The Definitive Guide to Long Range Electric Bikes
Dreams of the freedom to travel, seeking out new paths and routes upon two-wheels. But for most folks, the dream is only as good as their darkest worry: range. A fear of being left stranded without any battery miles from home can transform an expedition into a nerve-wracking ordeal. Here is where the long-range electric bike makes its appearance, taking the e-bike from being just a practical commuter to a genuine adventure mobile. Not just reaching manufacturer-claimed range figures, but going well beyond on a single charge.
So, this guide is just to help cut out the noise. This guide takes on a quest to demystify what classifies as "long range," breaks down the underlying tech that makes these feats possible, and walks you through picking the right model for your needs. Forget about range anxiety and unlock the true capabilities of your ride to go wherever you please.
What Makes A Long Range Electric Bike?
Long range is one of those terms that might seem subjective, simply because it is—there isn't a single agreed-upon distance that qualifies. Rather, you should think of it as a big improvement over what the entry-level or commuter-focused e-bike customer is used to.
Even with a small amount of throttle, you should expect your typical electric bike could take you 40-70 kilometres away from home. A long-range electric bike, on the other hand, is built to go way beyond that—usually around 100, 120 or even 160+ kilometres (60-100+ miles) on a single charge.
The battery capacity, measured in Watt-hours (Wh), represents the single most important factor allowing this possibility. The higher the Wh value is, the more energy capacity and range a battery pack theoretically offers. You can actually calculate it yourself: Voltage (V) x Amp-hours (Ah) = Watt-hours (Wh). So, for example, a 48V, 13.5Ah battery has an energy capacity of 648Wh. For a regular e-bike, it may have a 300-400Wh battery; however, long-range models generally begin at or even over double this capacity.
E-Bike Range — What Really Are the Factors?
Manufacturers will give an estimated maximum range, and real-world consumption figures will only vary slightly. Knowing these factors is very important when selecting a bike and maximizing its potential.
The King: Battery Capacity
As stated, this indicator of range is measured in Watt-hours (Wh). A battery with a higher Wh number than any other current long-distance machine is clearly the ideal starting point.
Motor efficiency & Motor type:
All motors are not the same. High-torque motors can be strong on hills, but they may be less efficient in terms of power consumption. Most importantly, bikes featuring a torque sensor are typically more efficient than one with a basic cadence sensor. A torque sensor detects how much effort you are putting in and delivers a level of assistance accordingly; this results in smooth assistance levels and helps save battery when little or light pedalling is applied. For example, a cadence sensor will only know if you are pedalling and deliver the assist level according to that, which is not without flaws.
The space available for your weight and cargo is also a factor;
the heavier the rider and the stuff they bring, the more power is needed from the motor, due to which mileage decreases.
Terrain and Environment:
Grinding up treacherously steep hills, plowing through a stiff headwind or navigating soft sand/gravel with thick tires increases your resistance far more than rolling along flat, clean tarmac.
Assistance Level:
You can choose between off, eco, tour and turbo mode. For instance, being smart and riding the bike in 'Eco' (the lowest assistance mode) would make you ride for a longer range on the battery, as opposed to chewing up power at 'Turbo' or using more help in 'Boost'.
Tough tyres resist rubber wear, but they slow your roll.
Wide, knobbly fat-tires dramatically increase grip, yet drag more than skinnier, slick road tires. Ensuring your tires are at the correct pressure is a very easy and basic way to reduce resistance, thus increasing range.
How to Select the Perfect Long Range E-Bike for Me?
There is such a wide range of bikes available today that it can be difficult to select the right one. So, break it apart into these logical steps.
STEP 1: Categorize Your Main Use
The best thing to do when looking at this category is to be honest with yourself on where you will be riding most. Is it going to become a long-distance city street commuter? Weekends spent running through the woods and along canal towpaths? Or treacherous mountain paths? The main end use decides the best frame style: hybrid for all-round, mountain bike (e-MTB) for off-road, or foldable (for mixed-mode commuting and as a not-fun storage solution).
Step 2: Evaluate the Drivetrain.
All of these constitute the motor and gears along with other sensors. If you live in a hilly area, a mid-drive motor will give a more natural feel, or a hub motor with a good torque sensor will be right for you. A powerful hub motor, mounted centrally within the wheel, is usually more cost-effective and can be more than adequate for flatter terrain.
Step 3: Scrutinise the Battery.
But look past the marketing hype and check the Watt-hour (Wh) rating. Is the battery from a major battery manufacturer, such as Samsung, LG or Panasonic? Does it look neat, and is it easily removable for convenient indoor charging? Just something to think about and keep in mind for when you eventually want to charge up; a fast charger can vastly decrease the downtime between all of your fun times.
Step 4 — Pay Attention to the Parts
You can certainly bolt a big motor and a battery to your longboard, but without good control it's no use. On a heavier, faster long-range e-bike I would consider hydraulic disc brakes essential—they offer better stopping power and are nearly maintenance-free compared to traditional mechanical disc brakes and far superior in the wet. In addition, make sure to inspect the quality of the gears (trusted names include Shimano and SRAM) as well as suspension that matches your target terrain.
