How This Calculator Works
The calculator starts from a baseline energy use of about 12 Wh per mile — a typical figure for a mid-drive or hub-motor e-bike in a moderate assist mode, on flat ground, with no wind, at roughly 200 lbs total weight (rider + bike + cargo). It then adjusts that baseline using multipliers for the four factors that affect range the most:
- Assist level: Eco ×0.6, Tour ×1.0, Sport ×1.5, Turbo ×2.2
- Terrain: Flat ×1.0, Rolling hills ×1.3, Steep hills ×1.7
- Wind: none ×1.0, light headwind ×1.15, strong headwind ×1.35
- Total weight: +8% for every 100 lbs over a 200 lb baseline
The result is an estimated Wh-per-mile figure for your specific setup. Dividing 90% of your battery's usable capacity (a 10% reserve is assumed, since most riders don't run a battery to 0%) by that figure gives your estimated range. Ride time is then estimated from a typical average speed for your chosen assist level (Eco ≈ 12 mph, Tour ≈ 15 mph, Sport ≈ 17 mph, Turbo ≈ 20 mph).
What Affects Your E-Bike's Range?
Assist level
This is the single biggest factor. Riding in Eco instead of Turbo can roughly triple your range, because the motor contributes far less power per mile and you do more of the work yourself.
Terrain
Climbing draws far more power than riding on the flat — a hilly route can cut range by a third or more compared to flat ground, even at the same assist level.
Rider and cargo weight
Heavier total weight means the motor works harder to maintain speed, especially on hills. The effect is smaller than assist level or terrain, but it adds up on long rides with panniers, a child seat, or cargo.
Wind
A steady headwind has a similar effect to riding uphill — it increases the motor's workload for the entire ride, not just part of it.
Temperature and battery health
Lithium-ion batteries deliver less usable capacity in cold weather — riders often see 10-20% less range near freezing. Battery capacity also degrades gradually over hundreds of charge cycles, so a 2-year-old battery may not deliver its original Wh rating.
Typical E-Bike Battery Sizes
| Battery | Capacity | Est. range (Tour, flat) |
|---|---|---|
| 36V 10Ah | 360 Wh | ~27 mi / 43 km |
| 36V 14Ah | 504 Wh | ~38 mi / 61 km |
| 48V 10Ah | 480 Wh | ~36 mi / 58 km |
| 48V 14Ah | 672 Wh | ~50 mi / 81 km |
| 48V 17.5Ah | 840 Wh | ~63 mi / 101 km |
| 52V 14Ah | 728 Wh | ~55 mi / 88 km |
| 52V 17.5Ah | 910 Wh | ~68 mi / 110 km |
| 72V 20Ah | 1440 Wh | ~108 mi / 174 km |
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this e-bike range calculator?
It gives a realistic estimate based on the factors that influence range the most: assist level, terrain, total weight, and wind. Real-world range also depends on your specific motor, battery health/age, tire pressure, and how much you pedal, so treat the result as a planning range rather than an exact figure.
What's the difference between Wh, V, and Ah?
Volts (V) measure the battery's electrical pressure and amp-hours (Ah) measure its charge capacity. Multiply them together to get watt-hours (Wh) — the total energy stored, e.g. 48V × 14Ah = 672Wh. Wh is the number that actually determines range, so it's the best figure to use in this calculator.
How much does assist level affect range?
A lot. Switching from Eco to Turbo can cut your range by more than half, since the motor delivers far more power per mile. Riding mostly in Eco or Tour mode is the single biggest thing you can do to maximize distance on a single charge.
Does cold weather reduce e-bike battery range?
Yes. Lithium-ion batteries lose efficiency in cold temperatures — riders commonly report 10-20% less range in near-freezing conditions compared to mild weather. Storing the battery indoors and letting it warm up before a ride helps reduce this effect.
How can I extend my e-bike's range?
Use a lower assist level, keep tires properly inflated, avoid carrying unnecessary cargo weight, pedal actively instead of relying on the throttle, and maintain a steady cadence rather than frequent hard accelerations. On hilly routes, a lower assist level on climbs and coasting on descents also helps.
What is a realistic range for a 500Wh, 700Wh, or 1000Wh battery?
On flat terrain in a moderate (Tour) assist mode, a roughly 500Wh battery typically covers about 35-40 miles, a 700Wh battery about 50-55 miles, and a 1000Wh battery about 70-80 miles. Hills, higher assist levels, wind, and rider/cargo weight will reduce these figures — use the calculator above with your own settings for a more specific estimate.