
How to Estimate the Range of Your E-bike
To find the approximate range of your e-bike, start with the battery capacity. In most cases, the battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). You’ll need to find this number. It will usually be in your bike’s specifications.
If your battery is measured in volts (V) and amp hours (Ah), you can convert it into watt-hour by multiplying the volts and amp hours together. For example, if your battery is 48V 20Ah, it is 960 Wh (48V x 20Ah = 960Wh).
Next, you can estimate the range by dividing the watt-hours by an average efficiency number. You can use watt-hours per mile or watt-hours per kilometer. You’ll have to estimate this number based on how you ride and the conditions you ride in.
You might use anywhere from 10-25 Wh/mile. Many manufacturers use 20 Wh/mile to estimate the range of their e-bikes. On relatively flat terrain, you might use 15 Wh/mile. On hilly terrain, you might use 25 Wh/mile.
It’s important to note that this method won’t give you the exact range. It’s only an estimate. Your exact range will depend on all of the factors outlined above. In my opinion, it’s better to use a higher number to give yourself a conservative estimate.
In my experience, an e-bike with a 500W motor uses around 20 watt-hours per mile when ridden on relatively flat terrain at an average speed of around 20 mph or 32 km/h with a medium level of pedal assist. This means an e-bike with a 960Wh battery would get 48 miles of range (960Wh / 20Wh/mile = 48 miles).
You can improve your range by using a lower level of pedal assist. If you change your e-bike to eco mode, you might achieve an efficiency of 15Wh/mile. The same 500W e-bike with the same 960Wh battery ridden on the same terrain might get 64 miles of range (960Wh / 15 Wh/mile = 64). You can use the same math to equate the estimated range for different battery sizes.
Adjust the Numbers to Fit Your Situation
Play around with different watt-hour-per-mile numbers to estimate your range under different conditions. For example, if you ride a hilly route with rough surfaces with throttle only, you’ll want to use a higher Wh/mile number to estimate your range. You might use 25 Wh/mile on hills. If you ride a smooth surface with a low level of pedal assist, you can use a lower Wh/mile number. You might only use 15 Wh/mile under ideal conditions.
If you’re a particularly heavy rider, you’ll want to use a higher Wh/mile number than if you’re a lightweight rider. A heavy rider might use 30Wh/mile while a lightweight rider might use 20Wh/mile.
You might also consider whether you’re using the throttle or pedal assist as well as the level of pedal assist. If you use the throttle exclusively, you might use closer to 30Wh/mile. If you use your pedal assist’s eco mode, you might only use 15Wh/mile.
While riding your e-bike, track your range. Write down the mileage when you have a full battery then note the mileage when you recharge. Over time, you’ll learn your e-bike’s actual range under different conditions. Knowing your range can help you better plan out your rides. You’re less likely to run out of power mid-ride when you know your bike’s range.
How is Electric Bike Range Measured?
Most e-bikes come with a handlebar mounted display. This display shows you your range in miles or kilometers as well as your battery power remaining. Usually, there are lights or a picture of a battery with bars to indicate your battery life.
The range that your e-bike indicates is an estimate by the bike’s computer. The system calculates your range based on the amount of energy that is being drawn from the battery and the voltage remaining in the battery. The computer runs some calculations and estimates a range based on this data.
It’s important to note that the range that your bike shows you on the handlebar-mounted display is how far you can ride based on the current riding conditions. If the riding conditions change, the range may increase or decrease. In other words, it’s dynamic. Your indicated range will change throughout your ride.
For example, if you’re riding up a steep hill and you crank up the pedal assist level, the range indicator will show a much lower range because you’re using more energy while climbing. If you’re descending a long hill and coasting, the range indicator will display a much higher number.
The range indicated won’t be 100% accurate. It is an estimate. While riding, it’s important to give yourself a bit of a buffer. If the bike says you have 10 miles left, pretend only have 7 or 8. This will give you a cushion in case the actual range is lower than what the display indicates.
How to Improve the Range of an Electric Bike
You don’t have to just live with the range your bike gets. There are a number of ways to improve your range.
Use Pedal Assist Instead of the Throttle
Using the throttle uses more energy than pedal assist. This is because the motor does all of the work for you when you use the throttle. This drains your battery faster.
