How far can I travel on an e-bike?

The distance you can travel on an e-bike (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle, or EAPC) depends on several factors.

‍

<div style="padding:100% 0 0 0;position:relative;"><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1022441059?badge=0&amp;autopause=0&amp;player_id=0&amp;app_id=58479" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;" title="How far can I travel on an e-bike?"></iframe></div><script src="https://player.vimeo.com/api/player.js"></script>

‍

‍

"It very much depends on the battery size,  weight of the rider, type of e-bike, how much luggage, and even if the rider is wearing a cape, because wind resistance is also a very important factor. And the biggest factor, strangely, is tyre pressure. If tyres pressures are low, you're going to get very low mileage - the drop-off is quite incredible the softer the tyre is. If you're on properly inflated tyres, you'll get a good range. And from an average 370Wh battery, you should be able to get 30-40 miles."

David Miall, CEO, Wisper Bikes

{{cta-ebike}}

‍

Battery size

E-bikes typically have battery capacities ranging from 250 Wh (watt-hours) to 750 Wh. The larger the battery, the further you can travel. A 500 Wh battery might give you a range up to 50 miles (48-80 km), while a 750 Wh battery could extend that to as much as 80 miles (80-130 km).

Riding mode/assistance level

Selecting the lowest assistance  can significantly extend your range. After all, the more pedalling effort you put in, the less the battery is used, extending your range.

Rider weight, cargo and terrain

Heavier loads will drain the battery faster as will hills or off-roading riding.

Weather conditions

Cold weather reduces battery efficiency and shortens range. the same goes for headwinds.

Wind: Headwinds require more effort and reduce range, while tailwinds can extend it.

Tyre pressure

Properly inflated tyres drastically improve range.

‍

In a nutshell, at the low end you can expect 20-30 miles (32-48 km) from smaller batteries, rough terrain, high assistance levels, or minimal rider effort. At the high end you will get 60-100 miles (96-160 km) for larger batteries, flat terrain, low assistance levels, and active pedalling.

Insurance for e-bikes

Our e-bike insurance includes everything you’d expect, like theft, accidental damage and vandalism cover – plus a few things you might not. For example, we have a no-quibble battery theft policy, zero devaluation for life, and if you break down on your electric bike, or run out of battery, you can call us 24/7 and we’ll arrange a rescue. Whether you ride a tricycle, folding, mountain or cargo electric bike, our comprehensive policy has you covered.

Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

{{cta-ebike}}

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

Every ETA cycle insurance policy includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

‍

{{cta-ebike}}

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

‍

‍