An electric bike has been shown to provide numerous benefits compared to a regular bike. One of these benefits includes allowing riders to cover farther distances with the same amount of leg effort.
However, it has been discovered that similar e bikes have been manufactured with different range ratings. This leaves most people to wonder exactly how far an electric bike can go.
On average, an electric bike can travel between 25 and 50 miles.
This does not mean that the range can’t be altered. The ideal range for an e bike depends on numerous factors, which will be covered in this article.
Factors That Affect an Electric Bike’s Range
The range of an electric bike refers to how far it can travel on a single charge.
One of the reasons why e bike range ratings appear to be all over the place is that a variety of things can influence them.
Manufacturers typically display the range figure on the packaging of your e bike.
They are, however, inaccurate because they sometimes do not consider most of the elements that determine your bike’s range.
Factors that affect how far an electric bike can go are:
1. Power
Power levels on e bikes are measured in Watts, and the Watt rating is used to assess an e bike’s performance.
The more power, the quicker and further an e bike can go. Watt ratings are classified into two types:
- Peak watt rating: This rating is obtained when an e bike is used more intensively, such as climbing steep hills. The e bike’s range is decreased as a result.
- Continuous watt rating: This refers to the quantity of energy the motor may use in a short period.
Electric bikes with similar watt ratings may have different power levels.
This is because the electric bike powering system and battery capacity influence the riding experience more than watts.
2. Powering system(Pedal Assist and Throttle)
All e bikes allow you to modify your powering systems.
The first aspect is the pedal assistance levels. The power your electric bike motor adds will depend on your pedal power.
This is accomplished by sensing your power output and then altering its own input to match.
When the pedal assist is on, you’ll feel a bit more “oomph” pushing you ahead, which makes it simple to ride far without becoming fatigued.
The second aspect is the existence of a hand throttle. When activated, the motor supplies power and drives the bike ahead. The throttle is what enables you to operate without pedaling.
However, both the pedal-assist level and throttle may quickly deplete the battery.
3. Weather Conditions and Terrain
Weather and terrain can have an impact on the range of an e bike since the more resistance there is, the more power you will require, resulting in a shorter range.
Hill climbing will deplete the battery faster compared to riding on smooth terrain.
It’s also worth mentioning that you won’t lose power when motionless, which means you won’t wake up to a low battery if you stop during a trip or even overnight.
The rider weight is another aspect that may impact your e bike’s range. More weight means a shorter range.
4. Battery Capacity
The battery capacity is the most important factor in determining the range of an e bike.
The capacity of a battery cell is the amount of energy it can store. It is measured in amp-hours(Ah).
Basically, the larger the capacity of the battery, the more range your electric bicycle can go. This is usually possible with pedal assistance.
Charging an E Bike’s Battery
You also need to consider the battery charge. E bike batteries are simple to charge because they come with a charger.
You can charge your e-bike by plugging it into a standard wall socket.
Solar panel chargers are also developed exclusively for electric bikes, allowing you to charge them while on the road.
Range Extenders
An e bike range extender is another technique to enhance your range.
This will push the bike above its average speed and a possible range much beyond 100 miles (160 kilometers).
Range extenders are attached to the frame of your e bike in a specific location, commonly in the bottle cage. They are then linked to the main battery through a series of connections.
These connections allow electricity to be transferred between the two batteries, allowing the backup to take over when the primary battery dies.
Aside from expanding your bike’s riding range, range extenders may also reduce charging time by charging your e bike when you are not riding it.
Electric Bikes With the Longest Range
There are many electric bikes with enough range to take you wherever you need to go. However, here are some models of e bikes with the longest range:
- Raleigh Centros Tour: This hybrid e bike has a 128-mile range, which can be enough for cycling to and from work for a week on a single charge.The Centros Tour also has a Bosch Power Tube 500 Wh battery and weighs 26 kg.
- Trek Allant+ 9 Stagger: This bike has a fully engaged long-life battery that delivers a remarkable range of up to124 miles on a single full charge. It weighs 23.40 kg and has a battery size of 625 Wh.
- Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty 3: This electric bike has a range of up to 109 miles. The Cannondale E bike features a dependable Bosch Performance Line CX motor and a Bosch PowerTube of 500 Wh, which is optimally positioned in the down tube. It also weighs roughly 18 kg.
- S-Works Turbo Creo SL: This is a good option for those who enjoy road cycling but want to go farther than a normal bike allows. It includes a cleverly designed 320 Wh battery located within the down tube.This bike has an astounding range of 80 miles, or up to 120 miles with the addition of the range extender, and weighs approximately 12 kg.
- RadRhino 6 Plus Electric Fat Bike: This fat bike with 3.33 kg has a very good range of 42 miles. Although it can never compete with lightweight bikes, its range is excellent for its kind.
Conclusion
How far can an electric bike go is a question that is very common among new riders and old ones. There is no simple answer to this question.
Your e bike range may be as long as you need it to be, provided that you consider the aforementioned factors.
References:
- yoloboard.com
- pedegoelectricbikes.com
- tritekbattery.com
- discerningcyclist.com
