Electric bikes with long range: which VAE for which use?

Therange of an electric bike is often one of the first criteria when it comes to making a choice. Especially when you know that the greater the range of an electric bike, the more expensive it is... You need to find the right balance between your budget and your range requirements.

For short, everyday trips, we recommend entry-level electric bikes with a range of 100 km or less. On the other hand, for bikepacking or sports outings, it's best to opt for electric bikes with a range of 200 km, for example. How can I improve the range of an electric bike? What are the best electric bikes with long range? Today, we're taking a long-distance look at electric bikes! 

The first thing to bear in mind is that a battery's autonomy depends above all on its capacity. In other words, the amount of electrical energy it can store.

The battery is your energy reservoir. As with a car, it can be larger or smaller. The only difference is that on an electric-assist bike, capacity is expressed not in liters, but in watt-hours (Wh).

What's a long battery life?

When we talk about long-range electric-assist bicycles, we're talking about bikes that will exceed 150 km oftheoretical range (we'll come back to the notion of theoretical range shortly). These are the best bikes in the sector, with record-breaking range. 

Speaking in Wh, since it's no longer a secret to you, these bikes are equipped with a huge battery exceeding 600 or even 700 Wh. Enough to go over 200 km before needing a charge cycle! 

When you buy an electrically-assisted bicycle, you'll always be given a range. This figure is an estimate based on reasonable use, by an average-weight cyclist, in well-defined climatic conditions, on flat ground, with no headwinds... In short, you've understood that in reality, the distance you can cover with your electric bike can vary enormously... Sometimes by as much as three times!

Weight has aconsiderable influence oncycling performance. The energy required from the battery by the motor will not be the same to help a 60 kg rider as a 100 kg rider.

And it's not just the weight of the person, it's also the weight of their equipment. When you're going on a short trip, you're bound to bring some luggage with you. The heavier it is, the greater the strain on your VAE's battery...

If you select the highest level of assistance throughout your journey, you won't get very far... On the flat, prefer eco mode, or the lowest level of assistance. Reserve maximum assistance for uphill gradients.

Electric bike batteries are designed for optimum use at 20°C, in a dry atmosphere. When it rains or the temperature falls below 10° or rises above 30°, their performance diminishes. This doesn't mean that they can't be used in these conditions, simply that they will discharge more quickly.

In addition to the factors that influence battery life, as we've just seen, the way in which you look after this precious component will have an impact on its performance.

A few good practices can extend the life of your battery:

• do not store it in direct sunlight or in a cold, damp place;
• do not leave it completely flat;
• do not leave it connected to the mains once it has been charged;
• when you're not using your VAE, make sure it's between 30 and 70% charged and recharge it for at least 30 minutes once a month;
• use the original charger or a compatible brand charger.

To choose the right long-range electric bike, you first need to think about your riding habits and needs. Let's take a look at the cases where a long-range battery is needed, and the most suitable bikes.

If you spend all day in the city, or live dozens of kilometers from your workplace, you need a comfortable, easy-to-handle bike that can cover long distances.

The ideal bike for you is probably an electric VTC. If you take public transport to and from work, you can also opt for a folding bike. It's more practical, and other commuters will appreciate it... What's more, many local authorities offer financial assistance for the purchase of this type of bike.

For electric VTCs, we recommend the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid EXC, a regular best-seller, or the Kettler Quadriga P5 RT with its low-set frame.

And when it comes to folding bikes, the Peps N7C from French brand O2feel is a very good choice.

An environmentally-friendly means of transport par excellence, bicycles are increasingly used for multi-day trips, with panniers and pre-defined stages. This is what we call bikepacking.

The distances covered per day depend on you. They can range from 30 to over 100 km for seasoned cyclists, or even a little more with an electric-assist bike. Since you'll be carrying a load, and the paths you'll be taking won't necessarily be flat, it's important to have plenty of range for bikepacking.

An electric gravel bike might be a better choice. These all-purpose electric bikes are comfortable to ride, and it's easy to attach travel bags.

Electric-assist bikes don't have to be funless. It's perfectly possible to have a great time on an electric bike. In the woods and on small trails, an EAB will enable you to ride for longer, or go over difficult paths that would be inaccessible to you with a conventional bike.

For this type of activity, an electricMTB with a central motor like the Lapierre Overvolt HT 8.6 MIX, or the very sporty Reaction Hybrid Race from German brand Cube would be perfect!

Having a long range on your electric bike can be very useful when you want to go on a holiday, make long weekend trips or cycle to work. Choosing an electrically-assisted bike with a good range means first and foremost choosing an EAB adapted to your needs. Ask yourself how far you'd ideally like to travel, and plan a little more... because electric bikes are addictive!

Whatever your choice, there's no doubt that Upway has the electric bike for you!