When you use pedal assist, you’re sharing the work with the motor. This conserves energy and extends your range.
To increase your range, only use the throttle when you need to. For example, if you need to accelerate quickly to avoid a dangerous traffic situation, use the throttle. If you need a bit of help accelerating, use the throttle. If you’re just cruising along on a flat stretch of road, use pedal assist instead.
Accelerate Gently
Faster acceleration uses more energy. This is because it requires more force to accelerate a given mass quickly.
When you accelerate more slowly, you’ll use less energy. To improve your range, accelerate gently. This will conserve energy.
Pedal As You Accelerate
When you pedal as you accelerate, the motor will use less energy since it’s not doing all of the work. If you ride a pedal assist e-bike, you have no choice but to pedal to accelerate.
With an e-bike with a throttle, you can choose to use the throttle to accelerate. This is easier on your knees but reduces your range.
Keep Your Tires Inflated to the Recommended Air Pressure
When you keep your tires properly inflated, you minimize the rolling resistance. Firmer tires create less friction with the ground. This means that less energy is required to keep the tires rolling. If your tires are too soft, they will create more friction and will take more energy to keep them rolling.
To improve range, make sure to keep your tires at their recommended pressure. You can find the recommended pressure on the side of your tires or in your e-bike’s owner’s manual. For most e-bikes
Reduce Wind Resistance
At speeds over around 10 mph, wind resistance becomes the biggest force acting against you. You can significantly improve your range by reducing wind resistance. There are a few ways to go about this.
One way to reduce drag is to wear aerodynamic clothing such as a cycling jersey and bib shorts. These are designed to keep you aerodynamic. Baggy clothing creates drag.
You can also install aerodynamic handlebars, such as drop bars or aero bars. These allow you to crouch down lower which reduces the surface area exposed to the wind. This also reduces wind resistance.
Coast Whenever Possible
Whenever you can, try to coast or freewheel instead of powering your bike with the pedal assist or throttle. This will help to conserve energy and improve your range. Coasting uses no battery power. Your range is practically infinite when you’re coasting.
There are plenty of opportunities to coast. Whenever you’re approaching a stop light or stop sign, stop pedaling and start coasting. Allow yourself to slow down naturally. Of course, you can also coast down hills. Let gravity do the work for you. When you see a beautiful view, coast for a minute to take it in.
Avoid Rough Terrain
To improve your range, stick to smooth roads, trails, and paths as much as possible. If you see a pothole or bump in the road, try to ride around it instead of over it.
Rough terrain requires more energy to traverse. This is because you lose momentum when you hit an obstacle. It takes energy to speed back up again. This reduces your range.
Try to Ride in the Optimal Gear
Make sure to use the most efficient gear for the terrain you’re riding. For example, if you’re climbing a hill, shift into a lower gear. This allows your motor to speed up so it can handle the hill more easily. This will help to reduce the amount of energy used and improve your range. Before coming to a stop, shift into a low gear so you can easily and efficiently start pedaling again.
Shifting only helps if you’re riding an e-bike with a mid-drive motor. This is because mid-drive motors provide power through the drivetrain. They can use the mechanical advantage of the bike’s gears. Hub motors power the wheel directly and don’t benefit from the mechanical advantage of the gears.
Your range will still improve if you ride in the optimal gear, even if you ride a hub motor e-bike. This is because the right gear allows you to pedal more efficiently. Your pedal assist will be more efficient if you can pedal in the optimal gear. This will conserve energy.
Buy a Larger Battery or a Second Battery
One of the best ways to improve your range is to buy a larger battery. Upgrading from a 500Wh battery to a 1000Wh battery will effectively double your range. A 1000Wh battery has twice the capacity of a 500Wh battery.
Alternatively, you could buy a second battery and swap them out when the first one runs out of power. On most e-bikes, you can easily swap out batteries. Some e-bikes have dual batteries. You can mount two batteries.
The drawback to buying a larger battery or second battery is that it is expensive. Quality e-bike batteries cost $500-$900. Also, it’s not possible to swap batteries on all e-bikes. For example, swapping out your battery isn’t an option if you ride an e-bike with an integrated battery that is not easily removable.
Pedal Instead of Using the Motor
When you pedal, you’re using your own energy. This is far more efficient than using the motor. You can achieve much more range when you pedal part of the time instead of always using the motor.
