The e-bike range – what you need to know!

How much range does your e-bike have? If you want to go on longer tours, this is the crucial question. Because especially with a heavy e-bike or a lot of luggage, you certainly don't want to be stranded with an empty battery! Unfortunately, we cannot predict an exact kilometer distance for you here, and the reason for this is quite simple: In addition to the rated power of the battery, many individual factors are responsible for the distance you can achieve with a battery charge. You can find out what influences the range of the e-bike and how you can travel as many kilometers as possible here.

When you order or buy an e-bike, there is sometimes an indication from the bicycle manufacturer about the possible range of the pedelec. If this information is missing, you can easily find out which drive and which battery are installed. The companies that manufacture electric drives for pedelecs today generally provide more or less accurate information about the ranges their batteries can achieve. But unfortunately, no one can give you an exact prediction. 

Why not? You can find out here!

What is the e-bike range anyway?

The term “e-bike range” refers to the distance you can travel with a battery charge. So it doesn't really have anything to do with the e-bike itself, and the motor has no direct influence on it, it would just keep going and going and going.... 

What you should know about e-bike batteries – the FAQs

Here are some general pieces of information about e-bike batteries:

What batteries do e-bikes have and where?

An e-bike today usually has a lithium-ion battery. These batteries do not have a memory effect; rather, they are durable and very powerful.

Today, the batteries in most e-bikes are built into the down tube of the frame.

"In the past," the batteries – like on this city bike – were easy to see, today they offer more range and are almost invisible! Image © Creme Cycles

Wh is the unit of measurement for e-bike batteries

The capacity of a battery is measured in watt-hours, abbreviated: Wh.

The greater the number of watt-hours, the greater the capacity of the battery – meaning it potentially lasts longer and thus offers more range.

Since the actual range of an e-bike battery  but influenced by many external factors, the number of watt-hours does not allow an exact conclusion about the possible distance. 

How many watt-hours (Wh) does an e-bike battery have on average?

Although there are different manufacturers, there are not major differences in the capacity of the batteries. Here are a few examples:

• Shimano produces batteries with 418 and 504 Wh
• Bosch delivers between 300 and 625 Wh, the DualBattery (a double e-bike battery) reaches 1250 Wh
• Fazua packs 252 Wh into the batteries
• From Panasonic there are capacities between 432 and just under 650 Wh

It looks similar with all other manufacturers. The DualBattery with 1250Wh is a real exception, but it is not a single battery, it is actually two. 

More watt-hours = more e-bike range?

In general, many watt-hours naturally mean large ranges. In fact, it depends on different factors that can greatly extend or limit the range of the e-bike. 

Do old e-bikes have less range?

Most e-bikes that have been around for a few years need to be charged more often. Modern lithium-ion batteries are very durable, but they do not last forever. Over time and with each charging cycle, the capacity decreases slightly. This also reduces the possible e-bike range. However, this is no reason to forgo an e-bike. The batteries last through many charging cycles (depending on the manufacturer, about 1000 or around 5 years) without a noticeable restriction in range. And even after this time, the possible distance decreases gradually, not suddenly. With each charging cycle, the range becomes slightly shorter, but the pedelec itself still functions for many years.

So the fear of an aging battery should not deter you from buying an e-bike!

Further down, we have some suggestions on how you can extend the lifespan of your e-bike when the ranges decrease!

Does the range depend on the type of bicycle? Images © Liv, Cannondale

Does the range of the e-bike have anything to do with the type of bicycle?

A “MTB hardtail has a range of 250 km”, “an e-bike with a range of 200 km” or an “e-bike folding bike has a range of 100 km” ... unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. The range of an e-bike has nothing to do with whether it is a city e-bike, an e-gravel bike, or an e-trekking bike.

However, there are tendencies: Comfortable (and affordable) city e-bikes tend to have smaller batteries with less range on board. Trekking e-bikes, XC hardtails, or e-gravel bikes are designed for long distances, so they get more watt-hours on the way. 

⚡Various E-Bikes in the BMO Online Shop ⚡

City E-Bikes | eMTBs | E Gravel Bikes | Trekking E-Bikes | E-Bikes Women | E-Bikes Men

How much range does your E-Bike really need?

E-Bike drive systems knew only one direction for several years: bigger. The power increased, the battery capacity increased. The weight and size of the components? Also increased. 

Nobody wanted to be accused of buyers regularly running out of breath with their E-Bikes. To ensure nothing went wrong, the batteries were made larger or even installed in pairs.  Double batteries and range extenders came onto the market, significantly increasing the range, but the weight of the E-Bikes also went through the roof, 25 to almost 30kg were not uncommon.

Today, there are both options and you can decide: Do you prefer a lighter E-Bike with moderate torque and slightly less range? Or do you want massive motor power and plenty of charging capacity – and are willing to accept a heavy bike in return?

