All about the range of electric bikes

Electric bikes are becoming an increasingly popular means of getting around. With your electric bike, you can travel up to 20 mph, with little effort. This means you can get to work avoiding traffic jams and without feeling tired. It's also a great way to go for a ride and, depending on the model, for much sportier outings, in the forest or even in the mountains, on sometimes very steep terrain.

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But if you're going to race through town or the forest, your bike battery needs to have sufficient average autonomy. In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the operation and maintenance of an electric bike battery.

How Many Miles Can You Ride an Electric Bike?

There are multiple electric bike models, with theoretical ranges generally varying from 30 to 75 miles. For example, the Specialized electric bike offers an approximate range of 75 miles.


On average, city electric bikes allow you to travel about 40 miles before needing to be recharged. But, the distance you can cover on your electric bike depends on multiple factors.


What happens when your electric bike runs out of battery? Don't worry, you won't be left stranded! You'll still be able to pedal as you would on a conventional bike, though it will be more laborious due to the extra weight of the electric components. That's why it's important to choose your electric bike carefully and determine the range you'll need for daily use. Once you've reached your destination, all you have to do is plug the battery into an outlet.


For a full charge, this operation will take between 4 and 7 hours, depending on the model.


The Role of the Battery in Your Electric Bike's Range

Battery Capacity: What Are All These Figures?

The battery is, in a way, the tank of your electric bike. Its capacity will partly determine the distance you can cover. Battery capacity is expressed in Watt-hours (Wh). The higher this figure, the greater the energy carried by the battery, and the longer the range. Some manufacturers use Ampere-hours (Ah) and voltage to express capacity. Since voltage is almost always 36V, it's the amperage that you need to rely on. It varies between 5Ah and 18Ah.


To calculate the capacity of your electric bike battery in Wh, simply multiply the voltage in Volts (V) by the capacity in Ampere-hours (Ah). For example, a 36V, 14Ah battery will have a capacity of 36V x 14Ah = 504 Wh.

Translating Battery Capacity into Miles

Here are a few figures to give you an idea of the real range offered by an electric bike battery according to its capacity in Watts:


- 260 Wh = about 25 miles

- 375 Wh = about 40 miles

- 520 Wh = about 50 miles


Bear in mind, however, that the range suggested by manufacturers is for guidance only: it is calculated under favorable conditions and is a theoretical range.

Estimated Service Life of Bicycle Batteries

Battery life is not expressed in years but in the number of charge cycles. An electric battery can easily reach 500 charge cycles before losing its range. At 40 to 60 miles per cycle, an electric bike can travel between 20,000 and 30,000 miles before losing its range.

Bosch claims a battery life of 30,000 miles, while Shimano guarantees 60% capacity after 1,000 charge cycles! Depending on your use, this could mean 4, 6, or even 8 years.

You have two options:
- Buy a new one from the manufacturer
- Opt for reconditioning your bicycle battery, an environmentally-friendly solution that restores your battery to like-new condition.

Do you want to learn more about batteries, continue here on "how to charge your battery"

The Range of Your Electric Bike: It Also Depends on You!

While the mechanical elements of your electric bike influence the miles you can ride, your behavior on the handlebars also plays a role. Here are some factors that can affect your bike’s range:

Brake System Overload

The braking systems on E-bikes are designed to operate effectively at specific speeds, usually up to the legal limit. When a bike is debrided and can reach higher speeds, the brakes may not stop the bike effectively, especially in an emergency.

Your Riding Style

Most models today offer several levels of electric assistance. The more assistance you use, the faster your bike's battery will run down. This will also be the case if you ride in an urban environment and stop and start frequently.

There are several types of electric bikes. Some are equipped with a power sensor to adapt to your pedaling and multiply your strength. Others have a rotation sensor that provides maximum assistance as soon as the wheel turns. The latter consumes more energy.

The Type of Terrain

The terrain you ride on also affects your electric bike’s range. Flat, paved roads will place less demand on the battery, whereas rough roads with lots of climbs will require more assistance and energy consumption. For example, the same battery will not cover the same number of miles in the city on flat ground as in the countryside on hilly terrain. It is important to consider the battery range before buying an electric bike. The steeper the terrain, the more beneficial a longer range will be. 

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions also influence bike autonomy. If temperatures are very low (below 32°F), the battery will store less energy, and you won't be able to cover as many miles. It's normal for your electric bike's range to diminish in winter and does not indicate any malfunction. Wind also affects range. A headwind will slow you down and likely require more electric assistance, while a tailwind will help you go faster, reducing the need for assistance.

Weight

Weight plays a significant role in an electric bike’s range. The heavier you are, the more energy your bike consumes to assist your pedaling. Your weight, as well as the weight of the bike and any load you carry, impacts the range. It's important to compare not only battery capacity but also the weight of the bike.

How to Improve the Autonomy of Your Electric Bike

Choosing an electric bike suited to your riding conditions should provide a satisfactory number of miles without draining the battery. However, there are several tricks to improve your bike's range:

- Regularly check the condition of components, such as tire pressure and the braking system. Properly inflated tires are essential for safety and efficiency.
- Disconnect the battery when not using the bike.
- Use gears intelligently. For example, start with a lower assistance level on flat ground and increase it gradually.
- Adopt a flexible riding style in urban areas. Slow down in advance when approaching a red light instead of stopping abruptly, as restarting consumes energy.
- Ride with low assistance whenever possible and use a boost only when necessary, such as going uphill.
- Take good care of your battery: charge it regularly (every 60 days minimum), keep it in a cool, dry place, and avoid overcharging.

When you purchase your electric bike, perform a full charge and discharge cycle before recharging. Repeat this process every 5,000 miles for optimal battery maintenance. Avoid leaving your bike to charge overnight; remove the charger after the charge is complete.

Test Your Electric Bike to Choose the Right One

The distance you can cover with your electric bike depends on many factors. That's why it's important to understand the characteristics of the bike you want to buy. Testing your electric bike before making a final decision is crucial. Two people trying out the same model may have different experiences due to their riding style and expectations.

Upway gives you 14 days to try out your bike. This allows you to see how it fits into your daily life. If the chosen model doesn't suit you, you can return it, provided it has been reasonably used and is in the condition you received it. It must also be in its original packaging.

The performance of an electric bike depends on several criteria. In addition to motor power, it mainly depends on the range of the battery. Do you want to learn more about e-Bikes in general, read "Which is the Best Electric Bike for Me" 
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