Try to pedal whenever you can and save the motor for when you really need it. For example, when riding on flat ground or down a slight decline, consider switching off the pedal assist. This will help to improve your range significantly.
Use Regenerative Braking
Some electric bikes have regenerative braking systems. These systems capture energy from braking and convert it into battery power. They achieve this by creating resistance with the motor. The motor essentially acts as a generator.
Regenerative braking helps electric bikes recharge their battery. You can improve your range by around 5% if you use regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking systems are only available on some direct drive hub motor e-bikes. Mid-drive e-bikes and geared hub motor e-bikes usually can’t utilize regenerative braking. There are some exceptions.
Ride in Eco Mode
Most e-bikes come with an eco mode. This is usually the lowest level of pedal assist. Eco mode reduces the pedal assist level so that less power is used for each pedal stroke. The bike doesn’t provide as much assistance in eco mode.
Of course, this means riding will require more effort on your part. You will be able to ride further on a single charge when you ride in eco mode but you will have to work harder.
Can I Ride an E-bike as a Regular Bike, Without Using the Electric Power?
Yes. You can ride an electric bike with a dead battery or when the motor is turned off. All electric bikes can be ridden without using the motor and battery. You can turn off the motor and ride the bike just like any ordinary bike with only your own effort. Simply pedal normally.
It’s important to note that an electric bike is slower and less efficient to ride than a traditional bike when you’re not using the motor. This is due to the extra weight of the motor and battery. You’re carrying an extra 20-30 pounds of weight around with you. It slows you down.
Direct drive hub motors also create some electromagnetic resistance when you pedal. This also slows you down. Mid-drive and geared hub motors have a freewheel mechanism built in that reduces this resistance.
If you’re not in a rush, riding without the motor can help extend your electric bike range. It will also give you an opportunity to get some more exercise. You will tire out much more quickly when you’re not using the motor though.
What If the Battery Runs Out While Riding My Ebike?
If your battery runs out mid-ride, you’re not stranded. You can pedal the bike normally until you reach a place where you can recharge. You could also just ride home. It’s not ideal, but it can be done.
If you’re pushing your range, it’s a good idea to carry your e-bike’s charger with you in case of emergencies. This way, you can recharge your battery if it runs out while you’re on the go.
All you need to charge your bike is a standard outlet. You can find an outlet to charge your electric bike at many restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. If you ask nicely, most businesses will allow you to plug your e-bike in for a few minutes.
Which Ebikes Have the Longest Range?
There are plenty of long range e-bikes on the market. If you need lots of range, a few of the best choices include:
Optibike R22 Everest- 300 miles or 483 kilometers
Delfast Top 3.0i- 200 miles or 322 kilometers
Raleigh Centros Tour- 128 miles or 205 kilometers
Trek Allant+ 9 Stagger- 124 miles or 200 kilometers
DŌST Kope- 120 miles or 193 kilometers
Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3- 109 miles or 175 kilometers
S-Works Turbo Creo SL- 80 miles or 128 kilometers
Himiway Zebra Fat Bike- 80 miles or 128 kilometers
Urtopia Chord- 74 miles or 120 kilometers
What is the Longest Range Electric Bike On the Market?
The longest range e-bike I’m aware of is the Optibike R22 Everest. This electric bike comes equipped with a massive 52V 3.3kWh battery. The manufacturer claims the bike can get up to 300 miles of range. This makes it an ideal choice for electric bicycle touring.
The R22 Everest gets its name because it is the “only ebike able to climb Mt. Everest on a single charge if there was a road” according to the marketing material from Optibike. This is not an average e-bike. If you want this amount of range you’ll have to spend over $18,000 for the bike.
You can read more about the Optibike here.
Should I Buy an E-bike with the Highest Range?
Not necessarily. Very few riders actually need 100+ miles of range. You shouldn’t buy an e-bike with a long range if it is not necessary for the type of riding you do. The range of the e-bike should be based on your needs. Think about how you plan to use the bike and how far you need to ride.
For most people, an electric bike with 15-30 miles of range is sufficient for their daily commute or leisure riding. The average bike commuter only rides 3-4 miles one-way. You don’t need 50 miles of range for this.
There are situations where you’ll need a lot of range. For example, if you plan to use your e-bike for touring, you’ll need as much range as you can get. You may need 60-100 miles of range to make touring possible.
