An electric bike is meant to help you go farther for less effort. However, since you are running on a battery, you are limited in how far you can go. This brings us to the question of how far can an e-bike ride before you need to charge the battery.
Different manufacturers cite different riding ranges for electric bikes that look similar. But in this article, we will show you the factors that determine how far an e-bike can go.
Battery capacity
This factor is fairly straightforward. The higher your battery capacity, the longer you can ride, barring other factors. Batteries are rated in kWh, which you will find on the spec sheet. Some electric bikes offer larger battery packs, while others will let you carry an extra battery which you can pop in when the original one dies.
Pedal-assist level
There are different assist levels for most bikes, and you choose one. If you select the highest level, you won’t pedal as hard, but the electric motor will do more work, depleting your battery at a faster rate. When you need to conserve your battery, select the least pedal assist.
terrain
The road or path affects your riding range, despite the manufacturer’s claims. Compared to smooth roads, rough surfaces will drain your battery faster. So if you go for a ride on a nature trail, you notice a drop in range.
Similarly, going up hilly roads will make your battery level go down faster because your motor is doing more work.
Speed
Speed is another factor that affects your riding range. The faster you go, the faster your battery goes too.
Weight
The more weight you put on your bike, the more work your legs and the electric motor do to get you to your destination. So, if you carry another rider, say, a child or a friend, expect your riding range to drop. In the same manner, carrying loads like groceries or items for delivery will cut your range.
Weather
The weather affects your riding range. This is due to how common batteries work, as they are less efficient when the temperature is low, like during winter.
Conclusion
When you purchase an electric bicycle, you will notice the range you get out of the battery does not match what the manufacturer advertises. Most times, the actual range is lower, and it is due to a combination of factors.
