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E-bike Range Calculator

Estimate realistic e-bike range from battery capacity, rider weight, terrain and assist level. Physics-based model, not manufacturer best-case figures.

Inputs
Estimated Range
58km

Best case: 70 km  ·  Worst case: 44 km

Energy use: 7.7 Wh/km

Power breakdown (motor demand)
Rolling resistance27 W
Air resistance68 W
Climbing154 W
Motor output162 W
Range is estimated from a physics model using rolling resistance, air drag and climbing power. Actual range varies with riding style, tyre pressure, battery age and motor efficiency. Manufacturer range figures are typically measured in Eco mode on flat terrain. Expect 40–60% of the advertised figure under typical conditions.

This calculator is for reference only. Actual range and charging times vary with battery age, temperature, terrain, rider weight, and assist level.

Source: EN 15194:2017 — EPAC Bicycle Standard (Bike Europe)

How it works

Advertised Range vs Real-World Range

Most e-bike manufacturers quote range based on optimal conditions: Eco assist mode, completely flat terrain, a light rider (75 kg), no wind, and 20°C temperature. Under these conditions, a 500 Wh battery can deliver 90–110 km.

What changes in the real world

  • Assist level: Commuters typically use Tour or Sport mode, giving 40–50% less range than Eco.
  • Terrain: Rolling hills add 20–40% more energy use compared to flat roads.
  • Rider weight: An 85 kg rider uses 10–15% more energy than the test standard of 75 kg.
  • Wind: A 15 km/h headwind can reduce range by 15–25%.
  • Temperature: Cold batteries (below 10°C) lose 15–30% of capacity.

How to read manufacturer claims

When a manufacturer claims 100 km range, expect 50–65 km under typical commuting conditions. For planning purposes, use 55–60% of the advertised range as your realistic estimate.

This calculator uses a physics-based model, not manufacturer test conditions. The range shown reflects your actual inputs, not a best-case scenario.

Frequently asked questions

How far can an e-bike go on one charge?

Range depends on battery size, assist level, terrain and rider weight. A 500 Wh battery in Tour mode on rolling terrain with an 80 kg rider typically achieves 50–70 km. Eco mode on flat terrain can extend this to 90–110 km.

Why is my e-bike range less than advertised?

Manufacturers test in ideal conditions: Eco mode, flat terrain, light rider (75 kg), no wind, 20°C. Real-world range under typical conditions is 40–60% of the advertised figure.

Does weight affect e-bike range?

Yes significantly. Every 10 kg of additional weight increases energy consumption by approximately 5–8% on flat terrain and 10–15% on hills. Cargo adds more impact than rider weight because it raises the total mass without adding human power.

How does cold weather affect e-bike battery range?

Lithium-ion batteries lose approximately 15% capacity at 0–10°C and up to 30% at temperatures below freezing. Store your battery indoors in winter and let it warm before long rides.

What assist mode gives the longest range?

Eco mode gives the longest range: typically 2.5–3× more than Turbo mode. For commuting, Tour mode offers a good balance of assistance and range.

How many Wh per km does an e-bike use?

A typical e-bike uses 8–20 Wh/km depending on assist level, terrain and rider weight. Eco mode on flat terrain: 8–12 Wh/km. Turbo mode on hills: 18–25 Wh/km.

Does going uphill drain the battery faster?

Yes. Climbing requires significantly more power: a 5% average grade roughly doubles energy consumption compared to flat terrain. Some e-bikes recover a small amount of energy on descents through regenerative braking.

How do I calculate realistic e-bike range?

Divide your usable battery capacity (90% of rated Wh) by the Wh/km your bike uses in your typical conditions. Our calculator uses a physics model based on rolling resistance, air resistance and climbing power to estimate this accurately.