If you plan to use your e-bike for a long commute, you’ll also need more range. Some e-bikers commute 15-20 miles one way. In this case, you’ll need an e-bike with at least 50 miles of range, unless you’re able to charge at work. In that case, you could get by with less range.
The reason it’s important to purchase an e-bike with an appropriate range is because a large battery will substantially increase the cost of the bike. Long range e-bikes are expensive. This is why it’s important to get the range that is actually necessary for your biking lifestyle.
For example, a 1000Wh battery might cost $800. A 500Wh battery might only cost $500. You could save $300 by choosing an e-bike with a smaller battery. The battery is the most expensive individual component of e-bikes. Make sure you buy the battery you need so you don’t waste money.
How Important is Motor Wattage When It Comes E-bike to Range?
The motor’s wattage is an important factor in determining the range of an electric bike. Generally, an e-bike with a high-powered motor won’t be as efficient as an e-bike with a smaller motor. An e-bike with a 1000W motor will use more watt-hours per mile than an e-bike with a 250W motor.
A powerful motor on an e-bike can be comparable to a powerful motor on a sportscar in terms of efficiency. High-performance cars are less efficient than regular economy cars. The larger motor takes more fuel to power. High-performance e-bikes are less efficient than standard models with smaller motors.
High-wattage e-bikes are capable of reaching greater speeds with superior acceleration over their counterparts with lower wattage motors. This often translates into lower range as the high-wattage setup requires more energy to supply more power.
Ultimately, wattage plays an important role in both the performance and range of an electric bike and needs to be taken into consideration when selecting one. A higher wattage e-bike will offer more speed but less range in most cases.
Regenerative Braking
If you’re looking for an electric bike with a longer range, consider looking for a model with regenerative braking. With regenerative braking, the electric motor acts as a generator. It converts the kinetic energy of the bike’s motion into electricity that can be used to charge the battery.
Regenerative braking allows e-bikes to generate electricity while slowing down or coasting downhill. The electricity collected by the motor is sent back to the battery, which increases the overall range of the e-bike.
In addition to increasing efficiency, regenerative braking can also help reduce wear and tear on brakes and wheels over time. Your brake pads will last longer because you’re using the motor to brake instead. If you use rim brakes, your wheels may last longer as well.
Not all e-bikes are capable of regenerative braking. For example, mid-drives and most geared hub drives can’t do it because they don’t have a direct connection between the motor and wheels. Many direct-drive hub motors are capable of regenerative braking.
Regenerative braking is a nice feature to have but it is not required to achieve a long range. In fact, regenerative braking only improves electric bike range by around 5% in most cases.
Charge Times for Electric Bikes
The charge time can be almost as important as the e-bike riding range. If you can charge your e-bike quickly, the range doesn’t matter as much. You can just plug it in for a few minutes while you take a break or grab lunch then continue riding. All you need to charge your e-bike is your charger and a power outlet.
On average, a lithium-ion e-bike battery takes 4-6 hours to charge completely from 0% to 100%. There are quick-charge batteries available that can be charged 50% in under an hour. This gives you a good amount of range in a relatively short amount of time. Companies are working on batteries that can charge even faster.
What is the Life Expectancy of an Ebike Battery?
Generally, an e-bike battery will last 2-5 years. The longevity of an e-bike battery depends on how often you use it, how you care for it, and the type of battery you use.
Electric bike battery longevity is measured in charge cycles. Charge cycles are defined as one full charge from 0% to 100%. Different types of batteries have different lifespans. The most common types of batteries used for e-bikes include lithium, nickel, and lead acid.
These days, lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of e-bike batteries. Lithium-ion batteries typically have a lifespan of between 500 and 1,000 charge cycles.
Nickel batteries have a shorter lifespan, at around 500 charge cycles. Nickel batteries are also much heavier than their lithium-ion counterparts and don’t provide as much power.
Lead acid batteries have the shortest lifespan of all e-bike batteries, lasting around 300 charge cycles. They’re also much heavier than lithium-ion or nickel batteries and don’t provide as much power.
How to Maximize Your Battery’s Lifespan
The way you use and care for your e-bike’s battery has an effect on its longevity. To maximize your battery’s lifespan:
Keep your battery charged between 20% and 80% of its capacity.