A range extender increases the range of the E-Bike

If you have opted for a smaller drive system or at least a smaller battery, a range extender is a great thing. Here's how it works:

A range extender (English range: range, extender: extension) is a second battery that you attach to your E-Bike drive when needed to extend the range . 

Do you want to ride a lighter E-Bike in everyday life, but need more E-Bike range on vacation or weekends? Then a range extender is the perfect solution! With the internal battery, you can handle everyday routes, and with the additional battery, you can go on long tours.

Range extenders have another advantage: They not only extend your range, but they are also the "retirement plan" for your E-Bike. If the E-Bike is otherwise still in good condition, owners like to use a range extender to extend the range of their aging E-Bike. In some electric bikes, the battery is permanently installed in the frame and cannot be removed. Especially with these bikes, this solution is very practical, as no replacement battery could be installed in these pedelecs.

Looks like a drink can, is also mounted in the area of the bottle holder, but it's a Range Extender! Image © Orbea

These factors influence the E-Bike range

Completely independent of the battery capacity, the following individual conditions have an impact on the range of your E-Bike:

• The motorization of the E-Bike

It's quite simple. The larger the drive, the hungrier it is. Larger means for the E-Bike: More torque. This gives the bike more power (but not more speed!), the motor needs more electricity, and the battery has less range.

• The support level greatly influences the range of the E-Bike!

One of the most important route factors is the choice of support level. Power consumption can more than double from “Eco” to “Sport”! Conversely: Set to “Sport”, the E-Bike achieves less than half the distance that would be possible in “Eco” mode.

• Headwind costs E-Bike range

When you ride against the wind, the (wind) resistance literally increases. Building up decent speed with wind from the front costs your drive power, and then the battery draws a lot of electricity accordingly.

• The terrain

The terrain also plays an important role in the possible ranges, and there are two important aspects to consider here: On the one hand, your E-Bike consumes more battery charge on inclines than on flat or downhill terrain. 

Also interesting is the nature of the surface. On smooth asphalt, the wheels roll more easily, saving battery. On loose surfaces, the drive consumes more energy. You can even see this! If the tires leave a clear track, literally “digging” through mud or sand, the electric bike needs more energy, and the battery provides less range.

• Temperature

E-Bike batteries (like all batteries) do not like extreme temperatures, and strong temperature fluctuations are also suboptimal. It is definitely sensible to protect the battery from frost and extreme heat. Perhaps you have also noticed that your phone battery lasts less time in frosty temperatures? E-Bike batteries behave quite similarly. With the temperatures, the range decreases!

• The speed of the E-Bike

The more your drive has to support you, the more energy it consumes. So if you always ride at top speed, the battery will soon be empty. Switch to a low support level if you want to achieve a lot of range , if you turn off the drive and ride with muscle power, the battery lasts forever!

• The tires affect the range!

The wider the contact surface of the tires, the greater the rolling resistance, so wide tires need more energy = battery charge.

• Less weight means more range

The more weight your e-bike has to move, the more electricity it needs. This includes the total weight of the bike and rider. Luggage, child seats, and trailers also consume additional energy.

• Traffic flow counts, avoid stop-and-go!

The more often you have to start while on the road, the less range your e-bike has. 

What you can do for more range

If you have read the section “These factors affect the range,” you already know how to save battery and thus extend the distance your e-bike can cover . Some of the factors that affect the distance can be controlled, while others cannot.

• The motorization of the e-bike

You can't change the motorization of an existing e-bike, of course. However, you can consider how much power you actually need before purchasing.

• The support level

Do you always need full support? Or is it enough if the motor helps a little? The smaller the assistance level, the more range! Maybe you can turn off the drive completely when going downhill for a longer period? 

But there is a point to consider here: With some e-bikes, the light goes out when you turn off the drive. Riding without lights just to get a few more kilometers out of the battery is dangerous! In case of doubt, being seen is more important than having a lot of range!

• Headwind

There’s not much you can do against headwind, of course. But you can take a cue from road cyclists! Tight clothing that doesn’t flap and a low seating position reduce air resistance.

• The terrain

If you turn off the drive completely when going downhill, you won’t use any electricity. 

You might not be able to influence the surface either. But if you can ride on smooth surfaces , you should do so because it saves electricity and extends the range of the e-bike.

• Temperature

There’s not much you can do about temperature either. Cold reduces the performance of a battery, and unfortunately, there’s little room for maneuver. There are neoprene thermal covers for the e-bike battery. Whether such a cover extends the range is rather questionable.

• The speed

If you ride leisurely, your e-bike uses less electricity than it would during a hard ride. Occasionally hitting top speed is simply fun. But if you pedal yourself, ride on a low support level, or choose downhill sections for the speed rush, your e-bike will reward you with more range.

