Key Takeaways:
- Electric bikes can last anywhere from 15 to 100 miles on a single charge, depending on the make and model of the bike itself as well as other factors.
- In order to maximize the range of your eBike, we recommend lowering the pedal assistance level and trying to avoid using the throttle mechanism.
- You should also try to avoid climbing steep inclines, as this will also tax the battery.
If you are thinking of purchasing an electric bike, you may be wondering just how far an eBike can travel on a single charge.
Electric Bike Average Range
The average range of an electric bicycle per charge can vary, but one should expect to get at least 15 miles on a single charge. This metric can increase all the way up to 100 miles per charge, depending on factors, like the bike’s lithium battery pack and certain precautions taken by the rider. Depending on your needs, the bike’s range can go a long way in determining if the electric bike is worth it.
Insider Tip
- If you decrease the pedal assist level to its lowest setting, or turn it off, then your bike’s battery will last a long time before needing to be charged.
- We recommend avoiding this feature entirely if you are looking to conserve battery life and maximize your range.
Learn How to Extend Electric Bike Range
If you are looking to maximize your battery life and ensure you squeeze out every last mile before needing a recharge, take a look at the following tips and guidelines.
Decrease Pedal Assist Level
If you decrease the pedal assist level to its lowest setting or turn it off, then your bike’s battery will last a long time before needing to be charged. This is due to the nature of the design of an electric bike itself. Most bikes feature a motor that only kicks in when necessary, thus the term “pedal assist.” It is assisting with pedaling. If, when you are riding, you do most of the work yourself by pedaling the old-fashioned way, then the battery will retain its juice indefinitely. Of course, this can be tiring in some scenarios, though manual pedaling is a great cardiovascular exercise. It should also be noted that just like the assistance level, rider weight can impact the range as well. There are a few things e-bike owners can do to extend their riding range, like getting a larger battery size, only riding in optimal riding conditions, ensuring tire inflation is to the correct tire pressure, and using an eco mode, if applicable. And if you are curious, we have an article that covers how electric bike motors work.
Warning
- Of course, this can be tiring in some scenarios, though manual pedaling is a great cardiovascular exercise.
- Throttle mechanisms can be a severe drain on the integrated lithium-ion battery pack.
- Steep inclines and rough terrain can also tax an electric bike’s battery and reduce the overall maximum range available.
Eliminate Throttle
Some modern eBikes feature a throttle system, which essentially transforms an electric bike into something closely resembling a motorcycle or scooter. In other words, engaging the throttle will eliminate any need for manual pedaling. Throttle mechanisms can be a severe drain on the integrated lithium-ion battery pack. We recommend avoiding this feature entirely if you are looking to conserve battery life and maximize your range.
Avoid Steep Inclines
Steep inclines and rough terrain can also tax an electric bike’s battery and reduce the overall maximum range available. If you want to make sure you are getting the most out of your bike’s battery, we recommend avoiding steep inclines unless absolutely necessary and sticking to roads that have flat terrain. You can also take some steps ahead of time to prepare, such as checking the road quality and packing a spare battery or finding a spot along your route to charge your electric bike. Another option is to consciously avoid pedal-assist or throttle while climbing a steep incline, though this will tax your body. And if you are interested in an electric bike that is good for steep hills, check out the Ribble Endurance SL e. Alternatively, if you are interested in just learning more about bikes, you can check out these top-rated Rad Power electric bikes.
STATS:
- Most e-bike batteries sold in North America are lithium-ion, which will provide a minimum of 500 full charge cycles, at which point the battery will hold about 80% of its original capacity. (Source)
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