E-bike range: how far can you go and what determines it?

How far can you go on a full battery with an e-bike? That is one of the first questions when choosing. An honest answer: it depends on more than just the battery. Promising a fixed number wouldn't be accurate because your ride determines a lot.

With a fatbike, there is something extra: the wide tires and weight demand a bit more from the battery. Below you can read what the range depends on and how to get more out of it. If you want to see models right away, look in the fatbike collection.

What does the range depend on?

The battery is the foundation. It is measured in watt-hours, and more watt-hours generally mean more range. But the ride around it counts just as much. Your weight, the wind, the weather, how often you brake and accelerate, and the level of assistance. If you always set the motor to the highest level, the battery empties faster than if you pedal more gently.

With a fatbike, the weight and rolling resistance of the wide tires add up. They provide grip and comfort but use a bit more energy than a narrow tire. That's why a fatbike is almost always electric: the motor compensates for that.

How do you get more out of your battery?

A few things really help. Keep your tires at the correct pressure because riding too soft uses more energy. Choose assistance that fits the ride instead of always using the highest setting. And pedal yourself, so the motor has to do less.

In winter, there is another point: cold temporarily reduces the battery's capacity. Store it indoors at room temperature and only put it on the bike shortly before departure, so you notice this less. The battery itself won't be damaged; the range just temporarily decreases.

What range do you need?

Look at your longest regular ride, not the maximum range a manufacturer states. If you mostly ride short distances in and around the city, an average battery is more than enough. If you regularly take long trips, consciously choose a larger battery pack and consider wind and weight.

If you're unsure which model suits your rides, start with the fatbike collection and pay attention to the battery size in watt-hours. If you want to know exactly what a fatbike is first, read what is a fatbike.

Read more: What is a fatbike? · What is a pedelec? · How much does a fatbike cost? · Fatbike for heavier riders

View directly: fatbike collection · e-bikes