Ebike Battery – the ongoing debate
The ebike battery is one of the biggest talking points among riders. Everyone wants to know how far a battery can take them and how long it takes to recharge. The answer isn’t simple because it depends on many different factors.
Your battery range and charging needs will depend on things such as:
- Your weight and any extra luggage
- The length and type of route
- Height gain and steepness
- Size and capacity of your battery
- The speed you ride at
- The assistance (power) level you use
- Age and condition of the battery
- Temperature – cold weather reduces range
- Tyre choice and pressure
Other details also make a difference, such as whether you’re using panniers on tour or just a day pack, and, of course, the brand and type of motor system. So while I can share my own experience, everyone’s results will vary.
Battery Life and Charging Cycles
I ride with a Bosch 625Wh battery that is now five years old and still going strong. Because I ride regularly, mine has been charged hundreds of times. Each battery has a limited number of charging cycles before it starts to lose capacity, usually between 500 and 1,000 full charges, depending on the brand and care. For me, I can still expect around 80 km on flatter routes with 400m of climbing. On mountain rides with 800m or more ascent, I’ll get less, especially if I use higher assistance modes.
Battery technology has improved over the past couple of years, with some 2025 models offering capacities ranging from 750Wh to 800Wh. Dual-battery setups are commonplace now, which can comfortably cover 150+ km in one day. Still, your riding style will make the biggest difference.
Power Levels and Riding Style
Speed and assistance level drain the battery faster. I usually stay in “eco” or “tour” mode, only switching to “sport” or “turbo” for steep climbs above 8–10%. Lighter riders and those who pedal more actively will always get further than heavier riders or people who rely on the motor more often. It’s just physics.
Charging – At Home and On Tour
A full charge for my Bosch battery takes about 4 hours. As a rough guide, 30–45 minutes gives you back one of the five bars. Many cafes and guesthouses in Austria, Germany and Slovenia now offer ebike charging points, which makes touring easier than ever. Apps like Komoot, Bike Energy, or even Google Maps often list public charging spots. On multi-day tours, I usually bring my battery to the room, plug it in for four hours in the evening, and give it a quick top-up in the morning before setting off again.
One important update over the past two years is related to fire safety. Experts now recommend never leaving lithium batteries charging unattended overnight. Modern chargers cut off automatically, but unplugging after a full charge is a good habit. Also, avoid storing or charging in extreme cold or direct sun, as both can shorten battery life.
This is my blog on the subject
Tips to Get the Most From Your Battery
- Keep your tyres at the correct pressure – low pressure eats power.
- Use the lowest assistance level you can for steady riding.
- Shift gears sensibly – don’t grind in a high gear uphill.
- Top up during coffee or lunch stops – a little charge goes a long way.
- Avoid running your battery to 0% – it stresses the cells.
- Store batteries at 40–60% if you won’t use them for weeks.
In short, there’s no single answer to “how far will it go?” The only way to know your own bike is to ride it in different conditions and learn how your battery behaves. Plan for the terrain, carry a charger on longer days, and ride within your comfort zone.
