Electric bike range refers to the distance that an e-bike can take you on a single charge. While it seems like it’s all about the battery, until it does not drain to zero, you will be on your way. But it’s not that simple; other elements contribute too. Cycling enthusiasts should know the range of e-bikes they are considering so they can select one that will allow them to travel farther between charges. Besides telling you what’s affecting your e-bike’s range, the article also focuses on giving you some tips to attain the maximum range.
What is the Average Electric Bike Range?
The Electric Bike Range is not something that can be specified for e-bikes. It differs from bike to bike, and sometimes it also differs for the same bike under different circumstances. It implies that a variety of factors influence an e-bike’s range. There are numerous other factors that affect range, such as how people ride the bike and their weight, in addition to the e-bike’s technical specifications. In fact, weather affects the e-bike range to a great extent. These factors will be discussed in detail in the next session. For now, all you need to know is that a normal e-bike can take you up to 50 or 60 kilometers on a single charge, whereas standard electric bikes that are made to be ridden on mountain tops can travel more than 100 kilometers after being charged completely. Recently, some e-bikes have been manufactured that claim to have a range of more than 300 kilometers.
Factors Affecting the Electric Bike Range:
The following are the factors that influence the range of an e-bike:
Battery Charging and Capacity:
How much your battery is charged is directly related to how long you will travel. If your battery is partially charged, you are not going to cover the expected distance. Besides charging, the battery capacity also matters. A new battery has a good capacity, and taking care of it will maintain it. Don’t let your battery drain to zero; plug in the charger before that. Similarly, don’t let the battery overcharge. Both these things affect the battery capacity, which in turn affects the e-bike range. Furthermore, after the battery has reached its charge cycle, it will start losing its capacity and efficiency. It might start draining fast, resulting in less range.
Weight on the E-Bike:
The greater the weight, the greater the force required to get it moving. The same is applied here. If the rider has got too much weight or if he is loading something heavy on his e-bike, the engine would require more energy. Obviously, this energy is provided by the battery, which will drain fast if the bike is carrying something heavy. A battery draining fast will cover less distance than it would have without that load.
Level of Assistance:
There are certain levels of assistance on e-bikes. The greater the level, the faster the bike travels. To achieve fast speed, the motor has to consume more energy from the battery, which will drain it quickly, resulting in a decreased range. But that’s completely opposite to the lower levels. Level 1 or 2 moves slowly and it might take more time to reach the destination, but these levels are going to take you to a larger range as the motor is consuming less energy from the battery, prolonging its life.
Terrain:
The smoother the path, the less work the motor has to do, resulting in a larger range. The same battery that takes you about 70 km on a smooth road might take you about 50 km or even less on a more tattered surface.
Start and Stop Frequency:
Just as it happens in a car, stopping and starting the e-bike more frequently drains the battery quickly and gives you a shorter range.
Weather:
“Weather affects the bike range” is often a new fact for beginner cyclists. Let me tell you how it impacts. If you are moving downwind, the wind is aiding you in moving, so the bike covers a longer range. If you are moving upwind, the wind is opposing you, and the motor has to do some extra work, resulting in a shorter range. Similarly, temperature also affects the range. Too hot or too cold weather is bad for your e-bike battery. It works optimally at a normal temperature.
Can an Extra Battery Increase My E-Bike’s Range?
Yes, adding a second battery to an e-bike will definitely take you longer distances. But setting up the second battery is not as simple as it seems. Firstly, it’s a costly process, as you have to buy the battery and then you have to pay the mechanic the setup cost. Secondly, there are some things that you need to take care of while buying and installing the battery on your bike. For instance, the second battery must have the same voltage as the already installed one, and the wires and adapters should be installed in a skillful way that balances the bike weight as well as doesn’t let the batteries get discharged into one another. Additionally, it will add some weight to your bike, but if you purchase lithium-ion batteries, this is not a major concern.
How to Increase the Range of an E-Bike?
- Check the pressure in the tires. The right pressure gives a smoother ride with a greater range.
- Charge the battery completely before cycling.
- Change the gears during your ride wisely.
- Minimize the load on your bike and try using a lower assistance level.
- Instead of depending completely on the throttle, try pedaling yourself.
- Carrying an extra battery for longer trips will definitely help.
Where Can I Get Outstanding E-Bikes?
At RevoltBikes, we’ve two major types of e-bikes made out of aluminum alloy and carbon fiber. The different models of these e-bikes offer different ranges based on their construction. Depending on whether you want a long-range bike for the mountains or a standard-range bike to ride in the city, you can choose the one according to your needs.
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