Electric Bikes - What range do they have?

Question

Hi there,

For a long time i have been toying with the idea of getting an electric bike. Now i have pretty much decided but have one last question:

How far do they go (what is their range) with NO pedalling input from the rider? Obviously apart from the first few strokes to start off.

Which make and model do you have and how do you find it?

Thanks!

Answer 1

I found mine on the internet and it's a mountain bike style with full suspension and has a 200W motor in the rear hub. I've had it for 16 months and while the battery (36 volt lead acid) isn't 100% any more I can still get about 14 miles out of it with some pedalling, but when it was new I could get 18 to 20 if I was using pedal assist mode and about 14 miles with no pedalling at all. I would advise you to get one with a lithium rather than lead acid battery as lead batteries weigh quite a bit but fewer and fewer manufacturers are using them now anyway.

Answer 2

The ebikes will do MUCH better if you help pedal.  Most ebikes are designed to have the rider assist..  Not assisting, especially from a dead start and up hills, will shorten the lifetime of the ebike.

I have or have had, Crystalite, Bionx, Cyclone, Currie, EVGlobal, Merida,  Giant Sport and Lafree Lite.

Cyclone is the most efficient over a wider range, so it will give you the most miles, given identical batteries.

At the Portland Or Ebike endurance race, a Recumbent with a modified Cyclone got the most miles per battery. something like 48 miles at 45mph.  But it was a $5000 ebike.

However, If you help pedal up hills, and Keep your speed reasonable, you could get a $2000 ebike that would do about 30 miles between charges.

Here is a real good place to check out;

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/index.p...

Answer 3

I think they normally go about twenty miles.

Answer 4

The range for every bike will depend on what size and type of battery you install. A more efficient motor will get get a better range from any given battery.  A flat run will also tend to extend the range.

To give you a rough Idea

A lead acid battery rated at 24 volts and 10 amp hours will last for about an hour with a steady speed of about 20mph (32km/h). A lithium ion battery the same rating is about a third to a quarter of the weight of the lead acid and has superior chemical qualities. Expect 15 -20% more range.

A 24 v 20 amp hour battery will be twice as heavy and will last almost twice as long.

Most of the motors on the market are only about 75-80% efficient but if you check the specifications you can find a few that are around 90%. (10-15 % range increase.)

With a bit of training most cyclists can maintain similar average speeds for longer periods than can be achieved by a LEGAL electric bike systems. (without the hassles and expense)

I have helped others set systems and used similar products when I was involved in solar car racing. I don't own an electric bike my self.  (see paragraph above). I have a light electric car project on the drawing board at the moment.(For foul weather).

For a recommendation check if your favorite bike will take this kit. (tyre to crank clearance 82 mm see picture.)

It is available in most countries or you can order direct from the O.E.M.

http://www.cyclone-tw.com/newkits.htm