Tips to Improve Your Ebike Range
There are many variables involved in determining how far an e-bike can go, including terrain, rider weight, wind resistance, the amount of pedaling, etc. Hitherto, we have told people that electric bikes can travel between 40 and 100 kilometers on a single charge. In order to maximize efficiency and easily cover 100 kilometers on an e-bike, there are a few obvious and not-so-obvious ways to increase range. Let's start with the obvious:
- At the start of your ride, make sure your battery is fully charged (and make sure it is in excellent condition by following our guidelines for extending battery life).
- Keep pedaling!
- Use less throttle and/or lower pedal assist settings.
Here are six less-obvious ways to improve the range of your electric bike.
1. Avoid Stopping & Starting a Lot
When you travel at a constant rate over time, you'll save energy versus starting and stopping so much in city traffic, for example. We do not recommend you ignore traffic signals and cruise through stop signs, however. If you're riding and don't need to pull over often, then you'll be able to travel further on a single charge.
2. Pedal off the Start
In addition to pedaling more, it is also important to pedal at the right time. Acceleration from a standing start requires a lot of energy, so the more energy you exert through your legs, the less energy will be syphoned from the battery. So get the bike rolling before engaging the motor. Pedaling harder when going uphill will also help increase your range of motion.
3. Use the Correct Gear
Cycling has a term called "cadence" which refers to the rate at which you pedal, or, more accurately, the number of crank revolutions per minute. Cadence is most efficient between 80 and 100 revolutions per minute, so if you're in a really high gear and you're having to push hard on the pedals to get the crank rotating, it's best to change down a gear. Additionally, if your pedals are rotating too quickly, you won't benefit from the down thrust on the crank - so go up a gear.
4. Keep Your Tire Pressure Up
Automobile mechanics always recommend you maintain the tire pressure of your automobile to maximize fuel efficiency, and the same is true for electric bicycles. If your tire pressure is low, more of your tire's surface area is in contact with the ground, resulting in a sluggish ride. As a general rule, we recommend a tire pressure of 50-60 psi for our normal electric bikes and 35-45 psi and 20-30 psi for our Ridge Rider and Trail Tracker bikes.
5. Lube Your Chain
It's important to clean your electric bike regularly to prevent dirt and grime from wearing down your components. You should also lubricate your chain often with a lubricant specifically designed for bicycle chains. (Don't use WD-40, as it tends to collect grime.) By lubricating your chain, you will improve its performance and hence, your pedaling efficiency. It is a good rule of thumb to wipe your chain down with a rag at least once a week, apply a small amount of lubricant, let it stand for a few minutes, and then wipe off any excess.
6. Keep Your Bike Tuned Up
The best way to reduce the efficiency of your electric bicycle is to have brake pads that drag or rub on your discs or wheels. Even a slight rub can decrease the distance that you can travel on a single charge. Ensure your wheels are true (aligned) and your brake pads are in good condition. The best way to ensure this is to take your ebike to a mechanic regularly to be tuned up. They'll have spoke wrenches and other tools at their disposal to keep your electric bike running smoothly, efficiently, and far.
In addition, you can also refer to these suggestions:
1.Open your mind – open your suspension
In the case of E-MTBs, suspension lock-out is redundant. You'll lose comfort as well as range. Using an open and properly set-up suspension, the bike can roll over obstacles without even noticing them as obstacles. Avoid using the lock-out lever!
2. There's nothing like a big cassette to make an impact
With a cassette with a 46 or 48t sprocket, not only will climbs be much easier, but you'll also be able to achieve the right cadence - which is crucial on E-MTBs to get the most efficiency out of the motor.
3.Optimal cadence
A cassette with a 46 or 48 tooth sprocket will not only make climbing easier, but you will also be able to achieve the right cadence - which is crucial on an E-MTB for maximum performance.
4.Eyes up. Pick your lines
Looking ahead and anticipating hits on the trail isn’t just important for your safety, but also for the range. Learn to pick your lines and avoid hitting every single root and rock. It’ll take time to learn how to read the terrain like a pro, but as a rule try and keep your gaze fixed down the trail, not at your front wheel.
Predicting hits on the trail is important not only for your safety, but also for the range. Take your time and avoid hitting every single root and rock. You'll need some time to learn how to read the terrain, but try and keep your gaze down the trail, not at your front wheel.
You can be your own personal electric bike range calculator if you own an ebike. While out on an adventure, you can run your battery to empty and then calculate your own personal range by using the distance covered. Try this a few times to get your personal average and then you'll be able to see how optimizing for range will affect it.
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