Nowadays, modern e-bikes offer a practical alternative for covering long distances comfortably and in an environmentally friendly way. This makes them perfect for a wide range of uses, such as leisure, sport or commuting to work. However, not all electric bikes are the same, as there are significant differences in performance, quality and, above all, riding range.
In this article, we aim to explain which factors have the greatest impact on the riding range and how you can get the absolute maximum out of your e-bike. In this way, you can even successfully master bike tours through the mountains, which last several hours.
How the Riding Range of Your E-Bike is Defined
By far the most important aspect is the e-bike battery size. In principle, the larger the capacity, the bigger the distances you can cover. For long ranges, the battery should have a capacity of at least 300 watt-hours, then even distances between 50 and 100 km (31 to 62 miles) are feasible. Meanwhile, you can even find e-bikes with a 320 km (200 mile) range, but such special models have certain disadvantages.
For one thing, they often cost three times as much as the normal models, and on top of that, a larger battery increases the weight considerably. Approximately 30 kg (66 pounds) is much higher than the average electric bike weight, and makes these bikes quite difficult to handle. For most people, an e-bike with a 300 Wh battery offers a sufficient range and a good compromise between price and practicality for your everyday life.
These Factors Play a Role in Determining Your E-Bike Mileage
But, apart from the battery, there are several other factors which influence the riding range of an e-bike. These are usually dependent on the situation and therefore cannot be generalised as such.
Consider the following issues for your individual case:
- Pedal assistance: Riders can choose between different levels of pedal assistance, with higher levels consuming more energy. This affects the electric bike (or pedelec) mileage range, which is correspondingly lower.
- Total weight: To accelerate a heavier weight, the motor has to work harder. So light riders on light e-bikes will be able to go a little further, provided all other factors are identical.
- Speed: The faster you want to go, the more the motor has to work. That’s why many e-bikes have an eco-mode that only provides support up to 15 km/h, for example.
- Weather conditions: Anyone who rides a bike into a headwind knows that you need to extend much more force when pedalling. The e-bike must also work harder to successfully master this resistance.
- Route: A straight route with an impeccable road surface makes for a much easier journey on your electric bike than a gravel route with an incline. This is reflected accordingly in the riding range, which can be lower on difficult routes.
The Battery Counts
If you want to know how far you can go on an electric bike, it pays to remember that the battery performance makes all the difference. Therefore, you should make sure that it meets your requirements. As mentioned before, the capacity should be at least 300 Wh to allow a riding range of up to 100 km (62 miles). Larger batteries are also an option, but bear in mind that the purchase price and the total weight will increase significantly.
In addition, the charging time for an e-bike should be as short as possible; after all, no one wants to wait around half a day for a full charge. Less than three hours for a full charge is a good guideline because then up to 50% can even be charged during a lunch break. In a sales consultation, the salesperson can tell you which e-bike meets these conditions and would suit your needs. However, to get the maximum performance out of the battery for a long time, you need to take good care of it. Extreme temperatures should be avoided, so it is better to store your bike inside on particularly hot or cold days. Moreover, if possible, you should avoid discharging the battery completely. If you take a long break of several days, the battery level should ideally be around 60%.
The E-Bike Range Calculator Is a Good Indicator!
There are now some practical range calculators on the internet that can be quite useful. Typically, these are provided by certain battery manufacturers to give customers an initial overview of the potential riding range and might even include an e-bike battery chart. This will demonstrate how the various factors actually affect the range.
You can input the riding speed, the rider’s weight, the cadence, and various other factors to see the effects on the possible distance you could travel without having to recharge.
Tips on How to Increase the Riding Range of Your E-Bike
There are also some practical tips that you can use to increase the range of your e-bike. Consider the following tips:
- Many models have riding modes that are specifically designed for longer distances. Check for a special eco-mode that is particularly economical.
- If possible, select a lower level of pedal assistance, then the battery will last much longer.
- Use a low gear for the start and shift up later. The motor works more efficiently at higher pedalling speeds.
- Make sure that the tyres always have optimal pressure and that the chain is sufficiently oiled. This reduces unnecessary resistance when riding.
- Avoid unnecessary stops because starting and accelerating usually consume the most energy.
- Do not carry unnecessary loads that could increase the total weight.
Naturally, weather conditions and distance also play an important role, but as a cyclist you cannot control the wind direction, or whether the route to work has a gradient or not. A modern e-bike with a reasonable riding range should be able to cope with these issues effortlessly.
The Bottom Line
Nowadays, e-bikes are practical everyday helpers that make life much easier for many people. Seniors may regain their mobility and sporty people, who love long tours, can even manage the most demanding routes. An electric bike needs a powerful battery with a decent riding range to meet the highest demands, and then you can master all challenges with ease.
All Ampler e-bikes have an effective 336 Wh battery, which is more than sufficient for distances of up to 100 km (62 miles). This is an ideal compromise between range, price, and quality. Our high-quality batteries are directly installed into the frame, which looks smart and protects the battery from inclement weather and theft.
Schedule your test ride with one of the stylish second generation Ampler e-bikes.