Maximizing Miles: How to Calculate an eBikes Range

Here’s the situation. You hop on your eBike, turn it on, the battery says it’s full but how far can you go?

Generally, most commercially sold eBikes in good condition will have a range of 15 to 25 miles. If you’re worried about getting to your destination and returning, help extend the range by pedaling at a rate the adds to the power provided by the motor.

To get into the calculations of eBike range three important factors need to be understood. The first is kinetic energy stored in the battery. This is called battery capacity which is measured in Amp Hours. Next is the rate your motor will use the energy in Watts. The last item to consider is the electronic limits placed on the battery to maintain your batteries health. (Called BMS Cutoff)

The Math to Calculating eBike Range

The equation is relatively simple to calculate range. It is:

Range = (Battery Capacity in Watt-Hours) / (Power Consumption in Watts) – (% Reduction for Factors)

Let’s apply this to a popular ebike electrical system setup the RadRover 6 a great commuter ebike.

Spec’s and assumptions of the bike

• 750 watt motor
• 630 watt-hour battery
• We’ll assume a 30% low voltage battery cut-off
• 750 watt eBike is capable of 28 mph

The calculations

( 750 watts / 630 watt-hour ) – 30% = .83 hours of ride time using full power

Using a max speed of 28 mph you’ll go for .83 hours or 23.3 miles range

To support this the RadRover has advertised range of “Up to 45 miles”

RIDE e MTB Pro Tip: With eBikes growing in popularity learning all the terms and definitions can be a bit overwhelming. Let me help with this comprehensive glossary. 👉 eBike Glossary

Does This Calculation Work in the Real World?

No, the unknows related to battery condition, terrain, wind, weight, bicycle and motor gearing and rider effort throw all these calculations out the window.

A better way of for you to gauge the range is with riding experience and watching the volt meter of your battery. I have a charts for multiple battery voltages (36, 48 and 52-volt) in this article 👉 Voltage Range Charts for eBikes. By watching your voltage and relating it back to the low voltage cut-off, you’ll understand when your battery will die.

Examples

My bike

This is my bike, a 1000 watt bike with a 52 volt, 17.5 amp-hour battery. The distance that a 52V, 17.5Ah battery will go on a 1000W electric bike depends on several factors, including the weight of the rider, the terrain, and the efficiency of the bike’s motor and drive system. However, it can be estimated using the following formula:

Range = (Battery Capacity in Watt-hours) / (Power Consumption in Watts)

First, we need to convert the battery voltage and capacity to watt-hours:

52V * 17.5Ah = 914 Wh

Now, using the formula:

Range = 914 Wh / 1000W = 0.914 hours – 30 % = ~23 miles at 35mph

My wife’s Bike

This is a rough estimate and actual range may vary.

how far will a 48V, 15Ah battery go on a 500 watt electric bike

The distance that a 48V, 15Ah battery will go on a 500W electric bike depends on several factors, including the weight of the rider, the terrain, and the efficiency of the bike’s motor and drive system. However, it can be estimated using the following formula:

Range = (Battery Capacity in Watt-hours) / (Power Consumption in Watts)

First, we need to convert the battery voltage and capacity to watt-hours:

48V * 15Ah = 720 Wh

Now, using the formula:

Range = 720 Wh / 500W = 1.44 hours – 30 % = ~28 miles at 28mph

Disclaimer (the reality factor)

So many factors affect a bikes range. I’d hate to think everyone just uses the throttle or “ghost pedals” whenever their riding an eBike. Wind, weight, your fitness level, hills, gears….it’s a long list of disclaimers. My best advise, ride your eBike enough to get a feel for how far your bike will go.

Let’s add Some Reality “Range Anxiety”

As an avid electric bike rider, I’m always curious about how far my bike will take me on a single charge. To determine the range of my electric bike, I first need to understand the factors that affect it.

I start by using my wife’s bike and checking the specifications of the battery. It’s a 48V, 15Ah battery, which I know is capable of providing me with plenty of power for my rides. I also make sure that my tire pressure is optimized, as proper tire pressure can reduce rolling resistance and improve the range.

