The only thing worse than getting caught in a rainstorm on your e-bike is running out of battery while halfway up a hill. While electric bikes are popular for their convenience and eco-friendliness, one of their biggest limitations is their limited range.
Even as more brands are working to improve this, it’s still essential to know how to prolong your bike’s range for a longer ride. That’s why we’re sharing these 10 quick and dirty tips to prolong your electric bike.
These will help you avoid the dreaded “low battery” warning and subsequent walk of shame.
Overview of Range
Your electric bike’s range is how far you can ride it on a single charge. It is an essential factor to consider when buying your electric bike since it determines how far you get to travel before recharging your battery. The more power your battery can store, the further you can cycle.
Your bike’s range will depend greatly on the terrain, your weight and that of your cargo, level of pedal assistance, and your type of battery, among other factors.
Most e-bikes have a range of 20 to 100 miles. Keep an eye on this figure so you can carry a charge if necessary and plan your trip accordingly.
Tips to Prolong Your Electric Bike Range
Here are a few tips to make sure you arrive home sound and safe without incurring any inconveniences.
Tip #1: Keep the Battery Fully Charged
Okay, let’s do away with the basics. First, make sure that you fully charge your battery. After a long day of chores, you can easily forget to charge your bike.
Adopt a habit of always plugging in your e-bike whenever you get the chance, whether at home, work, or at your friend’s house. You may be tempted to put your bike on charge immediately when you are on a long ride. That’s a big no.
Long rides drain batteries, and recharging your bike immediately will strain and damage it prematurely. To prevent your battery from degrading quickly, let your battery cool down first before plugging it in.
Still, it’s not possible to maintain your battery at 100% before every ride. That’s okay. Just make sure that your battery doesn’t fall before 50%. Maintain it between 50% – 100% for maximum efficiency.
And if that still doesn’t work, consider tip number #2.
Tip #2: Replace Your Old Battery
Old is gold, unless the topic in question is batteries. With time, as a result of wear and tear, your bike’s battery will begin to hold less energy. It becomes less efficient, and you’ll start experiencing a decrease in range.
This is your bike’s way of telling you it needs a new battery. When purchasing a new battery, make sure you go for one that is compatible with your bike’s model and specifications. Check that its capacity is higher than that of your old battery.
Tip #3: Check the Tire Pressure
You also want to aim for lower tire pressure, especially with adventure and mountain bikes, as this is more efficient in absorbing jumps and bumps. Grab a tire gauge and start pumping your tires. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Tip #4: Avoid Excessive Speed
Don’t we all love twisting the throttle and activating our demon mode. On top of being unsafe, riding your bike at maximum speed is inefficient for the battery. Unlike the average speed, you need a significant amount of energy to accelerate your bike.
If you must accelerate, then do it slowly. You only need a few extra seconds to hit the top speed. But remember to take it easy and go slow. Sure, you might arrive at your destination a few minutes late, but you’re saving your battery a few more months.
Tip #5: Pedal Smoothly
It’s definitely not the most exciting thing, but pedaling slowly can help prolong your bike’s range. You are better off maintaining a steady and moderate pace, as this will allow you to conserve energy.
Of course, there will be times when you’ll need to pedal faster, such as when going uphill. But generally, a slower and steadier pace is better to prolong your bike’s range.
Tip #6: Change the Tire Size
Rolling resistance is important in prolonging your bike’s range. And it is affected by your tire’s pressure, tread pattern, compound, and size. Switching to narrow tires reduces the friction and rolling resistance between the road and the tire.
The only downside with this is that you compromise on your stability and handling.
Tip #7: Reduce Weight
More weight will increase the strain on your bike’s battery and utilize more power to cover the same distance with fewer items. The difference is especially notable on climbs where the battery and motor are overworking.
Tip #8: Use the Right Gear
Tip #9: Plan Your Route
Tip #10: Maintain Your E-Bike
Finally, don’t forget to maintain your e-bike. It’s the small things that count. Follow the standard e bike maintenance procedures to improve your bike’s range. There are several practices to keep in mind, but here are a few to get you started.
- Don’t charge your battery at extremely high or low temperatures.
- Clean your bike regularly to prevent the accumulation of dirt and mud.
- Store your e-bike in a shed away from water exposure.
- Lubricate your chain to prevent wear and tear and keep your bike running smoothly.
- Always cross-check that every component is working properly before jumping on.
These maintenance tips will go a long way to improve your bike’s performance and prolong its lifespan.
Go Further With Improved Electric Bike Range
These tips should help prolong your electric bike range. Remember to check your tire pressure and charge your battery regularly. Plus, you can also consider upgrading to a newer and higher-capacity battery.
If you don’t already own an electric bike, browse through our extensive collection of e-bikes. There's something for everyone from the top of the line to budget-friendly models. And don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with any problems or questions. We are always happy to help!