Yay or Nay: E-Bikes For Long-Distance Rides
Written by: Rémy Rossi | March 6, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Standard bikes can ride forever, as long as you have the energy to keep pedaling, of course. E-Bikes provide a helpful boost but is battery range where they draw the line?
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
There’s actually a paradox regarding electric bikes and riding long distances. On the one hand, e-Bikes help riders travel faster and farther because of the added boost from the motor. But on the other hand, this extra power can’t last forever because the battery will run out eventually. If you ride too far, you’ll run out of juice and have to pedal a heavier bike the old-fashioned way. I guess it all depends on your definition of “far”...
The range of standard bicycles is limited by your own pedal power and energy levels— for example, I’ve ridden nearly 100 miles in a single day. However— assuming you don’t want to pedal an unpowered electric bike— e-Bikes are limited by their battery range. So if you’re planning on long-distance rides, could that be a problem?
How long do electric bikes last?
Like everything in life, it depends. E-Bike range depends on a variety of factors, including battery size, motor power, assist levels, rider weight, and terrain so it’s difficult to provide an estimated range for a specific model, let alone for all electric bikes.
Many e-Bike manufacturers even avoid providing a maximum range estimate with their models because they know that number could likely be inaccurate and they don’t want to mislead their customers. The inverse is true as well— be wary of brands that state the battery range in miles (especially sky-high estimates) because they are likely inflated values.
That said, many e-Bikes out in the real world provide a range of around 25 to 35 miles on a single charge. Take this number with a hefty grain of salt, but it can be a useful benchmark. Other models like a long range e-Bike have bigger batteries (or two!) to provide extended range. E-Bike batteries last between 500 and 1,000 charge cycles and should perform well for several years.
Long-distance rides & e-Bikes
You’ll ride further and in less time on an electric bike, that’s for sure. As long as you have enough charge to make it back home, e-Bikes can help you explore longer routes than you could with a standard bicycle. Here are some great uses for an e-Bike if you want to ride longer distances:
- More bike park laps: Trail riders use e-MTBs to climb faster and, thus, get to explore more of their local trail network on an electric off road bike.
- Long bike commutes made shorter: City e-Bikes effectively shorten commutes that would be too long or too difficult on a standard bike.
- Extend your bike map: Ride faster and farther on an electric bike so you can break out of your typical routes close to home.
My mom got an electric hybrid bike a few years ago and has been absolutely loving it because we can go on longer rides to new areas. Before, she was limited to a smaller area because— like all of us— we get tired eventually. But pedal-assist adds oomph to each pedal stroke and she can reach far-away destinations with the same level of effort. For those of whom are interested, she rides a Specialized Turbo Como— one of Upway’s best-selling long-range models!
However, if you’re planning to ride seriously long distances like bikepacking or touring, the appropriateness of e-Bikes is less clear. Riding distances longer than your e-Bike battery will last means you’ll need to carry a second battery, ride unassisted, or stop to recharge. I have heard of backcountry riders who carry portable solar panels to recharge their accessories and e-Bike battery, so it’s definitely possible. And Riese & Müller makes rugged electric touring bikes!
However, if you’re planning to ride seriously long distances like bikepacking or touring, the appropriateness of e-Bikes is less clear. Riding distances longer than your e-Bike battery will last means you’ll need to carry a second battery, ride unassisted, or stop to recharge. I have heard of backcountry riders who carry portable solar panels to recharge their accessories and e-Bike battery, so it’s definitely possible. And Riese & Müller makes rugged electric touring bikes!
“Battery anxiety”
In our increasingly techy world, it seems like everything we use runs on a battery, and it can stress us out when the energy levels get low. Phone battery low? Laptop running on empty? And just like looking at a car’s fuel gauge, watching an e-Bike’s battery level drop isn’t so fun. It’s true that e-Bikes have a finite amount of charge, but we don’t have to suffer from battery anxiety on our rides.
If you plan on going on long rides or run out of charge on your current e-Bike, browse long-range electric bikes. These models may have high-capacity batteries, lower-powered motors, or simply weigh less in order to travel farther on a single charge. Just make sure you maximize range in cold weather and keep your e-Bike in good shape. Get the stamina-equipped e-Bike that’s right for you!
Key Takeaways
- E-Bike Range Has Its Limits: Unlike traditional bikes, e-Bikes are constrained by battery life, typically offering 25-35 miles per charge.
- E-Bikes Enable Longer Rides with Less Effort: Electric bikes allow riders to travel farther and faster with pedal assistance, making them great for extended commutes, exploring new routes, and getting more laps in at bike parks.
- "Battery Anxiety" Can Be Reduced: Concerns about running out of charge are real but manageable with long-range e-Bikes.
