For most users, a realistic and comfortable range is between 70 and 100 km.
The truth about your electric bike's real range
You've just bought a brand-new electric bike. According to the brochure, you should be able to cover 120 kilometers effortlessly on a single charge. But in reality, you soon notice that the battery is empty after around 70 kilometers. What's the problem?
Welcome to the world of electric bike range, where theory and practice are sometimes light years apart. In this blog, we explain why advertised range is often difficult to achieve, what factors influence it, and how you can get the most out of your electric bike.
How far can I travel with my electric bike?
Enter your parameters and get an estimated range. The result remains an approximation and may vary in real-life conditions.
What exactly is autonomy?
The range of an electric bike is the number of kilometers you can travel on a full battery before you need to recharge it. This distance depends on a number of variables, so it's not a fixed value.
The figures advertised by the manufacturer (e.g. "up to 120 km") are generally based on ideal conditions:
- flat terrain
- no wind
- light cyclist
- minimum assistance
- well-inflated tires
But how often do you really drive in such perfect conditions?
Why doesn't your electric bike reach its promised range?
In practice, the situation is much more dynamic. Here are the main factors influencing autonomy:
1. Weight of rider and luggage
The heavier you (and your luggage) are, the greater the effort required of the engine. This means..:
- faster battery consumption
- a shorter distance
2. Weather conditions
Headwinds or temperatures below 10°C? Battery performance drops significantly:
- Cold temperatures can reduce capacity by 10 to 30%.
- Wind creates additional resistance
3. tires pressure
Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance. A simple pressure check can make a difference of several dozen kilometers.
4. Level of assistance
Do you mainly ride with the highest assistance level? Then your battery drains faster. In "eco" mode, you can often double the distance.
5. Motor and battery type
A central motorgenerally consumes less power than a motor in the front wheel. Battery capacity (expressed in Wh) also plays a crucial role:
- 300 Wh → ± 50 to 70 km
- 500 Wh → ± 70 to 100 km
- 625 Wh or more → up to 120+ km (in ideal conditions)
How is autonomy tested?
Manufacturers often use a standardized test such as the NECB or R200 test, where all conditions are optimized. For example:
- constant speed
- no gradient
- no red lights or stops
So it makes sense that your daily commute will be very different.
How can you improve your autonomy?
Here are some practical tips to increase your reach:
- Use eco mode more often
- Inflate your tires every two weeks
- Recharge your battery at room temperature
- Avoid heavy loads
- Plan your journeys so that you have the wind at your back on the way home
Average range in practice
According to e-bikeaccu.nl, the average range of an electric bike in the Netherlands and Belgium is between 60 and 80 kilometers, depending on the type of bike and its use. The figures shown on the packaging are therefore achievable, but only under specific conditions.
Conclusion
The range of your electric bike is not a firm promise, but an estimate based on ideal conditions. Fortunately, with a little common sense and good maintenance, you yourself can exert a significant influence. Take into account your own usage, environment and habits, and you'll see that your e-bike will take you further than you thought.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good range for an electric bike?
How far can you travel on a full battery?
This varies from 40 to 150 km, depending on battery capacity, assistance level, route and conditions.
How does the weather affect the range of my electric bike?
Cold can reduce battery capacity by up to 30%. Headwinds and rain increase resistance, which also affects range.