Jun 23, 20234 min read

Do you own an Ebike?

Ebikes are fabulous and fun but they are also technical tools that are not exactly cheap.

Do you sometimes wonder if you know enough about the technical side to get the most out of your Ebike? How well do you know your Ebike battery & motor?

Here we share some interesting insights that might just take your Ebike ownership up another notch.

What do the different modes Turbo, Sport, Tour and Eco mean?	What impact does the choice of mode have on the battery range?
Eco - Low support with maximum efficiency for the highest range Tour - Even support for long-distance tours Sport - Powerful support for both sporty riding and quick commuting in city traffic Turbo - Direct and maximum powerful support even at high pedalling frequencies for steep climbs	Average range of a (newish) 500-watt battery: Eco mode - approx. 80 - 140 km Tour mode - approx. 50 - 80 km Sport mode - approx. 40 - 60 km Turbo mode - approx. 30 - 50 km Information from an official BOSCH Accu Guide

It is impressive how big the difference in range can be in the different modes, don't you agree?

The higher figure always applies to "optimal conditions". This includes various factors such as cadence, weight, tyre pressure, surface, terrain, starting frequency, wind or correct gear shifting. You have little or no influence on some factors, such as the terrain, surface or the wind.

Other factors, however, can actually take you a lot further. The correct use of gears or cadence, for example, is something you can influence yourself - it's in your hands/legs, so to speak.

On our guided cycle tours, your tour guide will give you many valuable tips on these topics.

What is cadence? How does starting / braking / gear shifting influence the range of my battery?

Just like in music, we speak of cadence in cycling when we talk about a rhythmic flow or pattern, eg pedalling. Very slow pedalling, especially in high gears, consumes much energy from the battery. If, on the other hand, you pedal diligently and at an even cadence of between 50 and 65 revolutions per minute, you optimise the motor's efficiency and save a lot of battery power. When riding an Ebike, correct pedalling is just as important - and influential - as when cycling with a standard bike. Unfortunately, many people forget this.

Just like in a car, it is best to start off and climb hills in low gear, then shift up according to the terrain. Most electronic displays even help with this by showing a small arrow pointing up or down.

Hot Tip: change gears when you see the gradient, don't wait until you are already on the gradient.

Speaking of riding a car: would you drive up a hill in 4th gear? Certainly not. This may help you next time to remember that the Ebike engine - and the battery - will thank you if you change gears in time.

By the way, frequent starting and braking are less economical, too, just like when driving a car.

But please, don't miss out on stopping for photo opportunities -

we greatly appreciate your contribution to many photos on our Facebook site :-)

What influence do tyre pressure, weight and temperature have?

Correct tyre pressure minimises rolling resistance considerably. Therefore, driving with the maximum permissible tyre pressure is recommended for maximum battery range. This is often underestimated. On our tours, the mechanics of the bike rental companies check this beforehand; on the road, your tour guide does; but at home you have to pay attention to it yourself.
You don’t have to be a scientist to know that lighter weight is easier to transport and thus saves energy. This refers not only to body weight but also to the load. The Ebike always registers both together as total weight. Our guides often notice this clearly with their rather heavy panniers. Body weight should never stop anyone from getting on a bike, it is the most joint-friendly and gentle form of exercise. And there is no reason for concern: the batteries have enough charge capacity to cope with the distances we cover on our cycle tours.
As the temperature drops, the performance and, therefore, the battery range decreases significantly. So don't be surprised, if you are still cycling in winter, that the battery charge level drops significantly faster in the colder months.

And here is an easy-to-remember tip for the correct treatment of your Ebike battery - regardless of whether you cycle in winter or have mothballed your bike:

If you are comfortable, your battery is comfortable. So, don't store it outside in the cold garage.

And last but not least: How can you make your battery last longer?

The battery is one of the most expensive elements of your Ebike. Good care will increase its life span.

Cleaning is best done with a damp cloth. Avoid cleaning the battery with a direct water jet - NEVER use high pressure. Remove the battery from the bike to clean the terminals occasionally, use a soft (tooth)brush to clean and lightly grease.
Storing the battery in a dry place at room temperature is best. The ideal storage condition/charge for extended storage periods is 30 to 60% or two to three LEDs on the display.
Parking your Ebike in a shady place rather than in direct sunlight in summer is a good idea. Your battery doesn’t like the cold, but neither does it like heat. Overheating drains your battery, which might cause long-term damage.

If you have more questions about the best way to treat your Ebike, contact us or ask our guides on #sidetrackswomen. And now have fun with your Ebike!