When buying an electric bike, one of the most important details to consider is the travel range. This characteristic determines how far the electric assist features will take you on a single battery charge.
By knowing how to calculate an Ebike’s travel range, you can choose one with the battery capacity to take you far with minimal range anxiety. The same goes for understanding the key factors that influence travel range.
In this article, you’ll learn what travel range is, the key factors that influence it, and how to calculate an Ebike’s travel range.
What is Ebike Range?
Ebike range is the distance you can use an Ebike’s electric-assist features on a single battery charge.
Once the battery drains, features like the pedal assist and (if equipped) handlebar throttle stop working. You must then pedal manually like a traditional bicycle to control your speed.
The typical Ebike range is between 90 and 120 km, although factors like motor type, battery capacity, and rider weight influence this figure. How often you use the electric assist features can also affect the travel range.
Key Factors Impacting Ebike Range
The key factors that influence an Ebike’s range are:
- Battery Capacity: High-capacity lithium-ion batteries have an approximate travel range of 90 to 120 km or more. However, carrying heavy payloads, riding in cold weather, and climbing steep inclines can discharge the battery faster, lowering its travel range.
- Motor Type: The two main motor types are Ebike mid-drives and hub motors. Hub motors are lightweight and affordable but less efficient than mid-drive motors, as the motor weight isn't distributed evenly on the bike.Mid-drive motors have better efficiency as they are placed in the middle of the bike frame and power the drivetrain directly, streamlining the power transition from pedal to motor and extending its travel range.
- Rider Weight: Extra weight on an electric bike reduces its travel range. It forces the motor to work harder to reach and maintain the same speed that an Ebike with less weight would have to endure.
- Terrain: Riding on rough terrain with fat tires increases rolling resistance, forcing the motor to work harder to overcome additional friction. Riding up steep inclines induces a similar negative effect on travel range.
- Riding Speed: Constantly riding at maximum speed will drain the battery faster, shortening the battery life. Riding a few kilometres below the maximum speed limit can help extend your battery life.
- Pedal Assist Level: Most electric bikes have at least three pedal assist system (PAS) levels or more. The higher the PAS level, the more pedal assist the rider will receive. Naturally, a higher PAS level will drain the battery faster too.
- Weather Conditions: When the temperature drops, so does your Ebike’s travel range. Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to extreme high and low temperatures. When exposed to the cold, the battery discharges faster, lowering the travel range.
- Tyre Pressure: Riding on under-inflated tyres increases the risk of a puncture and rolling resistance. Thus the battery must consume more energy to propel the Ebike forward. Riding at the correct tyre pressure means more rubber on the ground, reducing rolling resistance and ensuring a smoother ride.
How to Calculate Your Ebike Range?
To determine the approximate range of your electric bike, use an online Ebike range calculator to follow the below steps.
- First, figure out your Ebike’s battery capacity. This will be measured in either Wh or Volts (V) and Amp Hours (Ah). For this calculation, let’s say the Ebike has a 250w motor and a battery capacity of 36V/10Ah. By multiplying volts by amp hours, the battery’s Wh rating is 360 Wh.
- The next step is to calculate the effective bike range. To do this, take your Ebike’s Wh capacity and divide it by the average efficiency number, a numerical value determining the speed and distance an Ebike covers per hour.
- Typically, a 250w Ebike ridden at an average speed of 20 km/h on slightly hilly terrain has an efficiency number of 3.5 Wh/km. Therefore, our Ebike provides around 100 km of range on a single battery charge (360 / 3.5 = 102 km).
Typical Range for Different Ebike Types
Different electric bike types have different travel ranges. Understanding the average travel range of each electric bike type can help you choose one that meets your needs.
Commuter Ebikes
Commuter Ebikes typically have lightweight motors and frames for urban riding on flat, smooth surfaces. Electric bikes like the EC Compact City have a 250w motor and a 468 Wh battery with a maximum range of 110 km.
Off-Road Ebikes
Off-road Ebikes typically have fat tires and sturdy suspension systems to ensure smooth riding on rough terrain. They have at least a 500w motor and a 468 Wh battery with a maximum travel range of 110 km. The additional 250w of power allows the Ebike to climb steep inclines and navigate rough terrain more easily.
Cargo Ebikes
Cargo Ebikes have high payload capacities and additional storage space. This allows riders to transport large volumes of groceries, camping supplies, and other goods in one trip. A cargo Ebike with a battery capacity of 600 Wh will have a maximum travel range of 130 km or more.
How to Maximise Your Ebike Range?
Performing routine checks at home and in the shop can help maximise your Ebike range. Follow the steps below to unleash the full potential of your battery.
Proper Tyre Pressure
Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions on the appropriate tyre pressure range for your electric bike. Stand your Ebike upright or upside down. Then use a bike pump to inflate each tyre to the correct tyre pressure.
Ride in the Right Gear
Riding in the correct gear can help ease the burden of pedalling without overworking the battery and motor. When climbing a steep incline, switch to a low gear and use a moderate amount of pedal assist. When rolling down a steep incline, switch to a high gear and use little to no pedal assist.
Also, before coming to a complete stop, switch your electric bike to a low gear. Doing so will enable you to accelerate from zero with less pedalling effort and pedal assist. You’ll conserve energy and maximise your travel range.
Maintain Steady Speed
To conserve battery life, ride a few kilometres below your Ebike’s maximum speed. And if possible, avoid alternating between high and low speeds. Why? Because accelerating consumes more battery than maintaining a consistent speed.
Regular Battery Maintenance
All batteries lose their travel range over time. But there are steps you can take to prolong their lifespan. Follow the steps below to preserve your Ebike battery’s range:
- Try to keep your Ebike battery at or above a 30% charge level
- Unplug the Ebike battery when fully charged
- Charge your Ebike battery at 5°C to 45°C and store it at 5°C to 20°C
- Always use the manufacturer’s recommended charger for your specific model
Final Thoughts
Choosing an Ebike with the right travel range can help you get where you need to be without range anxiety. You’ll enjoy longer rides, the freedom to explore new areas, and greater peace of mind.
Explore the full electric bike range at Heybike today. We offer Ebikes with various travel ranges to suit casual and endurance riders. Discover your perfect match today!
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.