Once the batteries are charged it practically drives itself – in the case of both people and bikes. These factors have a positive influence on the range of an e-bike and save battery power!
You don’t always have the opportunity to change up your commute. Straight routes in hilly areas and powerful acceleration on inclines shorten the range – you travel farthest with constant speed on flat terrain. Routes with smoother and new road surfaces are also preferable, as the tires experience less resistance on them. This in turn means less energy expenditure and conservation for the e-bike motor.
When the sensitivity of the torque sensor is set higher, the motor assistance is increased. However, the range decreases as a result. If the sensitivity is set low, on the other hand, this significantly increases the range.
The rider’s weight, the luggage, and the weight of the bike: The motor has to help keep all of this moving. The higher the total weight – most Speed Pedelecs in category L1e-B are around 150 kg – the more power is drained from the battery. The air resistance also plays a role because headwind slows you down: The more upright the rider is seated on the bike, the more air resistance is created – specifically around 80 %. The general rule is: The lower the handlebars are in relation to the saddle, the lower the energy consumption. Clothing can also account for up to 10 % of the range and is ideally tight fitting.
Did you already know? From a speed of 20 km/h it is no longer the weight but rather the air resistance that is the most significant influencing factor on the e-bike battery range.
Many people know from their smartphone: As soon as the temperatures drop low enough, the battery discharges faster than at summery temperatures. The explanation is quite simple: The colder it is, the slower the electrolytes, move – meaning it loses capacity and energy. The same is true for the battery on the Speed Pedelec. To ensure that it retains its charge longer, it should be charged and stored at room temperature (around 20 degrees Celsius). The charge status of the battery for long-term storage (e.g. over the winter) should be between 40 % to 60 %.
The higher the tire pressure, the lower the rolling resistance and thus the energy consumption. But don’t forget: Tires that are too hard can result in a less comfortable ride. To save you from having to choose between comfort and efficiency, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. On Stromer models the recommended tire pressure can be found in the bike’s battery compartment (on the current models with 27.5″ tires it is 2.2 bar). It takes these factors into account and guarantees a comfortable and long ride. A tire is worn unevenly and can thus result in greater friction and use more energy.
With regular maintenance, typical wear parts can be used longer and generate no resistance. Are the bearings of the wheels well lubricated? Is the bearing play adjusted correctly? It is also important to check whether the chain is lubricated, the brakes grind, or the shifting system is working trouble-free. Speaking of which: Die Nabenschaltungen des ST2 (ab Baujahr 2020) erzeugen weniger Reibung als Kettenschaltungen. Bei letzteren können es immerhin bis zu 8 % sein. There are experts available to provide advice when checking all additional wear parts. Many dealers offer a full inspection of the bike.
The health benefits of regular cycling cannot be denied. A greater range is achieved if you ride with a higher cadence with the same pedal power. Additionally, fewer stops and starts along the commute allow you to travel farther.
During regenerative braking, the energy released during braking is converted into electrical energy by the generator. The battery saves this and uses it to accelerate. The range of the e-bike battery can be increased by up to 20 % as a result. Regenerative braking on the Stromer bike can also be used as a motor brake to help preserve the brakes during long downhill rides.
Battery: Nice to know
- Stromer only uses battery cells from well-known manufacturers to produce their batteries.
- A battery is not just a battery: The BMS (battery management system) makes vital contributions to the range of a bike.
- Stromer offers smart batteries – the charge level and battery status can be viewed via OMNI as well as the app.
- The battery service life can be increased if the battery is not driven completely empty. Top up the charge when possible!
- You can go 10 % further with the rear motor (e.g., the Syno Sport): It only consumes 6.7 Wh/km, compared to the average mid-mounted motor consumption of 7.5 Wh/km.
