E-Bike Range Physics: Play & Learn
Ever wonder why your e-bike range changes so dramatically? It's all physics! Play with these interactive calculators to see how speed, hills, and wind affect your battery in real-time.
1. Speed vs Range: The Cubic Law
The secret: Going faster doesn't just use a little more battery—it uses DRAMATICALLY more. Why? Air resistance increases with the CUBE of your speed. Double your speed = 8× the drag!
👇 Try it yourself: Move the speed slider and watch the power consumption explode as you go faster.
💨Wind Resistance vs Speed
💡 Physics at Work: Air drag increases with speed² (dominant at high speeds), while rolling resistance from weight stays constant. Both factors matter equally here.
💡 Key Takeaway: Want better range? Slow down! Riding at 20 km/h instead of 30 km/h can nearly DOUBLE your range on flat terrain.
2. Hills: Fighting Gravity
The secret: Every meter you climb costs energy. Simple formula: Weight × Height × 9.81 = Energy needed. A 90kg rider+bike climbing 100m needs at least 88 Wh—but in reality, you'll use 120-150 Wh due to motor efficiency.
👇 Try it yourself: Adjust the gradient and see how quickly hills drain your battery.
⛰️Climbing Energy Cost
⚡ Energy = m × g × h: Moderate climb - expect 2-3× normal consumption.
💡 Key Takeaway: Hills cost SERIOUS energy. A 5% climb for 2km can use as much battery as 10-15km of flat riding!
3. Wind: The Game Changer
The secret: Wind can make or break your ride. A headwind is like riding uphill that never ends. A tailwind gives you free speed. The effect? Your range can change by 50%+ depending on wind direction!
👇 Try it yourself: Switch between headwind, tailwind, and crosswind to see the massive impact.
🌪️Wind Impact on Range
💨 Cubic Wind Law: Moderate headwind - expect increased consumption
💡 Key Takeaway: Always check the weather! Planning your route to ride WITH the wind can add 20-40% to your range.
Quick FAQ
What's the #1 way to increase range?
Slow down! Riding at 20 km/h instead of 30 km/h can almost DOUBLE your range on flat terrain due to the cubic drag law.
Why does cold weather kill my battery?
At 0°C you lose 15-25% capacity. At -10°C, it's 30-35%. The chemistry literally slows down when cold.
How much do hills really cost?
A 100m climb costs about 25-35 Wh for a typical rider+bike. That's equivalent to 2-3km of flat riding!
Does regenerative braking help much?
Not really. Most e-bikes don't have it, and even those that do only recover 5-15% of climbing energy.
The Bottom Line
E-bike range isn't magic—it's physics! The three big factors are:
- 🚀Speed: Slow down = way more range (it's not linear!)
- ⛰️Hills: Climbing costs serious energy, plan accordingly
- 💨Wind: Can double or halve your range depending on direction
Play with the calculators above to truly understand how these factors interact. Once you "feel" the physics, you'll never run out of battery unexpectedly!
Want to plan your actual ride?
Use our E-Bike Range Calculator to get precise estimates for YOUR bike, YOUR route, and YOUR conditions.
Also check out: Battery Strategy Guide | Long-Distance Touring Tips