Avoid fully discharging your battery to 0% regularly. Try to charge it before it drops below 20%.
While charging your battery, don’t leave it plugged in for long periods of time. Remove it from the charger when it’s fully charged.
Store your battery in a place that’s not too hot or too cold. 40-70℉ is ideal.
If you have to store your battery for an extended period of time, try to store it partially charged (40-80%). Check the capacity occasionally. If it falls out of this range, charge it.
Use a manufacturer-approved charger only. Don’t use a fast charger.
Avoid getting your battery wet or too dirty. Moisture can cause corrosion. Contaminants can also damage your battery.
Avoid dropping or knocking your battery against anything.
Remove the battery when transporting your e-bike.
Many electric bike manufacturers offer warranties on their batteries. A common warranty is 2 years or 500 charge cycles. If your battery fails prematurely, you may be able to get it replaced for free. If you take good care of your battery, it should last several years before needing to be replaced
For more info, check out my guide: How Long Do E-bike Batteries Last?
FAQ About E-bike Range
In this section, I’ll answer a few frequently asked questions about ebike range.
What is the Largest Ebike Battery Available?
The largest e-bike battery available is Optibike’s 52V 3260Wh battery on the R22 Everest. This is actually a dual battery setup. The large battery provides enough range to travel 300 miles on a single charge, according to Optibike.
These days, people are using their e-bikes for longer commutes. This has led to the emergence of larger batteries for electric bicycles. Large e-bike battery sizes can range from 1000-1250Wh. These battery sizes are commonly available.
If you need more capacity than that, your best option is to buy a second battery and swap them out when the first one runs out of power. You can store your backup battery in a pannier or on your rear rack. Some e-bikes have a dual battery setup. You can mount two batteries on the frame and use both at once.
Riders who need long-range capabilities should opt for a high-voltage system with a high capacity, while those looking for lighter weight may prefer smaller batteries.
Should I Charge My Ebike After Every Eide?
Whether or not you need to charge your battery after every ride really depends on how you use your e-bike and the level of charge when you return home. Generally, it’s best to charge your battery whenever the charge level drops to 20-60%.
Some manufacturers recommend that you charge your e-bike battery after every ride. This will ensure that your e-bike is ready to go at any time. This is convenient if you ride your electric bike daily.
It’s best to avoid fully discharging your battery. If you do this frequently, it can lead to a decrease in your battery’s capacity. It could cause permanent damage over time. If you do run the battery to 0%, you should recharge it as soon as possible. Running your battery empty regularly can reduce its lifespan. If you do it once in a while, it’s not a big deal.
How Fast Can an Electric Bike Go?
Electric bikes have both a physical top speed and a legal top speed. The physical top speed of an electric bike is determined by the motor, battery, and gearing.
The legal top speed for electric bikes varies from country to country. Most e-bikes are speed limited by software.
Most electric bikes are limited to either 15.5 mph or 20 mph (25 or 32 kph). Some class 3 or speed pedelec e-bikes are limited to 28 mph (45 km/h). After you reach the top speed, the power trails off to zero. Once you fall below the speed limit, the motor kicks in again.
Most e-bikes are physically capable of traveling faster than the legal speed limit. It is often possible to re-program your e-bike and remove the speed limiter. This is known as ‘chipping’ an e-bike. Chipping is illegal in many jurisdictions. If you override the speed limit and ride your electric bicycle too fast, you could get ticketed or the bike could be confiscated.
For more info, check out my guide: How Fast are Electric Bikes?
Final Thought About E-bike Range
E-bikes are a great way to get around town without relying on gas-powered vehicles or public transportation. These days, most e-bikes get anywhere from 20-40 miles of range. Some higher-end models get as much as 50-100 miles of range. As battery technology continues to advance, electric bike range will continue to improve.
It’s important to keep in mind that riding range can vary based on a number of factors, such as battery capacity, motor wattage, terrain, rider weight, the pedal assist setting, and your speed. As the battery ages, the range will also decrease. Your e-bike won’t always get the same range.
It’s also possible to improve the range of your electric bike by installing a larger capacity battery or riding more efficiently. Hopefully, this guide helps you get the most out of your e-bike.
Do you ride an electric bicycle? What kind of range do you get? Share your experience in the comments below!
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