• The weight

Many e-bikers tend not to limit their luggage too strictly, after all, the drive helps with transportation. However, if you want to have the largest possible range, for example when bikepacking, you should still carefully consider what you really need. The saved weight increases the possible distance.

• The tires

As wide as necessary, but no more – more rubber on the road requires more battery. You should also regularly pump up the tires, flat tires require more energy. If you want more information on the perfect tire size, you should visit the article "Find the right tire width"!

• The traffic flow

Can you perhaps avoid rush hours? Or is there possibly a less frequented bike path? If you can avoid stop-and-go , you will be rewarded with greater range.

What really needs to go on the bike tour? The less weight, the more range your e-bike has! Image © SKS

Is the range specified by e-bike manufacturers accurate?

You saw it in the last section – the range specifications are guidelines, which are strongly influenced by the test conditions. For this reason, there is either a specification that contains a approx. , a more or less large range, or no statement. 

Some large manufacturers, Bosch or Shimano, have now tested their e-bike batteries under various conditions and offer online range calculators or can at least provide various guideline values for battery range under different conditions. 

"With battery XY you can go exactly ...km!", unfortunately, doesn't work.

Which is the “best” e-bike battery?

While we cannot provide reliable information on the range of the e-bike (as you now know), we can tell you one thing for sure:

The best battery for you is the one that fits your cycling plans.

If you consider what you plan to do with your pedelec before purchasing, you can buy a battery with the appropriate range. This way, you won't run out of juice on the road, but you also won't pay for watt-hours you don't need!

Here are a few example scenarios that could influence the purchase decision:

• You only ride short distances, and it doesn't bother you that your e-bike needs to be charged more often? 
• You want to load your bike often, so take it with you on the car carrier. Or does it have to go down into the subway with you? Or does it park in the bike cellar and has to go down a few steps and back up again? Then a light e-bike with a small motor and battery is easier to handle.
• Do you fall under the category of “small, light rider”?
• Are you looking for a cheap e-bike? 
• If the range is too small for you, would you buy a range extender?

→ Then a smaller, cheaper battery with a shorter range is sufficient for you.

• Do you want to do all-day tours , or are multi-day tours on the agenda?
• Do you live in the mountains or want to go on a cycling holiday there, so your e-bike covers significantly more elevation gain than it would in the flatlands? 
• Are you riding a cargo bike or an MTB fully with high torque? 
• Do your bike, you, and the luggage weigh a bit more together?
• Do you want not to recharge constantly?

→ Then a pedelec with a large battery with a lot of capacity and range is certainly a good investment, you might even need to pack a range extender and/or the charger.

If the battery can be removed, there may be a replacement battery if the range of your e-bike decreases. Image © Trek

What range can an e-bike really achieve?

Now you know that it is practically impossible to provide reliable figures for the range here. Between 40 and 120 kilometers ... is not really helpful, but the common average that is often given by manufacturers and in the bike press. However, some research when buying an e-bike will give you an idea of the possible range of a single model.

What can you do if the range of the e-bike battery shrinks over time?

You read above, a battery loses capacity over time even with good care and eventually it only manages shorter distances.

But that doesn't mean your e-bike is scrap, there are various solutions. 

• With a range extender , your e-bike can achieve greater ranges again
• Many e-bikes offer the option to attach a second battery (called DualBattery, double battery, etc., depending on the manufacturer)
• There are replacement batteries; if the battery is removable and the manufacturer offers replacement batteries, this is a good solution. 

The replacement battery is also a great extension for a bikepacking tour! If there are no range extenders available for your e-bike drive, you can simply charge a second battery, pack it, and swap it if necessary.

Two good tips to conclude…

Our first tip… before you go on larger bike tours, you should do a small “dry run” – run the battery almost empty and charge it completely. Then you can go on a test ride. When the battery is almost empty again, you can roughly estimate the distance your bike can cover on one charge. The more accurately you mimic the tour (i.e., weight of the luggage, terrain, support level, etc.), the more accurately you can determine the range you can achieve.

Tip number 2: If you would like to buy a smaller, lighter, and cheaper battery but still want to ride your e-bike more often, you should pay attention to the charging times . Most manufacturers that build e-bike drives specify how long it takes for their batteries to be half or fully charged. The faster this goes, the quicker your bike is back on the road. Perhaps the manufacturer also offers a speed charger . With such a faster charging device , your pedelec is ready for use again in no time.

We have many interesting pieces of information about bicycles and e-bikes for you, and more will follow! So far, you can find the following posts in the bike blog:

• E-Bike Tires – useful or useless?
• Storing the E-Bike Battery – but correctly!
• Charging the E-Bike Battery – here's how
  

Cover image: Trek