How much range does an electric bike with a lithium-ion battery get? This is one of the top questions about eBikes, and the answer depends on a number of varying factors. Fortunately, there are many ways you can strategically optimize your range through proper maintenance and riding style. In this article, we'll cover the factors that affect an electric bike's range and offer tips to help you maximize it for more fun rides!
#1: Buy an eBike with a High-Capacity Battery
This may seem pretty obvious, but buying an eBike with a high-capacity battery is the foundation for good range. However, the battery is generally the most expensive and heaviest component of an electric bike. So, in order to avoid overpaying, it's important to evaluate how much range you will need instead of buying an eBike with the biggest possible battery.
Tip: Take a look at your regular ride routes on Google Maps to add up the mileage, and consider that you may be able to charge at work, school, or other places along the way. You might be surprised at how the average eBike battery size will cover your regular rides very well.
The capacity of your eBike battery is measured in Watt-hours. You can think of Watt-hours like the size of the fuel tank on a car. If the Watt-hours are not given in the specifications of the bike, you can calculate it by multiplying the volts by the amp hours.
For example: 48 Volts x 13.6 Ah = 652.8 Wh. 652.8 watt-hours is the "capacity" of that specific battery. More watt-hours means more range.
In this example of a 653 Wh battery, 20 to 40 miles of range can be expected and is documented with the various range test results shown above. These range test results should help give you a baseline of riding scenarios to determine if those ranges will fit your riding needs.
This variation in range is dependent on:
- How powerful the motor is
- Which assist levels (or throttle) are used
- The weight of the rider and cargo
- How many hills are on the route
- If there are significant headwinds
- If riding in cold temperatures (affects battery efficiency)
- The efficiency of the bike (tire pressure, lubricated chain, etc.)
#2: Charge It Up!
Make sure your battery is fully charged before heading out for a ride. And if your electric bike has not been used in a number of days or weeks, then you more than likely need to top it off before your next ride. Additionally, when you get home from a ride, make a habit of plugging your battery into the charger and setting a timer to remind you to unplug it. The specifications and owner's manual should include an estimate of the time it takes to fully charge your battery, and you can estimate the hours based on the percentage of charge needed to top off your battery.
#3: Pedal More
Decreasing the pedal assist level or amount of throttle and pedaling a little harder takes the load off of the battery and gives you more range. For instance, if you can add more of your pedal power on hills, that can help to extend your range. The same thing is true if you are riding into significant headwinds. Similarly, putting more pedal power into accelerating from a stop can help as well. Once you are up to speed on flat terrain, you can use the assist to cruise along while using minimal energy. Class III eBikes with adjustable levels of pedal assist allow you to choose how much assistance you want from the electric motor at any given time.
The cool thing about an electric bike is that even if the battery has run out of range, you can still pedal your bike to go somewhere (although it is generally a pretty good workout). Compare that to an electric motorcycle or electric car, which stop completely when the battery is depleted.
#4: Take It Easy
Kick back and enjoy the ride! While it's nice to have an electric bike that can average higher speeds than a traditional bicycle, you don't need to use the max speed all of the time. Much like being strategic with adding more pedal power, it can be beneficial to casually cruise. Riding at slower speeds will help to increase your range, and you may notice more interesting places along the way.
#5: Charge at Work or Along the Way
If you have the opportunity to top off your battery along your regular ride routes, this can be a good way to add range without having the largest battery in the world. You can always bring your eBike charger with you, or keep an additional charger at your school or work.
Tip: If you don't have room to store your bike somewhere, leave your bike locked up outside and take out the battery to charge it indoors.
#6: Pump It UP
Having the right tire pressure really improves the riding efficiency for you and the electric assist system. On most bike tires, there is a recommended tire pressure range. The maximum pressure will provide an efficient but harsher ride. On the other hand, lower tire pressure will be more comfortable but less efficient. It's a good idea to find a happy medium, which might take some experimentation with different tire pressures.
#7: A Well-Oiled Machine
A clean, well-lubricated chain is one of the simplest ways to improve your eBike's range. A dirty or dry chain creates extra friction as it moves across the chainring, derailleur, and rear cogs, and that friction has to be overcome by pedaling power, motor power, or both. The harder your drivetrain has to work just to overcome friction, the less of your battery's energy actually goes toward moving you forward.
This matters on any eBike, since even a hub-drive motor still relies on you pedaling efficiently. But it makes an even bigger difference on mid-drive eBikes. Because a mid-drive motor combines its power with your pedal power at the crank, that output has to pass through the chain to reach the rear wheel. A dirty chain forces the mid-drive motor to work harder to push the same amount of power through, draining the battery faster and reducing your range. Keeping the chain clean and lubricated keeps that power transfer efficient, so more of your battery goes toward the ride, not wasted on friction.
#8: Riding Temperature
If you can opt to ride in warmer temperatures, your battery will supply more range, as cold temperatures can reduce the range your battery can provide. You can minimize the effect of cold temperatures by storing your battery in a comfortable climate. For example, if you're riding in Minnesota in the Winter, store your battery in a heated garage, not outside.
#9: Replace an Old Battery or Carry an Extra Battery
Just like a mobile phone or computer, an eBike battery's range will diminish over time and eventually need to be replaced. Most companies recommend replacing the battery when it has less than 80% of the original capacity. Once your battery is no longer useful to you, make sure you recycle your battery through the Battery Network electric bike battery program. EBike batteries should not simply be put in the trash!
Tip: After purchasing a new battery, your original battery could be used as a 2nd battery for longer rides. So, if you need to cover a long ride but don’t want to take the time to charge along the way, then an extra battery is a good way to go. However, batteries are the most expensive components of an electric bike, so be prepared to shell out some bucks if you use this strategy.
#10: Solar Panels
If you're planning a long trip without access to an electrical outlet along the way, a solar panel paired with an inverter can be a great solution, especially for eBike camping trips where you're required to go off-grid for extended periods. Solar options generally come in two forms: ground-mounted panels and bike/trailer-mounted panels. Ground-mounted panels are set up while you're stopped, letting you charge your battery during breaks or overnight. Bike or trailer-mounted panels, on the other hand, let you charge as you ride, capturing sunlight throughout the day without needing to stop.
Long Live Long Rides
Getting out for a long ride is a great way to get some good exercise and unwind from a busy day or week. Having the skills and knowledge to get the most range out of your electric bike can make these long rides happen. Additionally, coming prepared with an extra charger or battery allows you to adjust course if you end up doing a longer ride than anticipate. All in all, make sure to enjoy your winding eBike journeys, wherever they may take you.
-Pete