The formula
Range = Battery Wh × Usable % ÷ Wh per km
A 36 V 14 Ah battery holds 504 Wh. At 12 Wh/km, about 90% usable gives roughly 38 km (24 miles).
What affects range
- Assist level and throttle use, by far the biggest factor.
- Hills, headwinds, rider weight and tyre pressure.
- Cold weather, which can cut lithium capacity by 10–30%.
- Battery age: expect gradual capacity loss after several hundred cycles.
Frequently asked questions
How far will a 500Wh e-bike battery go?
Typically 25–60 km (15–40 miles), depending on assist level, terrain and rider weight.
How many Wh per mile does an e-bike use?
Around 13–40 Wh per mile (8–25 Wh per km). Light pedal-assist riding is at the low end; throttle-only riding at the high end.