12 Tips for Improving Your Electric Bike’s Range

Ways to Enhance the Range of Your Electric Bicycle!

Are you feeling anxious about how far your electric bike can go? Would you like to discover some techniques to extend the distance covered by your e-bike, especially when you have important tasks to complete but not enough battery power left?

Concerns about Electric Bike Range

It is quite common for e-bike riders to worry about the range of their electric bicycles. In order to assist you in making the most of your electric bike journey, I would like to provide you with a few helpful suggestions. While some of these tips might seem obvious, there are also some additional tips that may enable you to add a few more miles or kilometers to your e-bike range.

Tips for Expanding Your Electric Bike Range

1. Give Priority to a Full Battery Charge!

To begin with, always ensure that your battery is completely charged. I mention this because sometimes it is easy to overlook the need for charging after a tiring day at work. Establish a routine so that you automatically plug in your battery as soon as you reach home.

2. Put in More Pedal Power!

This may seem like an obvious tip as well, but it is worth mentioning. Let’s say that you need to run additional errands but your battery charge is running low. In this case, you can reduce the assist setting or throttle usage and compensate for the low battery by pedaling harder. I have personally managed to get my e-bike home by adopting this technique without completely draining my battery. Another significant tip is to pedal with more strength when it matters the most. A considerable amount of energy is consumed while accelerating from a stop. By exerting more effort during the initial push, you will conserve battery power. Additionally, conquering hills requires a significant amount of energy. By pedaling a little harder on uphill sections, you will enhance your overall range.

3. Relax and Enjoy a Leisurely Ride.

Wind resistance has the potential to significantly deplete both your energy and your battery’s power. If extending your range is your goal, consider riding at a slower pace to reduce wind drag. Moreover, riding at a slower speed usually guarantees safer travel!

4. Contemplate Getting an Extra Charger.

If your work commute is lengthy and you have errands to run throughout the day, you might require more range than your battery can offer. In this case, having a charger at work would allow you to recharge your battery during the day. And if your boss expresses concerns about the electricity bill, you can assure them that charging your e-bike battery will only cost a few pennies!

5. Are Two Batteries the Solution?

For individuals with exceptionally long commutes or specific riding routes, investing in a second battery may be a wise choice. Certain electric bike manufacturers offer the option of adding a second battery to double your range. To gather more information, I suggest contacting your local bike shop or reaching out to your e-bike manufacturer.

6. Tire Pressure Matters!

Keeping your tire pressure adequately inflated can make a substantial difference in the amount of energy (both electrical and human power) required to move you and your e-bike. Low tire pressure can result in a sluggish feeling while riding your electric bike. I recommend maintaining a tire pressure of 50-60 psi for regular city-style e-bikes. However, avoid overinflating your tires as it can lead to an uncomfortably bumpy ride! If you need assistance, I recommend using a reliable floor pump.

7. Replace your old battery.

If you have owned your e-bike and battery for quite some time, it is likely that the energy storage capacity of your battery has decreased. I suggest getting a new battery once you start experiencing a decrease in the range that becomes irritating. You can seek assistance from your local electric bike shop or reach out to your e-bike manufacturer.

8. Utilize the regenerative braking feature.

Certain electric bike systems, like Bionx, have a regenerative braking feature that allows the motor to function as a generator, thereby acting as a brake and partially recharging your battery. Typically, this is activated by a sensor on one of the brake levers, usually the rear brake lever. However, it’s worth mentioning that there is ongoing debate within the e-bike community regarding the actual amount of energy recaptured through regenerative braking.

9. Take proper care of your battery!

Whenever possible, store your battery at room temperature, as extreme cold or hot temperatures can negatively affect its performance. It is generally advised to charge your battery regularly to maintain full capacity. If you don’t use your electric bike frequently during winter, store the battery fully charged and remember to charge it every couple of months. Avoid leaving it plugged in for more than 24 hours.

10. Oil your chain.

This simple step will enhance your pedaling efficiency, and if you have a motor that powers through the cranks of your bike, such as Panasonic or Bosch, it will also boost your motor’s efficiency. After applying oil to your chain, allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping off the excess oil with a rag.

I hope these recommendations assist you in improving your electric bike’s range. The best approach is to implement these tips promptly and make them a habitual part of your routine.

If you have any questions regarding these tips or if you would like to share your own electric bike range suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

Thanks!

-Pete