E-Bike Range Calculator

What Affects E-Bike Range?

E-bike range is influenced by several key factors that work together to determine how far you can ride on a single charge. Understanding these variables helps you plan rides confidently and maximize your battery's potential.

• Battery Capacity (Wh): The total energy storage of your battery, measured in Watt-Hours. A 500Wh battery stores more energy than a 400Wh battery, enabling longer rides.
• Terrain Type: Flat roads require minimal power, while hills and mountains demand significantly more energy to climb. Off-road trails with loose surfaces also increase consumption.
• Rider Weight: Heavier riders (including cargo) require more motor assistance to maintain speed, reducing overall range.
• Assist Level: Higher power modes (Turbo/Sport) drain the battery faster than Eco or Tour modes. Choosing the right mode for your route is critical.

How Range is Calculated

E-bike range is estimated by dividing the battery's total capacity (in Watt-Hours) by the average energy consumption rate (Wh/km or Wh/mile). The consumption rate varies based on your riding conditions.

Understanding Battery Capacity

Battery capacity is the product of voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah). For example:

• A 36V 10Ah battery has 360Wh (36 × 10 = 360)
• A 48V 14Ah battery has 672Wh (48 × 14 = 672)
• A 52V 17.5Ah battery has 910Wh (52 × 17.5 = 910)

Higher Wh ratings mean longer potential range. Modern e-bikes typically range from 300Wh (compact city bikes) to 1000Wh+ (long-range touring models).

Range Expectations by Bike Type

Different e-bike categories have varying range profiles based on their intended use and typical battery sizes:

• City E-Bikes (400-500Wh): Designed for urban commuting, these bikes typically achieve 40-80 km (25-50 miles) in mixed city riding with moderate assist.
• E-Mountain Bikes (500-700Wh): Built for challenging terrain, e-MTBs usually deliver 30-60 km (20-37 miles) on trails with high power demands.
• E-Road/Touring Bikes (500-750Wh): Optimized for efficiency on paved roads, these bikes can reach 60-120 km (37-75 miles) or more on a single charge.
• Cargo E-Bikes (750-1000Wh): Equipped with large batteries to handle heavy loads, cargo bikes typically range 50-100 km (31-62 miles) depending on load weight.

Tips to Maximize Range

Follow these practical strategies to extend your e-bike's range and get more out of every charge:

• Use Lower Assist Modes: Start rides in Eco mode and save higher power modes for hills or headwinds.
• Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. Check pressure weekly.
• Ride Smoothly: Avoid hard acceleration and frequent stops. Maintain steady speeds when possible.
• Keep Battery Healthy: Store batteries at 40-80% charge, avoid extreme temperatures, and charge regularly.
• Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary cargo and accessories to minimize the load on the motor.
• Plan Routes Wisely: Use bike paths and roads with minimal stops. Anticipate hills and adjust assist accordingly.

Limitations of Range Estimates

While this calculator provides useful estimates, real-world range can vary significantly based on factors that are difficult to quantify precisely. Variables like wind speed and direction, ambient temperature (cold weather reduces battery efficiency), individual pedaling effort, motor efficiency, battery age, and riding style all impact actual performance.

Use calculator results as a baseline estimate rather than an exact prediction. For important rides, plan for 20-30% less range than the calculator suggests to ensure you arrive with battery to spare.

For more cycling performance tools, check out our Cycling Wattage Calculator to estimate power output.