How to Make Sure Your Shoes Fit: Step 5 — Find Balance and a Good Fit
Poor ergonomics can ruin a ride, especially on a longer trip. For best comfort, find a neutral, unfussy saddle and handlebars which you can adjust to your body height. For starters, try to get a feel for the riding position and overall feel if you can test ride the bike.
Are Long-Range E-Bikes More Expensive?
In a nutshell, they kind of are. Even so, how much of a premium you pay will depend on where that extra power comes from. The battery—and the components that come with it to make it safe to use, like a casing and control electronics—is usually the most expensive single component of an electric bike, and long-range models are defined by their larger physical size and higher capacity batteries.
And to make sure they don't go slow now that the battery is heavier, these bikes usually also get more powerful motors. You'll also need sturdier frames and forks to cope with the extra weight, more sustained high speeds, etc. Good materials: hydraulic brakes and upgraded gearing systems are also often a standard component on nicer bikes in this category.
See it not as a higher price, but as an investment into capability. That cost pays for the autonomy of wandering without boundaries, much less reliance on public transport or an automobile, and the higher quality, longer-lasting tool you obtain in return.
Best Brands & Riding Tips
What are the Best Brands for Long-Range E-Bikes?
The e-bike market is growing and loads of boffins have pitched in, so why do these brands stand out on performance, quality and range? Here are five of the most noteworthy.
Engwe:
Engwe has carved a niche for itself by introducing robust, high-tech, and flexible electric bikes that prioritize extensive range and off-road ability. The Engwe Engine EP-2 3.0 Boost is the perfect example of this in action, an all-urban, all-terrain electric bike meant to handle the asphalt (and sand and gravel) jungle with equal aplomb. The 120km max range of the XROM is achieved with its muscular 48V 13.5Ah battery, giving riders peace of mind when tackling longer rides in a day. This electric assistance is provided by a robust 75Nm motor and torque sensor, offering smooth power on hills and immediate response to get off the line. Also important is the presence of a 4A fast charger, which can bring you to a full charge in just 3.5 hours. A strong pair of hydraulic brakes puts rider control at the forefront, while its versatility is underlined by its 20″ x 4.0″ all-terrain fat tires. On one hand, it has smart app connectivity and a removable battery for flexible charging; on the other, it's likely to have more of that future-focused design philosophy than just looks—its oversized frame seems custom-made to fold into a compact shape for public transportation or cramped storage spaces.
Rad Power Bikes:
The originators of the wildly successful, powerful, super-utilitarian e-bike brand. Many of their models have huge batteries and powerful hub motors, making them great cargo haulers or just straight cruisers.
Cube:
Known for its high-quality engineering, this German brand is highly respected. Cube electric bikes often use popular and reliable motors and battery systems from Bosch.
Trek:
Trek is one of the world's biggest bicycle manufacturers and offers a well-oiled line-up of e-bikes backed by its vast dealer network, so you are covered for support. Their bikes are renowned for "weight-is-overrated" frames and next-gen integrated systems across all disciplines, reliably there when you need it.
Specialized:
At the high end of the market, Specialized is perhaps the benchmark in innovation. Their high-performance Turbo e-bikes and lightweight 'SL' (Super Light) systems are renowned for having long-range in a much lighter package, so you can get that close-to-traditional bike cycling experience.
How do I get the most out of my e-bike for each ride?
There's a lot you can learn, and as mentioned above, owning a long-range e-bike is the first step; the next is to master getting every last kilometre out of it. Hopefully this post will help you become a more proficient trail rider.
Lowest Assist Level:
This is the single most significant improvement you can make to maximize your range. Convince yourself to use 'Eco' on flat terrain and turn it up only when climbing or to recover.
Reduce Acceleration:
Slow, even acceleration actually consumes less energy than fast bursts of power. Conversely, by looking farther down the road and trying to predict stops, you can coast more and brake less, preserving momentum and energy.
Efficiently Use Your Gears — Do Not Just Rely on the Motor
Lower (easier) gears help you climb hills, so move to those small chainring/large cog ratios before you start going uphill, just like on a normal bike. This enables the motor to operate within its best-suited RPM band and avoids excessive use.
Keep the Right Tire Pressure:
Inspect the air pressure in your tires at least weekly. Tires that are correctly inflated have much lower rolling resistance, requiring the engine to use less energy simply in keeping the vehicle at speed. The ideal pressure is usually found on the side of the tire.
Travel Light:
The more kilos you weigh, the more energy it will take to move you. Or, if you don't need it to ride your bike where you're going, leave that heavy lock or extra luggage at home.
Taking Care of your Bike:
A dirty chain wastes energy that can be better spent on propelling you forward, so keep everything clean and well-lubed. Make sure brakes are not rubbing and everything is working all right.
Your Journey Starts Here
It offers a lot more than just range; it gives you an unforgettable experience of riding. It might look like a bicycle with a bigger battery, but honestly, a Long-Range Electric Bike is a key to unlocking new experiences. It gives you the freedom to say "yes" to the scenic road, "yes" to the unexpected pitstop, and "yes" to the trip that lasts days. This means that if you know one or two things about the core technology, sort out what you need and add intelligent riding habits to the mix, you will be able to choose a machine with which you'll feel the satisfaction of continuing, even after a relatively long period. That is the new adventure, now that you have the wattage to penetrate every kilometre of it.
