It's a tale as old as time: the eBike you purchased promises up to a certain range, but when you put your new ride to the test, it doesn't perform as you'd hoped. So, what happened? Did the brand lie about the extension of the eBike's range?
Thankfully, that's not the case. Ultimately, the range on your eBike is determined by a number of factors, many of which are out of the manufacturer's control.
An eBike’s range is defined as the total distance it can travel on a single battery charge. It is determined by taking the battery's energy capacity, measured in Watt-hours (Wh), and dividing that number by how much energy the motor consumes per mile.
In order to calculate the battery's energy capacity, you must multiply the battery's voltage by its amp-hours.
For example, if your eBike contains a 48 volt, 20 amp-hour battery, that would mean the battery has an energy capacity of 960 Watt-hours. And if your eBike consumes about 20 Watt-hours per mile, that puts its range at around 48 miles per charge.
Now, the amount of Watt-hours your eBike consumes per mile is affected by a number of variables. These real-world factors will largely impact the amount of range your eBike offers:
- Weight: A heavier rider or cargo requires the motor to utilize more power, causing the battery to drain faster.
- Pedal Assist Level: Using the maximum pedal assist level will drain the battery faster than using a lower pedal assist mode or simply pedaling on your own.
- Throttle: Using only the eBike's throttle rather than pedaling forces the motor to do all the work, resulting in significantly less range.
- Terrain: Steep inclines and rough terrain require higher torque, causing your eBike to consume more Watt-hours per mile.
- Weather: Extremely hot or cold temperatures can temporarily reduce your battery's capacity, and strong winds also cause the motor to work harder.
- Maintenance: Keeping up with your eBike maintenance will aid in extending its range, as unlubricated brakes and chains create friction that requires the motor to exert more power.
If you want to maximize the amount of range your eBike provides, you can do so by using lower pedal assist levels, pedaling more frequently, keeping up with your eBike's maintenance, and storing your eBike in a dry, temperate environment.
This will both lower the amount of Watt-hours your eBike consumes per mile, as well as help conserve your battery's power and health.
As always, no matter where or what you ride, make sure to stay safe, follow the rules of the road, and wear a helmet!
Ride together! Ride GOTRAX!
