392: eBike Range Test Takeaways

The Pedalshift Project: Bicycle Travel Adventures

So I successfully rode 75 miles on a single charge of my eBike battery (with a little bit of a top off!). What did I learn from the adventure and what does it mean for future trips with my ebike?

eBike Range Test Takeaways

75ish miles is pretty great with a little top off… that’s amazing for the C&O and other reasonably flat terrain!

1.Battery Management is Key

•The ride underscored the importance of efficient battery use. Keeping the e-bike battery between 20% and 80% for everyday use is recommended, but for extended trips, charging to 100% proved essential. However, overuse of higher pedal-assist levels (like Level 3) quickly drained the battery, emphasizing the need to stick to lower levels (1 or 2) to maximize range.

2.Comfort Adjustments are Ongoing

•Experimentation with the saddle and handlebars revealed that finding the right configuration for long rides is a process. While the new saddle and bar extensions offered some comfort, they weren’t perfect, suggesting that further adjustments or a different saddle type (like a Brooks) may be needed for better ergonomics.

3.Weather and Trail Conditions Impact Performance

•The dry, cool weather and improved trail conditions (like the newly paved Western Maryland Rail Trail) enhanced the ride experience. However, headwinds were a challenge, requiring adjustments in effort and assist levels to maintain speed.

4.Range and Effort Balance

•The ride confirmed that the e-bike could cover about 70-75 miles on a single charge, with minimal hills and strategic use of pedal assist. This opens possibilities for long-distance touring with the addition of a second battery but highlighted that even with assist, significant physical effort is still required, particularly on longer rides.

5.Preparation and Redundancy are Crucial

•While the ride was successful, minor issues like forgetting a bike lock, misplacing microphone components, and underestimating hydration needs pointed to the importance of thorough preparation. Carrying a spare battery, hydration supplies, and tools for adjustments proved beneficial.

The ebike is absolutely in my plans for some adventures

- Train and bike to/from DC - really anyplace but emphasis on east coast

- Circumnavigation of Lake Ontario

- More east coast greenway riding

- Another segment of the cross country ride