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QuietKat eBikes are built with high quality lithium-ion batteries which are designed and built for extended use in rugged conditions. No matter the brand, all batteries found in electric vehicles (Automobiles, ATV’s, and eBikes) have variables as to how they will perform in different conditions and scenarios. For example: the EPA range on a Chevy Silverado may be 18-22 depending on city or highway driving, but if you're going uphill towing a large trailer, you might get only 10mpg, which dramatically lowers your true range.
Based on many years of testing and performance analysis, the general rule of thumb for measuring battery mileage per charge on a QuietKat electric bike is:
| Throttle Only | 2 Miles Per Amp Hour |
| Pedal Assist | 4 Miles Per Amp Hour |
Using this standard metric, an 11.6 AH Battery ridden only using the thumb throttle (no pedaling) would run 23 miles per charge and using only pedal assist (no throttle) would go roughly 46 miles per charge in ideal conditions.
This standard mileage for a fully charged battery is based on the following criteria:
- 180lb Rider, No Additional Gear
- Power Level 2
- Flat, Hard Pack Terrain
- 50 Degree – 70 Degree F Temperature Range
- 20 PSI Tire Pressure
- Infrequent Starts and Stops
- Appropriate Gearing
- Within First 200 Charge Cycles
As you can quickly see, there are many variables that can cause individual battery mileage to fluctuate and sometimes, these may not be realistic to you. For example, all vehicles state an EPA rated gas mileage, but there are many variables to consider such as how you drive, how quickly you accelerate, what fuel type you use, highway vs city, maintenance, etc. Another example of a baseline metric is IBO (International Bowhunter’s Organization) speed of a bow, which measures how fast an arrow shoots in FPS (feet per second) but may not be a realistic gauge for a hunting scenario.
Below is a further explanation of each variable that will help determine the factors that may increase or decrease your mileage:
Rider Weight & Gear – A 120lb rider vs a 250lb rider might not be a huge variable for a Tesla SUV, but for a 79lb electric bike, rider weight and additional gear makes a big difference in overall battery mileage per charge. A 250lb rider carrying additional equipment such as a pack, weapon, and pulling a trailer will see lower mileage than someone who is lighter weight without carrying any accessory items.
Power Settings – On a QuietKat Ebike, power levels can be adjusted from 1-5, with level 1 providing the least amount of power and 5 outputting the most power. Depending on how quickly someone may want to travel, how much gear they are carrying, and type of terrain may warrant them to use more or less power, causing fluctuations in battery mileage over the status quo baseline above. You also have the option between ECO and SPORT mode to draw more power or more range out of the battery.
Terrain – Flatter areas of the Midwest will see more mileage per charge versus hillier or mountainous terrain, given all variables are otherwise the same. Going up-hill, even when paired with an equal amount of downhill drains more battery than maintaining a consistent speed on flat ground due to overall resistance and added exertion from the battery and motor. In addition to the variability of terrain steepness is the type of terrain. For example, riding on a hard packed, dry gravel road will get better mileage than riding through heavy resistance of a muddy field or deep snow. Learn more about riding an electric bike in the snow at https://quietkat.com/e-bike-snow/.
Temperature – As the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, riders will see nominal decreases in mileage per charge up until 32 degrees. As temperatures drop below freezing and into the teens and single digits, battery mileage can be up to 50% less than under normal operating conditions.
Tire Pressure – QuietKat tires can be inflated to a range of 7-30 PSI, depending on rider preference. When riding in icy/snowy/muddy conditions, 7-10 PSI would be an ideal inflation range for optimal traction but will result in lower battery mileage due to added resistance. On the other hand, a higher PSI would be ideal for riding on hard pack trails and will help increase mileage but will have less traction and stability when encountering unforgiving terrain.
Starting and Stopping – Each time you stop and start again, the motor requires more power from the battery to get moving again. If you are frequently starting and stopping versus a continuous ride with less stops, you will see better mileage overall.
Gearing – Appropriate gearing makes a big difference in mileage, especially when taking off from a dead stop. To maximize battery mileage, before coming to a stop, the rider should downshift to gear 1 or 2 (hill climbing gears) to increase efficiency and draw less power from the battery compared to being in gear 7 or higher, which are ideal for high speeds.
Battery Lifecycle – With any battery technology, the performance and overall mileage will decrease with age. Each time a battery is plugged in / charged, that counts as one charging cycle. QuietKat batteries are rated for 800 charge cycles and will have optimal power and performance within the first 200 cycles.
Common FAQ’s
Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Build A Memory?
No, they do not build a memory but in order to maximize the lifetime mileage of the battery, it is best to run the battery as far down as possible before recharging. Whether you run it 2 miles or 20 miles, it won’t affect its day-to-day performance but each time it is recharged, it counts as a charge cycle.
Why is a brand name such as Panasonic better than a Samsung, LG, or a lesser-known battery?
Panasonic batteries are the same cell technology that is used in Tesla cars and suv’s. Panasonic batteries are the longest lasting, best performing, highest quality battery brand available on the market today. They are higher quality because they use higher grade cells that provide better power. They use heavier gauge wires and better-quality connections that transfer power more efficiently through less heat transfer. They use more silicone and better wire management to protect delicate electronics so they can withstand getting thrashed around on rugged terrain over an extended time period.
What are some tips for increasing mileage in cold temperatures?
While using your bike in cold temperatures, it is best to store the battery inside at a warmer temperature until you are ready to use the bike. Remove the battery from the compartment if you are leaving the bike unattended longer than 20 minutes. I personally like to remove the battery and put it into a backpack or pannier bag with a few hand warmers to keep the battery at a stable temp.
What should I do if I’m not using my bike in Winter or an extended period of time?
If you intend not to use your bike for 30 days or longer, it is recommended to run the battery down to a 40-60% range and store indoors at a temperature between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why does my battery gauge drop while riding and then fluctuate upwards after I stop?
We have all seen the battery percentage drop during a demanding hill climb, only to get to the top and watch it climb back up after stopping for a quick break. This is completely normal for any battery operated device due to a communication lag from the battery to the screen display, caused from complex battery chemistry and outputs.
Summary
The most important takeaway to understand about ebike battery mileage is that it will vary widely based on a number of circumstances. A 250lb man pulling a trailer through the snow in 20-degree temperatures will certainly see less mileage than a 120lb woman riding a paved bike trail on flat terrain during the Summer. Both bikes and batteries are functioning properly, but without factoring in all scenarios, the man described above may perceive his battery to be faulty, but in reality it is performing just fine. Sometimes I personally feel like pedaling, while other times I just want to hit the throttle and cruise without ever breaking a sweat, however, I will see vast differences in mileage per charge.
Depending on each specific model, QuietKat offers various battery sizes to meet different needs. For added convenience or to significantly increase your mileage, consider picking up an extra battery to take with you on extended rides or when traveling through remote areas.
Happy Riding!
