Prime Pedals

E-bike range depends on battery capacity, motor efficiency, and riding conditions. Most models cover 25–70 miles (40–110 km) per charge.

Technical factors:

• Battery capacity (Wh):Range ≈ Battery capacity ÷ Consumption (Wh/mile). Typical use is 10–20 Wh/mile. A 500Wh battery gives about 30–50 miles.
• Motor type: Mid-drive motors are
  10–15% more efficient than hub motors.
• Assist level: Higher modes draw more current and can halve range.
• Load and terrain: Extra weight or steep gradients reduce efficiency.
• Tyre condition: Proper inflation lowers rolling resistance and improves range.

Example: A 48V 15Ah (720Wh) battery with 12 Wh/mile consumption delivers around 60 miles, or 45–55 miles in real-world use.

Most e-bike batteries take 3–6 hours to charge fully, depending on battery
size and charger current.

Technical factors:

• Battery capacity: Larger batteries
  (e.g. 720Wh) take longer than smaller ones (360Wh).
• Charger current (A): Charge time ≈
  Battery capacity (Ah) ÷ Charger current (A). A 3A charger charges a 15Ah battery in ~5 hours.
• Battery management system: Lithium-ion cells charge quickly to 80%, then slow for balancing.
• Temperature and charge level: Optimal charging occurs between 20–25°C; charging 20–80% is faster and healthier for the battery.

A quality lithium-ion e-bike battery lasts between 500–1,000 full charge cycles, or roughly 3–5 years with regular use. You can extend battery life by avoiding overcharging and extreme temperatures, and by storing the battery at about 60% charge when not in use.

• E-bikes: No license, insurance, or registration is required if your e-bike meets EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle) regulations — motor up to 250W, speed limited to 15.5 mph (25 km/h), and pedals must provide the primary motion.
• E-scooters: Privately owned e-scooters are not legal on UK public roads or pavements — only on private land. Government rental schemes are the only legal exception.

Currently in the UK, privately owned e-scooters cannot be ridden on public roads, cycle paths, or pavements. They can only be used on private property
with the owner’s permission. Legal trials for rental e-scooters are ongoing in
select cities.

For both e-bikes and e-scooters, it’s recommended to wear:

• A certified helmet
• Front and rear lights (mandatory at night)
• Reflective clothing or bands
• Bell or horn for e-bikes
• Good braking systems and regular tire checks are also essential for safe riding.

If your e-bike battery dies, it will function just like a regular bicycle — you can continue pedaling manually. For e-scooters, once the battery is depleted, the motor won’t run, and you’ll need to push or walk it.

Yes — all e-bikes can be ridden like standard bicycles even when the motor
is off. However, they are slightly heavier due to the motor and battery, so
manual pedaling requires a bit more effort.

Most e-bikes and e-scooters are designed to handle light rain and damp conditions,
but not heavy downpours or deep puddles. Look for models with IP-rated
waterproofing (IP65 or higher) for added durability. Always dry the components after wet rides.

E-bikes and e-scooters are common theft targets, so invest in:

• A high-quality D-lock or chain lock (preferably Sold Secure Gold-rated)
• GPS tracking devices (many modern e-bikes include this feature)
• Removable batteries — store them indoors when not in use
• Registering your bike with services like
  Bike Register for identification