Speed is one of the most significant factors affecting e-bike range. Learn how different speeds impact your battery consumption and range.
Aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, meaning that doubling your speed requires four times the power. This non-linear relationship dramatically affects range.
Optimal speed for maximum range. Low aerodynamic drag allows for 100-150+ km on large batteries.
Best balance of speed and range. Most e-bikes achieve 80-120 km at this speed.
Good speed but reduced range. Expect 60-90 km depending on battery capacity.
High speed significantly reduces range. Expect 40-70 km due to increased aerodynamic drag.
The relationship between speed and range is non-linear due to aerodynamic drag. At low speeds, rolling resistance dominates. At higher speeds, aerodynamic drag becomes the primary energy consumer.
Drag Force = 0.5 × Air Density × Drag Coefficient × Frontal Area × Speed²Since drag increases with speed squared, doubling speed requires four times the power, dramatically reducing range.
For a typical 500Wh e-bike on flat terrain:
See how speed affects your specific e-bike's range.
Use Range Calculator