Parts of this article first appeared on PubClub.com, but because so many people are riding e-bikes these days, I am sharing it here, too. As an e-bike tour guide in San Diego and a nightlife blogger in Southern California, I'm excited to share my firsthand experience with e-bike battery management. Leading daily tours along the stunning Pacific Beach boardwalk and through the historic Gaslamp Quarter, I've learned quite a bit about maximizing e-bike battery life. Not a day goes by without curious riders asking me, "How far can we really go?" or "Why does my battery seem to drain faster sometimes?"
As an avid rider of bicycles and an an e-bike tour guide in a major tourist city, I ride all the time and know from experience how to get the most range out of e-bike batteries. Note that most e-bikes have a range of 40-50 miles, or three to four hours, depending on various factors, which include the e-bike itself, the rider (weight is a big factor here), the terrain, and the number of hills in the ride. Regardless, there are certain tips that anyone can use in order to get the most range out of their e-bike.
After guiding hundreds of tours and watching riders of all experience levels navigate our scenic coastal routes, I've gathered some practical insights about extending e-bike range. Whether you're planning a leisurely ride around Mission Bay or tackling the challenging hills of Torrey Pines, these tips will help you get the most out of your e-bike battery. Let me share what I've discovered from my personal experience and the countless questions I've fielded from riders on my tours.
Don't Overuse The Throttle
I know that using the thottle like that can quickly drain the power level. So I always have my eye on the display and pretty much limit using the throttle for three purposes: to get moving from a standing start (it takes e-bikes a couple of seconds to get moving if you just try and pedal so using the throttle is a big help there, especially on an hill), to help me get up a hill and for a few fun moments during the ride. I don’t just lay on it the whole time because that drains the battery and if I’m going to be out for more than two hours – or more than say 25 miles – I use it sparingly.
Avoid Using The Highest Speeds While Cruising
A huge way to extend a battery's range is not to have it in the highest gear all the time. Let's say you have five levels. Keep it between two and three. My e-bike is so good that I can easily cruise in one on a flat surface. Find your "cruising speed" as the airlines call it. Leading tours along Mission Beach, I've noticed riders who constantly max out their assist levels drain their batteries up to 40% faster than those who ride more strategically. On our perfectly flat boardwalk routes, most riders are surprised to discover they can maintain an enjoyable 12-15 mph pace using just level 2 assist. I always tell my tour groups: "Treat your highest assist level like a sports car's turbo boost – it's there when you need it, but it's not for everyday cruising."
Don't Overuse The Throttle On Steep Hills
I mentioned mashing the throttle when going up a hill and really that's fine for short or small hills. But if you have a steep and/or long hill, you'll get more battery range if you use the highest gears rather than the throttle. The bike may cut out on you from time to time but that's normal; just keep pedaling. And do it smoothly without stopping. The e-bike will then just glide up the hill. This is particularly crucial when we tackle the Torrey Pines grade on our scenic tours. I've seen countless riders burn through half their battery by relying solely on the throttle for that climb. Instead, I teach my groups to shift to a lower gear, maintain a steady cadence, and use pedal assist rather than throttle. This technique not only preserves battery life but also gives riders a more stable, controlled ascent.
Be Extra Easy On The Speed If You Weigh More Than 200 Pounds
One of the criteria of e-bike battery life is the weight of the person riding it. Of course it takes more juice to propel a 200-pound person than a 150-pound person. So if you are 200-plus pounds, keep that in mind and really pay attention to tips 1, 2 and 3. Leading group tours has given me extensive experience with riders of varying weights. I've found that heavier riders can still achieve impressive range by focusing on momentum management. I advise them to plan ahead for hills, maintain steady speeds, and avoid frequent stops and starts. One of my regular tour participants, who weighs 220 pounds, increased his range by 30% simply by adopting these riding habits.
Make Sure The E-Bike Is Fully Charged Before Riding It
This may seem like a given but always make sure the bike is fully charged before you ride it. With some e-bikes, the level of the bars on the display can be deceiving. It may show full bars but might be right on the cusp of being down one. Or, some bikes also have a voltage display that is more telling than the number of bars on the display. Running tours for company has taught me to be meticulous about charging. We check voltage levels, not just battery bars, before every tour. Here's a pro tip I share with my riders: if your battery shows 54.6V (for a 52V system) or 42V (for a 36V system), you've got a truly full charge. Anything less, and you're starting your ride with a partially depleted battery. I've also learned that temperature affects charging efficiency – our batteries charge more slowly and hold less charge during San Diego's occasional cold snaps.
Kevin Wilkerson is an e-bike owner, an avid e-bike rider and is an e-bike tour guide in a major tourist destination. He also publishes the lifestyle and nightlife blog PubClub.com.
