E-bike range: How far can you go on a charge?
E-bikes are becoming an increasingly popular way to traverse your city, and it's easy to see why when you look at the advantages.
Just like all EVs, e-bikes are eco-friendly and free from noise pollution. Compared to a standard bicycle, they are even easier to ride, thanks to features like pedal-assist that help you climb hills with ease. Of course, electric vehicles are also low cost alternatives to their gas-powered counterparts, often allowing users to travel hundreds of miles for just a few dollars.
But those who are new to e-bikes may be wondering what range they can offer, how to extend their e-bike range, and which e-bikes offer the longest range. Look no further; we have the answers!
What is the range of an e-bike?
Ultimately, the range of an e-bike depends on one major factor: battery capacity. The larger the battery capacity, the longer the e-bike can potentially travel on a single charge.
While the actual mileage per charge can vary due to a number of other conditions, most standard e-bikes fall in a range of 20-50 miles (32-80 km) per charge. There are exceptions to this, though, such as the NIU BQi-C3 Pro, which offers about 60 miles (96.5 km) on a single charge.
Of course, there are e-bikes that offer add-on battery packs or extended range versions, but there is often a steep price increase that comes along with it.
Why can't I reach the advertised range of my e-bike?
Every e-bike rider should expect their mileage to change based on:
- Ambient temperature
- Payload weight (both the rider and any gear)
- Inclines along the path
- Road and weather conditions
- Tire pressure
- Battery health
For example, the 60-mile maximum range of NIU's BQi-C3 Pro is calculated based on:
- Temperature of 77°F (25°C)
- Payload weight of 198lbs (90kg)
- Flat road
- No wind
- Recommended tire pressure
- Constant speed of 19mph (30km/h)
Other variables like riding habits, riding mode, and more can affect the end result of your battery range as well.
How can I extend the range of an e-bike?
The simplest way to go as far as possible on an e-bike is to get one that offers maximum battery capacity, like the dual battery system on the BQi-C3 Pro.
Also, some e-bikes include both pedal-assist and throttle modes, which offer different riding styles to the user but may affect how much battery is used when traveling the same distance. Throttle engages the motor directly and requires no effort on the part of the rider, which uses more battery power. Compare that to pedal-assist mode, which uses power from the motor and the user pedaling to keep you moving, thus using less overall battery to travel the same distance.
Additionally, reducing the payload weight on the e-bike, pumping up the tire pressure, or choosing routes that avoid hills can also help you gain some extra distance.
How can I extend the battery life of an e-bike?
While maximizing the range of an e-bike is important to many users, it should be important to all riders to extend the longevity of their e-bikes.
As with any electric vehicle, it's important to pay attention to battery health and avoid situations that may expedite battery deterioration. Users should not charge or store their e-bikes in temperatures below freezing. If you plan to store your e-bike or the battery for an extended time, it's best to aim for around 50% battery charge when you put it away.
In the past, we have offered some battery best practices for electric two-wheelers, and the same principles apply here to e-bikes as well.
Which e-bike has the longest range?
While there are e-bikes that offer extended range batteries and add-ons to increase the per-charge distance beyond 100 miles, you will also find yourself paying significant fees for that privilege.
Most riders want to find a balance between price and features, while still meeting their daily range needs. The e-bike that strikes this balance is the NIU BQi-C3 Pro, which offers about 60 miles (96.5 km) per charge while maintaining an excellent value and feature set for an urban e-bike.
The beauty of e-bikes is that they cater to different riding styles: throttle mode, pedal-assist, or no assistance at all. This can help riders maximize their range while still adapting to their needs on the go.
If you're new to e-bikes, make sure you look at options that include high-quality components (for example, a belt drive motor) that will increase the longevity of your bike, while still offering the range you need at a price that doesn't break the bank.
If you're looking at a balanced urban e-bike solution, it's worth considering the BQi-C3 Pro -- a bike priced for entry-level users but including quality components and outstanding range.
