E-Bike Range Calculator

E-Bike Range Calculator

VERY ROUGH ESTIMATE of e-bike range based on battery capacity, assist level, terrain, and rider weight. Actual range varies significantly—use this as a planning guide only, not a guarantee.

Last updated: March 2026 | By Patchworkr Team

Ride Parameters

Understanding E-Bike Range

E-bike range is primarily determined by battery capacity (measured in watt-hours or Wh) and power consumption. Power consumption varies dramatically based on assist level, terrain, rider weight, wind conditions, tire pressure, and riding style.

Assist levels affect range significantly: Eco mode uses minimal power for gentle assistance, Tour provides balanced power for everyday riding, Sport delivers stronger assistance for hills and headwinds, while Turbo mode provides maximum power but drains the battery fastest.

This calculator provides estimates based on typical consumption rates. Real-world range can vary by ±30% depending on factors like temperature (cold reduces capacity), wind, frequent stops and starts, and how aggressively you accelerate. Always plan conservatively for longer rides.

How Range is Calculated

Energy Consumption

Wh/km = Assist Factor × Total Weight × 0.1
Assist Factors:
• Eco: 0.08 (gentle assist)
• Tour: 0.12 (balanced)
• Sport: 0.18 (strong assist)
• Turbo: 0.28 (maximum power)

Range Calculation

Range = (Battery Wh / Wh per km) × Terrain Factor
Terrain Adjustments:
• Flat: 100% (no reduction)
• Hilly: 70% (moderate reduction)
• Mountainous: 50% (significant reduction)

Example Calculation

500Wh battery, Tour mode, 80kg rider, 25kg bike, flat terrain:

Step 1:
Calculate Wh per km:
0.12 (Tour) × (80 + 25) kg × 0.1 = 1.26 Wh/km
Step 2:
Calculate base range:
500 Wh / 1.26 Wh/km = 397 km
Step 3:
Apply terrain factor:
397 km × 1.0 (flat) = 397 km
Result:
~397 km (247 mi)
In Turbo mode, same setup would get ~170 km (106 mi)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my actual range different?

Real range varies with temperature, wind, tire pressure, pedaling effort, battery age, and riding style. Cold weather can reduce range by 20-30%. Aggressive acceleration and frequent stops significantly increase consumption.

How does temperature affect range?

Battery capacity drops in cold weather. At 0°C (32°F), expect 15-20% less range. At -10°C (14°F), up to 30% reduction. Keep batteries warm when not riding and store at room temperature.

What battery size do I need?

For commuting: 400-500 Wh is sufficient for 30-50 km. For touring: 600-800 Wh for 60-100+ km. For mountain biking: 700-900 Wh accounts for elevation changes and technical terrain.

Can I extend my e-bike's range?

Yes! Use lower assist levels, maintain proper tire pressure (reduces rolling resistance by 15%), ride at steady speeds, minimize weight, keep chain lubricated, and pedal more - don't rely solely on the motor.

How long does a battery last?

E-bike batteries typically last 500-1000 charge cycles (3-5 years with regular use). Proper care extends life: avoid extreme temperatures, don't store fully charged or depleted, and charge at room temperature.

What's the difference between Wh and Ah?

Wh (watt-hours) = battery voltage × Ah (amp-hours). A 36V 14Ah battery = 504 Wh. Wh is more useful for range as it represents total energy regardless of voltage. Always compare batteries by Wh, not Ah.

Does riding faster reduce range?

Yes, significantly. Wind resistance increases exponentially with speed. Riding at 30 km/h vs 20 km/h can reduce range by 30-40%. For maximum range, maintain steady, moderate speeds around 20-25 km/h.

How much does weight affect range?

Each extra 10 kg reduces range by ~5-10% depending on terrain. Hills amplify this effect. Minimize cargo weight and avoid unnecessary accessories. A lighter rider gets significantly better range.

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