Electric bike range: what you need to know!
By electric bike or car...
Whether you're commuting around town, running short errands or going for a sporty ride, an electric bike is the practical, efficient and environmentally-friendly way to get around.
With your electric bike, you can get around more quickly and, above all, without as much effort as on a conventional bike. Thanks to the advantages of its electric battery, the VAE (electrically-assisted bicycle) is one of the preferred modes of daily transport for getting to work... without arriving all sweaty!
Are you about to buy an electric bike? Thinking of investing in a new bike battery? You're probably wondering about your battery's autonomy:
- What is the battery capacity of my electric bike?
- How many kilometers can I cover on a full battery charge?
- Is the range claimed by the manufacturer certified?
- How long does the battery last on my electric bike?
- Does battery autonomy decrease with time and use?
- How can I optimize the range of my electric bike?
In this article, Doctibike sheds light on everything you need to know about electric bike range.
What factors determine the range of an electric bike battery?
The range of an electric bike depends on a number of factors, such as the power and capacity of the electric bike battery, the rider's weight, the profile of the terrain, the level of assistance used and the riding speed. The best electric bike batteries give a range of 50 to 100 km on a full charge. However, it's important to note that the range of electric bike batteries advertised by manufacturers is often an estimate based on ideal conditions. In reality, many factors can influence the range of an electric bike, including weather conditions, riding style, tire quality and pedaling cadence.
Electric bike battery capacity: we explain!
Electric bike battery capacity is a key determinant of your bike's range. The higher the battery capacity, the greater the electric bike's range. We can compare the battery of an electric bike to an energy reservoir that powers the bike's operation. From a more technical point of view, the battery takes into account three essential elements: its capacity in watt-hours (Wh), its voltage in volts (V) and its amperage in ampere-hours (Ah).
Battery capacities range from 160Wh to 600 Wh. The latest-generation batteries from leading brands offer capacities of up to 800Wh.
Voltage is generally between 24V and 48V, depending on make and model.
Amperage varies from 5Ah to 20 Ah.
The combination of these three elements (capacity, voltage and amperage) determines the performance and range of an electric bike battery.
For example, a 36V 13Ah battery capacity is equivalent to 468 Wh (36V x 13Ah). So, when you buy your electric bike, if the capacity in Wh is not indicated on the bike's technical data sheet, simply ask for the amperage in Ah and the voltage in V. The battery capacity is simply the product of multiplying this amperage and the battery voltage!
Electric mountain bikes and electric city bikes: two different ranges
The type of bike can also influence the range of the electric bike battery. Indeed, the range of an electric mountain bike, designed for off-road use, will be slightly less than the range of a city electric bike, due to its higher level of assistance and its use on rougher terrain.
Electric bike range: a question of assistance used
Battery consumption depends on the level of assistance chosen. The higher the assistance level, the higher the battery consumption. In the past, electric assistance was generally limited to three levels: eco, intermediate and turbo. Nowadays, manufacturers offer a wider range of assistance levels, from 25% to 100%, enabling users to choose more precisely the degree of assistance that suits their needs.
Other factors that influence the autonomy of your bike battery
- Type of route
Starting from this principle, the autonomy of your electric bike will also depend on the type of route you take. In town, in the mountains, on roads or forest trails... your level of assistance will vary with the gradients and differences in altitude you ride. Consequently, your level of assistance will not be the same everywhere!
- Cyclist profile
A question of use... but also of user! The cyclist's weight also plays a role in the autonomy of the bike battery. Not only that, but also the weight of luggage and components. The greater the total weight carried by the bike, the greater the battery consumption. When buying an electric bike, it's important to note that the battery life advertised by the manufacturer is generally based on a rider weighing less than 70 kg.
Which battery for which use?
When it comes to an electric bike, range is an important factor. It is essential to know how far an electric bike can take you before it runs out of juice.
If you're thinking about investing in an electric battery, you're probably wondering: what is the potential range of this battery and how many kilometres can I ride it?
In reality, the type of battery you choose will depend on your lifestyle and how you use it:
- Daily and urban commuting: opt for a 'modest' power battery, i.e. < 400 Wh. This will give you an average range of 30-50 km.
- Long bike rides, weekend rides and similar excursions: choose a "medium" power battery, between 400 and 600 Wh, with an average range of 50 to 80 km.
- Mountain biking, sports trips and outdoor adventures: this type of activity requires a long battery life. For this reason, you will need high power batteries > 600 Wh with a range of 90 to 120 km.
For long bike rides or if you use your electric bike for your daily commute, it's a good idea to invest in a long-range electric bike battery.
In short, for a range of 30 to 60 km, a battery with an average capacity of 200 Wh to 400 Wh is recommended. If you're looking for a longer range of 90 to 120 km, opt for a battery capacity of between 600 Wh and 800 Wh.
However, with proper use and maintenance, it's also possible to maximise the range of your electric bike, so you can enjoy long rides without worrying about getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery!
How many years does an electric bike battery last?
Electric-assist bicycle batteries have an estimated lifespan of between 300 and 800 charge and discharge cycles. This means that they can be charged and discharged between 300 and 800 times before they start to lose capacity. Compared with the old lead-acid batteries, the lithium batteries in ECVs last around five times longer.
It's important to note that even after reaching the specified number of cycles, the battery can still function, but its range may gradually diminish.
At Doctibike, we offer high-quality bicycle batteries that meet the standards of the original manufacturers and are guaranteed against manufacturing defects!
What are the best electric bike batteries?
There are many brands of electric bike batteries on the market, each with their own characteristics. At Doctibike, we recommend that you avoid investing in low-end models and instead opt for reputable battery brands such as Bosch, Shimano, BMZ, Transx, Phylion, Yamaha or Panasonic bicycle batteries.
Don't hesitate to visit our website to explore the different batteries available and find the battery that meets your specific requirements.
Our tips for easily extending your battery life
If you want to extend the battery life of your electric bike, we suggest you follow these best practices:
- Use the lowest assistance level for flat terrain or downhill riding, and a higher assistance mode only for starts or steep climbs. Use eco or intermediate modes whenever possible.
- When riding, avoid sudden acceleration and favor a smooth, steady ride. Limit steep inclines if you want to extend your range.
- Only use the right charger for your battery, to avoid damaging it.
- Protect your battery from damp and cold.
- If you use your electric bike on a daily basis, opt for a battery with a higher watt-hour (Wh) capacity.
- Use good-quality tires and check their pressure regularly.
- Avoid cuts when charging your battery. We recommend that you wait until the battery is fully charged before disconnecting it, so as not to impair its performance.
- Limit the extra weight on your bike.
At Doctibike, we're convinced that sustainability has its place in the electric bike world. That's why, since 2017, we've been offering a wide range of electric bike batteries, both new and reconditioned.
