Tips for Your e-Bike to Take You to The End of The World

In this post we discuss some best tips for your e-bike to ensure that your e-bike is well maintained and ready to go at all times.

On an e-bike, the range is a key element in defining the limits of your machine and the type of route you can take.

Here are some tips to help you optimize your battery charge. Capacity is important, but many other factors come into play: mechanics, rider behavior, and various external factors.

Factors That Influence the Range of an Electric Bike

Here are some Tips for Your e-Bike

Battery Capacity

This value is expressed in Wh (watt-hours) and indicates the amount of electrical energy the battery can produce and maintain for a given time. You can find e-bikes with different battery capacities, depending on the model. They range from 250 Wh (touring or folding electric bikes) to 900 Wh (long-distance electric mountain bikes).

Battery Life

Regardless of its capacity, battery life is reduced by use and charge cycles. The bikes tolerate between 500 and 1,000 full charges depending on the model. But after three to four years of continuous use, an e-bike’s battery can experience a reduction of up to 30%.

Bike Weight

The bike’s weight is a decisive factor in calculating autonomy. This value determines both the power delivered by the motor (expressed in Nm / newton-meter) and the battery’s capacity. Both must be suitable for the weight of the bike-rider combination. In recent years, the appearance of light electric bicycles (less than 20 kg) has made it possible to increase autonomy thanks to a better ratio between the bicycle’s weight and the battery’s capacity.

Lightweight e-bikes optimize their autonomy thanks to a better ratio between the bike’s weight and the battery’s capacity.

Type of Engine

The motor of an approved e-bike must never exceed 250 W. It is why they all have the same power. The difference between them lies in how this power is delivered to help the pedal at its initial moment (called torque). This delivery is expressed in Nm (Newton-meters). It is not limited by law and also influences the range of the bicycle. In addition, the different assistance modes (different power delivery) and their frequency of use also determine the actual range.

Efficient use and adjustment of the assistance modes are essential not to waste autonomy.

It is not the same energy expenditure as pedaling in economy mode (Eco), with limited power (from 30 to 50%, approximately), as pedaling in extreme mode (Boost or Turbo, at 100%). On the other hand, the most advanced electric bikes allow the power delivered to be adjusted for each mode through specific software or applications. A high degree of customization allows you to adapt the energy expenditure to your needs.

Choice of Tires

An e-bike’s range is influenced by its tires. The tires are the point of contact and friction between the vehicle and the road. In general, the larger or smaller the contact area, the greater or lesser the power demand on the battery. As the bumps get larger and larger, the more the battery has to work to compensate.

Rider Weight

The weight of the cyclist’s body, as well as that of their equipment and accessories, is a factor that affects autonomy. According to data provided by Bosch, one of the leading manufacturers of e-bike motors, each kilogram less of the rider’s weight translates into an increased range of approximately 1 km.

Driving Style

The rider’s use of the electric assistance system also influences the range. Some riders have ample assistance in the most economical or medium modes. Others need an extra boost to overcome the same obstacles, which requires a higher assist mode. As stated earlier, using Turbo modes consumes more power and significantly reduces the rated range data.

Route/Terrain Type

Inclines and terrain conditions (asphalt, dirt, gravel, rocks) are factors that strongly influence range. Changing from a flat or paved route to a hilly, dirt, or gravel route (of the same distance and in the same weather conditions) can lead to a reduction in range of approximately 15-20 km.

Weather Situation

The actual range of the e-bike varies from season to season depending on temperature, humidity, etc. In winter, it tends to last a little shorter than in summer. The wind also influences it, which requires additional assistance to maintain a constant speed.

Tips for Preserving the Autonomy of your e-bike

Taking into account the factors described above, although it is possible to add others, there are some tips to save energy and preserve (or even increase) the range of your e-bike. A saving that will allow you to extend the battery’s useful life and enjoy much longer journeys. We present to you the most relevant ones.

Do not Push the Battery Charge to the Maximum.

Please don’t wait for the battery to reach 0%, although it still has a safety charge that prevents it from draining completely. Also, don’t leave the device on charge longer than necessary, and don’t go all the way to 100%. The more expensive load is between 80 and 100% because it must protect the parts against overloading. An effective charge would be between 20% and 80%. It will extend battery life.

Wait for Some Time to charge the battery.

Do not connect the charger immediately after the end of the course. It takes time for the load cells to transition from the discharging phase to the charging phase. So please wait a few hours to let them cool and adjust to room temperature at rest. But don’t wait until the next day to recharge either, especially if you’ve used up most of the energy.

Check the Components of Your e-bike (Suspension, tire pressure, chain, etc.).

Before every ride, and as with any other bike, check key items such as suspension, tire pressure, chain lubrication, etc. These are components that influence battery wear. Match the fork and shock to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer and the type of ride you will be riding.

Keep the chain clean and well lubricated, and inflate the tires using a pressure pump before each ride. These are small details that will save you tens of kilometers.

Bring Essential Equipment

Don’t add more props, clothing, or food than is strictly necessary. It is important to be well equipped with spare parts and tools, especially if you are in the mountains. But it would help if you found the right balance, so you don’t weigh your bike down. In this regard, we recommend that you bring a compact multi-tool rather than several adjustable wrenches. You can also carry your water in a hydration pack and forget the jerry cans to achieve better weight distribution.

Use a Battery Extender

Many e-bikes are meant for new horizons and long rides. More models are becoming compatible with additional portable batteries that increase capacity and autonomy. If you like to ride your e-bike for hours and hours or do multi-day tours, we recommend that you buy an extension system. They are usually installed in the bottle cage area, anchored to the seat tube, etc. It is cheaper than an original battery and can be easily carried in a backpack or a carry bag.

Drive Efficiently

It is not advisable to push the assistance system to the maximum. Riding in Turbo mode as a general rule, abusing Walk mode to push your bike while walking, skidding. All these actions will quickly drain the battery.

Use the assistance modes intelligently: Eco and Trail (30-70% assistance) for flat, steep, or slightly technical hills, and Boost for specific moments of maximum demand (hill races, steep slopes, etc.) .).

Don’t forget that your electric bike will not exempt you from pedaling and expending your energy. Remember, we’re talking about pedal-assist bikes, not mopeds.

 

Keep in Shape and Train!

Buying an electric bike can lead us to believe, wrongly, that we can do any route without the need to train. It’s wrong. First of all, overloading your e-bike wastes range and reduces battery life.

That’s why we can save energy by putting more of our own into it. We recommend you be regular in your rides with your e-bike, pedal efficiently, take care of your body by eating and hydrating yourself correctly, and train your technique on the obstacle sections, the climbs, etc. It will allow you to be better on the bike, with direct benefits in terms of autonomy.