Manufacturers should be more upfront about the cells they put in their batteries to let the customers see what they are paying for.

They and dealers should be more honest about the range to be expected in the real world too. They all give exaggerated figures based on flat rides at low power which mislead buyers new to e bikes.

During the whole life of this pedelecs forum here's the worst case and best case I've known to be accurately reported.

 

11 miles from a 370 Wh battery. (33.6 W/mile)

 

62 miles from a 260 Wh battery and that not emptied, at least 5 miles left in it. (3.9 W/mile)

 

So as you can see, nearly 10 to 1 difference.

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EddiePJ.

 

Probably by being more honest about the importance of rider input and weight and terrain. Most people are quite capable of understanding that when it’s explained to them. But they prefer to make exaggerated claims based on ideal conditions instead.

 

A bit like the economy and emissions claims made by car makers using lab tests modelling ideal conditions.

When out and about I am asked 2 questions. .

Most common.. does it re charge as you ride, and secondly. . How far can you go..

In answer I respond with 1/ no, and 2.. I point out the display showing miles covered and distance to go. .

Sorry John, I went to edit my post, but cocked it up!

 

To others, I had basically said that it isn't possible to give a fair and accurate measure of distance/range, as there are too many variables, but if a potential buyer was to walk into a shop and be told that a reasonably fit 75kg rider, could kill a 400wh Bosch powered bike in a little over ten miles, then they would walk out of the shop.

 

Obviously there is a bigger picture to this low range, but perhaps using this kind of honesty and stating potentially lower ranges when selling, might not lead to buyers being ultimately dissatisfied when a seller has claimed a range of 100miles or whatever. (It sounded better the first time around, sorry about that)

 

 

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae217/eddiejefferies/pete%202_zpswlkjwqvl.png

Edited October 4, 201510 yr by EddiePJ

I recently did an experiment where I left the assist on level 3 most of the time (on assist 5 up two hills on the way home because too much red wine...). I got 67 km from the charge and there was still about 10 km left in it (one bar). I am stronger so I can ride up my steep hill on the way to the station in 2nd at 16-17 kph in assist level 3.

 

My usual riding style is to use the assist level as a second gear box and go from assist 0 to 5 depending on the terrain. I use mostly 5th to 7th gear when riding this way, I hardly ever go below 5th gear. Up hill riding speed is 22-25 kph at assist level 5. The battery gives the same 75-77 km range.

 

The difference in riding time (average speed) is about 3 minutes so largely insignificant as traffic and red lights are another factor to take into account on this 11 km run.

I think it is dangerouse for dealers to suggest high distances are possible ... just before I bought mine I had a similar conversation and was told something much the same so I specifically asked if I could get 30 miles and 3000ft from a bosch with 300w battery and was told "no"

I make it clear to customers that 64miles is the BEST i've achieved on one charge, but 20 - 40 is more typical. People tend to want an answer rather than some vague waffle about how it's impossible to say, so I give them as many facts as I can based upon my own experiences on the many different assisted bikes i've ridden...no promises on range at all unless they are lighter and fitter than me riding a similar bike in a similar situation.

They and dealers should be more honest about the range to be expected in the real world too. They all give exaggerated figures based on flat rides at low power which mislead buyers new to e bikes.

 

Please don't generalise about dealers...I never exaggerate the figures I quote to my customers. These are based on facts that I personally have experienced, and I make it clear to them that the figures I give them are based solely on my riding style and in what scenario I achieved them -fully explaining that it's unlikely they will get the same...

My real world experiences as an end user. . Ebikes are just like any other rechargeable gadget... estmated usage times are based on always having a fully charged battery and if you want to push the limit then coming home unpowered becomes a bit of a worry, so as with all my battery powered gadgets in the end I had to buy a spare. Shame they are so expensive and shame newer models have a different battery.

i wonder where bosch got 110 power assisted miles from lol must done that on the moon

my 250w TCM crank drive motor combined with 15AH battery is listed as giving me 60-70 miles, i hit half way on the battery meter at 35miles or so and thats with some hills on my commute and my fat arse riding it

 

at a push i could get 60 miles i think, generally using PA 3 out of 5

my 250w TCM crank drive motor combined with 15AH battery is listed as giving me 60-70 miles, i hit half way on the battery meter at 35miles or so and thats with some hills on my commute and my fat arse riding it

 

at a push i could get 60 miles i think, generally using PA 3 out of 5

 

ACM you may find if you go on a longer run 50 -55 may be the limit as the last 3 bars go down quicker.

ACM you may find if you go on a longer run 50 -55 may be the limit as the last 3 bars go down quicker.

Agreed. Most of these meters are voltage driven, so 50% would represent around 36v. I'd say that's about 70-80% used, giving you a total range of 43-50 miles at most.

I often go from the mid way point to an "Oh crap can I make it home" seemingly in no time at all.

The level also jumps in seconds from one a half bars remaining to the dreaded red warning triangle with one mile of indicated range showing.

mine seemed to drop fairly consistently each bar, still on 2 out of 4 bars after 40 odd miles but i charged it anyway

I notice still having two bars showing with only four miles range. Luckily the last mile is all down hill.

Agreed. Most of these meters are voltage driven, so 50% would represent around 36v. I'd say that's about 70-80% used, giving you a total range of 43-50 miles at most.

 

Tend to agree Alan, on my recent jaunt to and from the S/Downs I took 2 15ah batteries the first bar went after 30 miles and by 43miles the last had gone out, was pretty pleased with that as I it had managed approx 3500 ft of climbing. The 2nd batt had done another 20 miles by the time I got home still showing all bars on measuring the voltage it read 37.6 and LVC cuts in at about 33 ish, adding to this both batt's are a year old.