Some of the critical features of an electric bike that differ from traditional bicycles include the battery, which enables you to go further than on a standard bike. Therefore, the e-bike manufacturers offer information on the range of each model, which shows how many miles can be travelled by bike on a single battery charge.
The range is an important consideration when choosing an e-bike model. The longer you can ride two wheels without using your muscles, the happier you will be.
Understanding E-Bike Range – How to Maximise Battery Life?
E-bikes have lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in laptops. The capability of an e-bike’s to cover a certain distance using one single charge of its lithium-ion battery is known as its range.
The manufacturer often describes this range, but it can be affected by numerous elements. This advice includes maintaining a clean e-bike, avoiding harsh weather conditions, and carrying minimal loads to get as many miles as possible out of it. For e-bikes, it is necessary to check the battery charge before each ride so as not to be left without charge in the middle of your way.
What Is the Range of E-Bikes?
The battery capacity describes the majority of an e-bike’s travelling capabilities. Premium-quality batteries indicate that a user can travel up to 100 km, while most e-bikes will only cover 20 to 50 miles.
Mechanical and Physical Factors that Impact E-Bike Range
Your e-bike's various parts will determine how far you can ride it. The primary elements that impact battery range include the following:
Use of Power
The e-bike's range will depend on how much effort you put into riding it. While pedal assist will give you a longer range, using the throttle to provide you with an extra kick up a hill will use up the power faster. Additionally, the e-bike needs more energy to sustain its pace when riding at fast speeds, which could reduce its range. In other words, you can increase your riding range by riding your bike more slowly.
Role of Gears
Efficient gear usage greatly impacts your e-bike's potential range, which can also help you use pedal assist more efficiently. If the gear is too high for the surrounding conditions, the motor will have to work harder and consume more watt-hours. However, you can extend your e-bike's range by using better quality gears.
Tyre Quality and Pressure
The kind of tyres fitted to your e-bike also affects its range. Road bike tyres and other smooth, skinny tyres are better at transforming energy into forward motion and speed, allowing you to maximise your range. Tyre pressure is another thing to watch out for because underinflated tyres require more work and may reduce the e-bike's potential range.
Weather Conditions
High temperatures, such as very hot and freezing cold weather, can be detrimental to an e-bike's battery.
- During cold weather, the battery's ability to store and deliver energy is minimised, resulting in a shorter range as the chemical reactions within the battery decrease.
- In contrast, hot weather can overheat the battery, potentially leading to reduced efficiency and a shortened lifespan.
To maintain optimal battery performance and extend its range, it’s essential to store and charge the battery at moderate temperatures whenever possible.
Frequent On and Off – The Costly Effect on Range
When either the throttle or pedal-assist feature is used constantly, then it leads to a decrease in the range of an e-bike, and this increases the energy used. To optimise such aspects, these features need to be controlled smartly and one should avoid starting and stopping the e-bike often.
Want Long Range E-Bikes? Contact Us
Virtue Electric Bikes offers a glimpse of our exceptional range of long-range e-bikes, including models from top brands. Here's a sneak peek at the battery ranges for some of our featured bikes:
- Basso Electric Bikes: 136 Miles
- Cipollini E-Bikes: 140 Miles
- Wisper Electric Bikes: 50-100 Miles
- Riese & Muller: 150-180 Miles
But that's just the beginning. We also offer a wide variety of e-bike styles and types to suit every rider's needs, including:
- Folding Bikes
- Leisure Bikes
- Off-Road Bikes
- Road Bikes
- Cargo Bikes
- Lightweight Bikes
- Fat Tyre Bikes
- Crossbar Bikes
- Step Through Bikes
Summary of the Guide
In conclusion, understanding your e-bike's range and battery life is crucial for optimising your ride. Factors like terrain, rider weight, and the level of pedal assist determine an e-bike’s range and most of the e-bikes can travel between 20 and 60 miles on a single charge. However, by maintaining your bike properly and considering mechanical and environmental factors, you can extend this range.
Whether you're commuting, exploring off-road, or cruising along the road, Virtue Electric Bikes offers a range of options with varying battery capacities, ensuring you can find the perfect e-bike for your needs.