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How far will an e-bike really go?
Updated
Ignore the claimed miles. Look at the battery. Volts times amp-hours gives watt-hours, and watt-hours are the fuel tank.
Real-world range calculator
Estimate. Cold weather, soft tires, wind and fat tires all reduce range.
How the math works
Most riders use 15 to 35 watt-hours per mile. Gentle pedal assist on a thin-tire bike is at the low end. Throttle riding, hills, fat tires and heavy loads are at the high end, and riding at 25 MPH or more can pass 40. Only about 90% of the rated battery is usable.
| Battery | Watt-hours | Realistic range | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| About 36V 10Ah | 360Wh | 9 to 18 mi | Jasion EB5 |
| 48V 15Ah | 720Wh | 19 to 36 mi | Jasion RetroVolt |
| 52V 20Ah | 1,040Wh | 27 to 52 mi | Jasion EB5 Ultra |
Why listings claim more
Claimed range is usually measured with a light rider, the lowest assist level, flat ground and no wind. It is not a lie. It is the best case. Plan your commute around the middle of the realistic range, and remember that batteries lose some capacity in cold weather and as they age.