You may have heard that long-range e-bikes are the new hot deal amongst bikers. Perhaps you are considering getting one yourself but don’t know where to look or how to begin your research. In that case, this article might be just for you.
In this article, we will make solid long-range e-bike suggestions, in addition to discussing what exactly range means for electric bikes and how you can maximize the range of your bike.
Understanding the Range of Electric Bikes
If you plan to buy an electric bike, one of your major considerations should be its purpose. That would help you determine the best kind of e-bike for you. If you just want an e-bike to run errands with, a regular short-range bike would do just fine. But if you’re looking to commute with your bike, you may want to consider longer-range ones.
So, what is the range on an e-bike? Simply put, range is how far your bike can travel before it needs to be recharged. Think of it like this: for a car, how far you can drive depends on how much petrol you have. That is because, in cars, energy is stored in gasoline, which is then converted by the engine into power to produce range. For electric bikes (and electric cars), energy is stored in the battery to produce electric power, producing range.
Whereas in a car, you can determine your range by how many litres of gas you have, on an e-bike, it is by how many watt-hours (Wh) your battery has. There are different types of e-bikes based on their range. So, if you want an e-bike just to ride around leisurely, a regular 300Wh one would do just fine. But not for a long trip. For that, you might want to consider long-range bikes, which usually have up to 1000Wh. For example, the Himiway Zebra premium electric fat bike has over 1000Wh and can take you up to 80 miles per charge.
Factors That Impact E-bike Range
In addition to battery capacity, other factors affect the range of your e-bike. Altogether, these factors determine how far your electric bike can take you on a single charge. A few of them are power output, weight and load capacity, terrain, and level of assistance.
Power Output: This is how much electricity the bike’s motor draws from the battery. An e-bike with a power output of 500w will consume your battery faster than one with 250w, significantly reducing the range.
Weight and Load Capacity: How much weight your bike is carrying also determines how far it can go. You don’t want to weigh the bike down; more weight means the engine would need more power to keep going.
Terrain: Where you go riding also contributes to how far your e-bike will take you. When riding up steep slopes, you cannot expect to go as far as you would if you were riding on flat terrain. Riding up requires more effort, which will invariably affect your range.
Assistance Level: One of the great things about e-bikes is their pedal-assist feature. But pedal-assist takes power; the more pedal-assist, the more power consumed. So, riding for long periods with a significant amount of pedal assist is sure to crash the range of your bike.
The Himiway Promise: Long-Range Capabilities
If you’ve decided that a long-range bike is best for your purpose, you’re likely wondering what choices are available. You should consider the Himiway promise. We aim to provide you with the best outdoor experience and ensure premium quality. Our long range bikes are just what you need. Read on to learn about our three spotlights.
1. Spotlight: Himiway Zebra All-Terrain Electric Bike
The Himiway Zebra Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike is a true beauty. Slick and sturdy, it can handle just about any terrain. With a power output of 250w and a battery capacity of 960Wh, it can take you as far as 80 miles on a single charge. It’s a great choice if you want to explore new terrains while riding more easily.
2. Spotlight: Himiway Cruiser Fat Tire Electric Bike
On the other hand, the Himiway Cruiser Long Range Fat Tire Electric Bike will do 60 miles on a single charge. It also has a power output of 250w but limits load capacity to 35 pounds and weight to 72 pounds. Its tires, though, are 26” by 4” Kenda fat tires, which make riding easier.
3. Spotlight: Himiway Cobra Electric Mountain Bike
Finally, there is the Himiway Cobra Electric Mountain Bike, which, like its name, is best for foraying into nature. With a 400-pound payload capacity and super fat tires, it can take you anywhere you need to go. This e-bike is estimated to go as many as 80 miles on a single charge.
How to Maximise the Range of Electric Bikes
Many people will feel better knowing that their e-bikes can take them far on a single charge, so it’s best to be cautious and take some measures to maximise the range of your bike. Here are a few tips that can help:
1. Use Minimal Automatic Assist
To maximise the range of electric bikes, it's essential to use the electric assist efficiently and minimise energy consumption. One effective way to achieve this is by using minimal automatic assist. By relying more on your pedalling power and using the electric motor only when necessary, you can conserve battery life and extend the range of your e-bike.
Using minimal automatic assist means selecting the lowest level of assist that still allows you to ride comfortably. This approach encourages you to contribute more physical effort when pedalling, while the electric motor provides just enough support to maintain a comfortable pace. This strategy is particularly useful when riding on flat terrain or during mild inclines, where your pedalling input can be sufficient to maintain speed. By saving the battery for more challenging situations, such as steep hills or strong headwinds, you can effectively maximise the overall range of your electric bike.
2. Make Sure Your Tires Are Well-Pumped
Tires carry the weight of your bike, and underinflated tires create more resistance, which exacts the motor, thus draining the battery. Ensuring your tires are well-pumped is crucial because underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which requires more energy to overcome. This increased resistance means that the electric motor has to work harder and consume more battery power to maintain the same speed. By regularly checking and maintaining the recommended tire pressure for your e-bike, you can reduce rolling resistance and make it easier for both you and the motor to propel the bike forward. This, in turn, allows you to travel longer distances on a single battery charge, effectively maximising the range of your electric bike.
3. Carry as Little as Possible
The tires already have your weight and the bikes to contend with; don’t give it more.
To achieve this, consider packing only the essentials for your trip and avoiding unnecessary items. Use lightweight bags or backpacks, and distribute the weight evenly on the bike to maintain proper balance. If you need to carry cargo, invest in high-quality panniers or a cargo rack that can efficiently distribute the load. Additionally, be mindful of your own weight and clothing, as wearing heavy or bulky items can also impact the range. By minimising the weight you carry and optimising your e-bike for efficient transportation, you can effectively maximise its range and enjoy longer rides with less frequent charging.
4. Maintain Your Bike
As this will preserve its quality for a long time so that you can continue enjoying riding it. Maintenance tasks include checking and adjusting the brakes, ensuring the chain is clean and lubricated, inspecting the tires for wear and tear, and keeping the wheels aligned and true. Additionally, it's essential to periodically inspect the electrical components, such as the battery, motor, and wiring, for any signs of damage or wear. By addressing any issues promptly and keeping your e-bike in optimal condition, you can minimise energy loss and maximise the range of your electric bike.
Conclusion
Understanding what range means is important if you’re planning to get an electric bike. You don’t want to go in blind and buy a bike that doesn’t suit your purpose. You also want to go for sturdy, good-quality e-bikes that will stay strong for a long time. The Himiway Promise spotlight gives you three options to choose from.
