Level 3

The Science of eBike Range

Estimated range is total usable battery capacity divided by adjusted energy consumption: Range (mi) = Battery (Wh) ÷ Adjusted Consumption (Wh/mi). Manufacturer range claims are measured in ideal lab conditions, so this model starts from a real-world baseline and applies a multiplier for each factor you change above.

The variables

• Baseline: 20 Wh per mile, for a 180 lb rider on flat ground using standard assist with a hub motor. Every adjustment below is a multiplier against that number.
• PAS level: assist is banded rather than linear, because a controller delivers set power steps rather than a smooth ramp. Levels 1–2 draw 30% less energy than standard, level 4 draws 30% more, and level 5 draws 60% more — the jump at the top is steep because aerodynamic drag rises with the square of speed.
• Motor type: mid-drive motors run through the gearing, so they hold a more efficient operating range under load and consume roughly 14% less energy than a hub motor over the same route. Hub motors lose more to heat when they bog down on climbs.
• Rider weight: consumption rises 5% for every full 20 lbs over the 180 lb baseline, reflecting the extra rolling resistance and the energy lost accelerating more mass back up to speed.
• Terrain: a hilly profile adds 30% over flat ground. Regenerative braking recovers very little of what a climb costs, so elevation is close to a straight energy penalty.

This estimate is independent of the Range score shown in the rating breakdown, which grades the model against the rest of the catalogue rather than predicting a single ride. Treat the figure as a planning guide — tyre pressure, wind, temperature and stop-start riding all move the real number.