Next, I take a look at my riding conditions. I weigh myself to get an accurate measurement of my weight, and I take note of the terrain I’ll be riding on. I also consider the efficiency of my bike’s motor and drive system, as well as the amount of air resistance I’ll encounter on my ride.

I then set off on my ride, being mindful of my pedaling effort. I know that the harder I pedal, the more energy I’ll use, so I try to maintain a steady pace that feels comfortable. I also make use of my bike’s eco mode, which reduces the power output of the motor and increases my range.

Finally, I utilize the regenerative braking system on my bike, which converts the energy from braking into electricity and stores it in the battery. This helps to increase my range and make the most of the power available to me.

After my ride, I estimate my range by dividing the battery capacity (in watt-hours) by the power consumption (in watts). In my case, my battery provides 720 watt-hours of power, and my bike consumes 500 watts, which gives me an estimated range of 1.44 hours or approximately 86 minutes.

By taking these steps, I’m able to get the most out of my electric bike and enjoy longer, more enjoyable rides.

11 Tips for Increasing the Range of an Electric Bike

1. Use Pedal Assist – Adding a little bit of human power (this means you the rider). Is the best way to increase range, and as a added bonus you’ll get some exercise.
2. Plan Your Route – Avoid big hills if possible. A hill adds a tremendous load to the bike battery and motor.
3. Fully Charge Battery – I know this seems silly to say, but many battery chargers have the ability to charge the battery at a lower level. I often only charge my battery to 80% full, this will extend the battery overall life.
4. Avoid Cold Weather – Low temps will significantly reduce the range and power of an eBike.
5. Reduce weight – Lightening the load on an electric bike will reduce the amount of energy needed to propel it, which in turn will increase the range.
6. Optimize tire pressure – Proper tire pressure will reduce the rolling resistance and improve the bike’s range. Fat tire bikes often have extremely low pressure tires (great for traction, but bad for range).
7. Use eco mode – Many electric bikes have a power-saving mode that reduces the power output of the motor and increases the range. This basically turns down the available power.
8. Reduce air resistance – Streamlining the bike by removing any unnecessary accessories or baggage will reduce air resistance and improve the range.
9. Choose the right gear – Selecting the right gear for the terrain will reduce the energy required to pedal and increase the range. Electric bikes want to spin fast with little resistance. If you have a mid-drive eBike selecting the lowest gear ratio will increase range.
10. Use regenerative braking – If your electric bike has a regenerative braking systems, use it at the highest setting. This might make for a a weird biking experience, but You’ll be store energy every time you apply the brakes.
11. Proper battery maintenance – Maintaining the battery in good condition, such as keeping it clean, charged, and stored in a cool place, will extend its lifespan and improve the range.

Range Recap

The range of an electric bike is a critical factor that affects its performance and usability. It is determined by several factors, including battery specifications, rider weight, terrain, the efficiency of the motor and drive system, air resistance, pedaling effort, regenerative braking, and battery maintenance.

To improve the range of an electric bike, riders can take steps such as reducing weight, optimizing tire pressure, using eco mode, reducing air resistance, choosing the right gear, using regenerative braking, and properly maintaining the battery. By understanding the effects of batteries and the distance an electric bike can travel, riders can make informed decisions about their electric bike and maximize its performance and range.

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Things to Checkout and More Reading

Battery specifications and calculations:

The manufacturer’s website or manual for your electric bike. 👈 Read those instructions, an eBike costs some cash and the battery is one of the most expensive parts.

Websites such as ElectricBikeReview.com or Bosch-ebike.com, which provide information on battery technology and electric bike components.

Factors affecting electric bike range:

Articles from websites such as Electrek.co or InsideEVs.com that cover the latest developments in electric bike technology.

Studies and reports from organizations such as the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) or the International Energy Agency (IEA), which focus on the use of electric bikes and sustainable transportation.

Improving electric bike range:

Electric bike forums, such as Endless-Sphere.com or Ebike.ca, where experienced riders share tips and tricks for getting the most out of their electric bikes.

These sources provide comprehensive and up-to-date information on the topics related to batteries and electric bike range, and can help you make informed decisions about your electric bike.