How To Get The Highest Possible Range From Your E-Bike

Your eBikes estimated range on the MySmartbike App is a figure formulated from a variety of information in regards to the consumption of it's internal battery charge. Essentially, the bike compares the consumption rate against it's distance traveled. Based on this historic data, the bike will give an estimation as to the distance it could potentially travel, offset against it's current level of charge. To ensure your bike can travel as far as possible, follow the helpful steps below.

Adjust Your Motor Maps

From factory, your bike will have 3 separate motor maps, which are represented by the green, amber and red lights on the IWOC when you change the assistance level. Using the MySmartBike app, you can change the level of assistance associated with these motor maps, which allows you to select a value from 30% to 100%. It is best practice to adjust these levels to an amount which suits your specific use of the bike. For example, you may find that you would want to set the first two maps to a lower level of assistance if you're mainly riding on flat ground, whilst keeping the final map to 100% for an extra help with those steep hills. Naturally, over time you will find out what works best for you. These maps can be changed any time from your MySmartBike app, so adjustment on the fly is always possible. Keeping your bike in a setting which allows for the least amount of assistance required will ensure your estimated range is as high as possible. 

Environmental Factors

Like all batteries, your eBikes internal battery is less efficient in colder temperatures. The chemical reaction which allows the battery to retain charge likes warmer temperatures, as this increases reactivity of the internal cells. It is expected to see a drop in estimated range in the colder months of the year. Another factor which can contribute to your estimated range is the nature of your route. If you use the bike to go up quite a lot of steep hills, the motor will offer a greater amount of assistance which would in turn would consume the battery charge at a greater rate than if the bike was used solely on flat ground; even factors such as a strong headwind can increase battery consumption. 

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of the drive train not only ensures your bike and it's componentry last as long as possible, it will also increase the estimated range. Resistance caused by an excessive build up of dirt and grime increases resistance across the whole drive train, which in turn increases the level of assistance the bike gives. A clean, well maintained drive train will ensure your bike not only lasts as long as possible, but also goes as far as possible off a single charge. 

Ensure your tyres are at the correct pressure

If your tyres are under pressure, this will increase the rolling resistance which in turn, increases the amount of effort required to propel the bike. Whilst on a standard, non eBike this will be more noticeable; on an eBike, the extra assistance needed will increase the battery consumption rate, which will decrease the estimated range. The manufacturers recommended PSI should be printed on the sidewall of your tyre. A tyre, whether it's tubeless or has a tube will slowly lose pressure over time, so ensuring your tyres are at the correct PSI is a great addition to your pre-ride checks.

Range Extender

If you follow all of the steps above and still feel that your eBikes range doesn't suit your needs, you can always purchase a range extender. This is an auxiliary battery that attaches to your bike in the same method as a bottle cage. This battery charges your internal battery and increases the overall battery capacity of your eBike by a further 70%. The links below are for their purchase listings on our website; but please know that the X20 and X35 systems use different designs, so be sure to buy the correct model for your bike.

X35 - https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/mahle-external-battery-sp1-plus-holder-wire-black/
X20 - https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/mahle-e185-range-extender/