Three key features

1. Minimum 500 Wh battery - For 90 to 120 km range without recharging

2. 60+ Nm mid-mounted engine - Efficient and powerful on hills

3. Comfortable geometry - Ergonomic posture prevents aches and pains after 50+ km

Read also our blog : The best long-distance bikes

Engine type: why the mid-mounted engine wins

Central motor (best for long distances)

Advantages :

• Better weight distribution = more stable driving

• 20-30% more economical than a front or rear engine

• Powerful uphill (60-85 Nm)

• Natural pedaling feel

Disadvantages :

• More expensive (€200-400 more)

• More complex maintenance

Best brands : Bosch Performance Line (65 Nm), Shimano Steps (70 Nm), Brose Drive T (90 Nm)

Rear motor

Advantages :

• Quiet and smooth

• Less maintenance

Disadvantages :

• Less efficient = battery drains faster

• Weight on rear = reduced manoeuvrability

Usage: Flat terrain, speed more important than range

Front motor (not recommended for long distances)

Disadvantages :

• Lowest efficiency

• Low ascent

• Affects direction

Conclusion: For more than 40 km a day, choose a mid-mounted engine. It consumes 20-30% less than other types.

Battery capacity: how many Wh do you need?

Please note: these data correspond to average assistance (Tour/Normal mode). In Turbo mode, range drops by 30-40%.

Factors influencing autonomy

• Wind : counter-wind = +15-25% consumption

• Weight : +10 kg = 5-8% less range

• Temperature : below 5°C = 15-20% loss

• Relief : hills consume 2-3x more than flats

Concrete example (625 Wh):

• Flat, little wind, 20°C : 120-130 km

• Hilly, upwind, 5°C : 70-85 km

That is 40-50 km difference.

Comfort: an essential criterion

After 50 km, every detail counts. Poor posture means :

• Lower back pain (60% of long-distance cyclists)

• Shoulder pain (45%)

• Numb hands (35%)

5 essential comfort features

1. Adjustable handlebars and saddle
   Test whether you can keep your torso upright: a 60-75° angle to the ground is ideal.

2. Suspension

• Suspension fork: absorbs 70-80% of vibrations

• Suspension seatpost: ideal for cobblestones
  Package: noticeable difference after 30+ km

3. widetires (45-50 mm)
   Thinner tires (28-35 mm) are faster but less comfortable. For long distances: choose comfort.

4. Ergonomic handles
   Wide handles (130+ mm) = better pressure distribution.
   Numb hands = handles too narrow.

5. Hydraulic disc brakes
   At 40+ km/h downhill, you need reliable braking.
   Hydraulic = 30% more powerful than mechanical.

Read also our blog : How to optimize the comfort of your e-bike

Long-distance technical specifications

Engine

• Power: 250W (EU standard)

• Torque: 60-85 Nm (60 = sufficient, 85 = excellent)

• Type: central motor

Battery

• Capacity: minimum 500 Wh, ideally 625+ Wh

• Type: lithium-ion

• Removable: yes

Speeds

• Number: 8-12

• Types : Shimano Deore (reliable), Enviolo (progressive), Nexus (low-maintenance)

• Why: more choice = more efficient driving = more autonomy

Frame

• Aluminium: lightweight (20-25 kg), affordable

• Carbon: very light (16-20 kg), expensive

• For long distances: aluminium is enough; carbon = luxury

tires

• Size: 28" or 27.5

• Width: 45-50 mm

• Type: puncture-proof

Top 4 long-distance models (refurbished)

1. Gazelle Ultimate C380 HMB

Features :

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line (65 Nm)

• Battery: 500-625 Wh

• Extras: Enviolo, Gates belt

• Weight: 27 kg

Ideal for : 30-40 km home-work
Price : new €3,500-4,200, refurbished from €2,100
Why : Belt = zero maintenance, smooth shifting

2. Riese & Müller Charger3 Touring

Features :

• Motor: Bosch Performance CX (85 Nm)

• Battery: dual 625 Wh option (1,250 Wh total!)

• Extra: ultra-stable frame, 27 kg luggage rack

• Weight: 32 kg

Ideal for : cycling vacations, very long distances
Price : new € 5,500-6,500, refurbished from € 3,500
What's in it for me? 1.250 Wh = 200+ km without recharging

3. Kalkhoff Endeavour 7.B Move+

Features :

• Motor: Bosch Performance CX (85 Nm)

• Battery: 750 Wh (largest single battery)

• Extra : Top-of-the-range Shimano XT

• Weight: 29 kg

Ideal for : 50-80 km per day, hilly terrain
Price : new €4,200-4,800, refurbished from €2,600
Why: 750 Wh = 130-150 km without second battery

4. Trek Allant+ 9.9

Features :

• Engine: Bosch Performance Line Speed

• Battery: 625 Wh

• Extra: carbon frame, sporty geometry

• Weight: 23 kg

Ideal for : fast commuters, sport cyclists
Price : new €5,000-5,800, refurbished from €3,200
Why this is so: Carbon = lighter = better range for the same Wh

Comparison of the 4 models

Tips for maximizing autonomy

1. Drive in Eco or Tour mode
   Turbo mode consumes 2-3x more.

2. Correct tires pressure
   softtires = +10-15% energy consumption.

3. Smooth acceleration
   Soft start = 20% more economical.

4. Battery at ambient temperature
   Below 5°C = 15-20% loss.

5. Regular recharging
   Even without driving, recharge at least 1x/month.

6. Minimum weight
   -10 kg = +5-8% range.

FAQ

How many Wh do I need for 60 km/day?
Minimum 500 Wh, ideally 625 Wh to allow for wind, cold and hills.

Does a mid-mounted engine last longer?
Yes: 25,000-40,000 km versus 15,000-25,000 km for front/rear engines.

How much does it cost to recharge a 625 Wh battery?
Approx. €0.19 per charge (at €0.30/kWh) → €5-6 per month.

Can I add a second battery?
Yes, on some models (Riese & Müller, some Gazelles). Double autonomy, cost 600-900 €.

Recharge time :

• 500 Wh : 3-4 h

• 625 Wh : 4-5 h

• 750 Wh : 5-6 h

Is a carbon frame worth it?
Not for everyday use.
For long rides: yes (4-6 kg lighter).

What if my battery runs out?
You can ride without assistance. Heavier (25-30 kg), but possible.

Battery life?
500-800 cycles = 3-5 years. After 500 cycles: 70-80% capacity. Replacement: 600-900 €.

Conclusion: making the right choice

A long-distance e-bike combines power, range and comfort.
For daily use >25 km, investing in quality is essential.

Choose a long-distance e-bike if :

• You drive more than 25 km a day

• You do 60+ km outings

• Planning a cycling vacation

• Comfort before price

At Upway you'll find :

• Refurbished models from €2,100

• 40-60% less expensive than the new

• 12-month warranty

• Premium brands: Gazelle, Riese & Müller, Trek

Our recommendation:

• For everyday use : Gazelle C380 (comfort + strap)

• For travel : R&M Charger3 (1,250 Wh = 200+ km)

For sports : Trek Allant+ (carbon = light and fast)