Long range electric bikes are for riders who expect even more from their ride. Whether you’re an off-road adventurer, an urban explorer or a daily commuter, a long range e bike is ideal for riders who don’t want to have to charge their bikes after every journey.
Long-range bikes are designed to travel between 50 and 100+ miles on a single charge, with high-capacity batteries, efficient motors and lightweight designs to help to achieve this.
For cyclists who experience range anxiety – the worry that an electric vehicle will run out of battery before reaching their destination – a long-distance electric bike with an extended battery life can help to ease it.
Rapid Scooter has a wide range of long range e-bikes, so we have curated some of our top contenders for all budgets and lifestyles.
Long Range Bikes Over £3k
Haibike Hybe CF 9
For riders looking to cover some serious distance, the Hybe CF9 has a range of up to 170 miles. Ideal for endurance riders and adventure cyclists, it is specifically designed to go further for longer. It has a carbon fibre frame, so in spite of its powerful mid-drive motor, the bike is surprisingly lightweight. With a full-suspension design and responsive power delivery, this bike can handle off-road roads, steep hills and rough terrain with ease.
GHOST E-ASX Essential
If you’re looking for a bike with long-range capability that’s versatile enough to be used every day, the GHOST E-ASX Essential can do it all. Unlike a lot of electric mountain bikes, the geometry of this model makes it as suitable for commuting as it is countryside exploring. Its Bosch motor system has excellent battery performance, with an extended range of up to 130 miles.
Haibike ALLMTN CF 11 TRN/IQ
The ALLMTN CF 11 TRN/IQ stands out for its Pinion gearbox system, which keeps the gears protected from mud, rain and general wear, as well as its premium drivetrain components, full suspension system and mid-drive motor system. If you’re looking for a touring e bike to take on technical countryside trails and need something that can tackle them, this could be your answer – and it has a range of 165 miles.
Long Range Bikes Under £3k
Raleigh Novus Hub Gear
A practical, low-maintenance electric bike that is a strong option for commuting and touring. The internal hub gear system protects the gears, so it’s convenient for cyclists who will be commuting in adverse UK weather. The Novus Hub Gear is better for roads and cycle paths rather than significant off-road adventures, but with its range of up to 81 miles, it’s an incredibly reliable option for everyday use and long journeys.
Allegro AEB Pro Dual Battery Fat Tyre Electric Bike
Explore diverse terrains effortlessly with the Allegro Fat Tyre Electric Bike and its Shimano 7-speed gear system, with a range of up to 150 miles. This bike offers a smooth and comfortable ride whether taking on steep hills or flat paths, with an LCD display that gives real-time updates. The dual battery setup is particularly useful for riders carrying heavy loads.
Haibike AllTrack 6
Designed for riders who want a capable, versatile e-bike that is just as comfortable on everyday rides as off-road adventures, the AllTrack 6 has a range of up to 150 miles to give you the range to explore further with confidence. The Bosch Performance Line PX motor and 800Wh motor deliver reliable power output, making this bike a dependable, effective electric mountain bike for mixed-terrain riding.
Electric Bikes Under £2k
TENWAYS CGO600 Pro
The TENWAYS CGO600 Pro is a lightweight electric bike designed for smooth, efficient riding, with less extra weight for the motor to contend with. At just 16kg, it’s ideal for commuting, powered by a rear hub motor and paired with an advanced torque sensor for natural-feeling assistance and a smooth ride. This electric bike has 62 miles of range, so if you’re a commuter covering regular daily mileage, this bike would be a solid choice.
Cyrusher Asuka
With fat tyres to improve grip and stability, an upright riding position and an air suspension fork to smooth out rough roads, the Cyrusher Asuka is a city-smart electric bike. If you’re looking for a bike for casual touring and leisure, as well as daily commuting and light trail riding, this bike offers up to 75 miles range on a single charge.
ENGWE ENGINE X
Long range capability and portability in one, the ENGWE ENGINE X has a folding frame which makes it great for commuters and riders with limited storage space. The front and rear suspension makes it a more comfortable ride over rough terrain even at higher speeds, with fat tyres to add more cushioning and stability. Built with premium materials and components, it’s robust enough for daily use and outdoor exploring.
What Makes an Electric Bike Suitable for Long Distances?
When you’re looking for a long-distance bike, a large battery capacity is an essential. A bigger battery means that riders can travel further before the bike needs to be recharged. As well as the battery, an efficient motor is another factor that makes an electric bike better for long distance cycling. A good motor will use the battery more efficiently, which is particularly important for riding on hills or for longer journeys.
If you will be taking on tougher terrain – or even for cycling on UK roads where you might encounter potholes – then a strong suspension system and wider tyres can make travelling more comfortable, as can a frame with upright riding positions to put less strain on a rider’s back, wrists and shoulders when travelling all day.
For regular long-distance cyclists, high-quality components like hydraulic disk brakes and drivetrains are critical, as they can increase the safety and control of an electric bike. Reliable components can help to protect against mechanical failure, which could leave you stranded on a long journey.
How Far Can e-Bikes Go On a Single Charge?
A standard electric bike used for commuting typically travels between 30-50 miles on a single charge, but this does depend on the battery size and the cycling conditions. Long distance electric bikes are designed to have a much larger range, with some reaching above 150 miles per charge.
The total mileage achievable depends on a few different factors. As well as the battery capacity, the pedal assist level used will impact how long the battery lasts. Switching into higher power assist levels will mean the range will be shorter than riders who are using Eco modes or pedalling without assistance.
Rider weight and cargo will also have an effect, as carrying a heavier load on a bike requires more power from the motor. The terrain that you are taking on will also need to be factored in, because steeper inclines and the rougher terrain found on off-road trails will drain the battery faster than on smoother tarmac.
What Affects e-Bike Range?
The type of terrain will have a significant impact on battery range. Steep hills need more motor assistance than flat roads, so if you are planning an off-road adventure with a lot of inclines, this will need to be considered. As it’s easier to keep a steady cycling pace on open roads or dedicated cycle routes, this will use the battery more efficiently than stop-start urban biking.
Heavier loads need the motor to work harder on long distance journeys, so the weight of the luggage that you take with you will have a direct impact on the range. Switching into modes like Turbo can also drain the battery much faster, so consider using an Eco mode where possible to conserve energy.
Weather conditions can affect battery performance. In the UK especially, where we can get very harsh, cold winters, lithium-ion batteries can become less effective. Excessive, prolonged heat exposure can also shorten the lifespan of a battery, so they should be stored in a cool, dry place when not in use, and should be charged during cooler hours of the day. Speaking of weather conditions, stronger headwinds can increase resistance, which means that the motor is forced to exert more power to maintain speed.
The choice of tyres will impact range, because whilst fat tyres offer more comfort and grip, they create more rolling resistance compared to narrow road tyres. If your tyres are under-inflated and low pressure, this will increase drag, and need more support from your motor.
Mid-Drive or Hub Motor?
Mid-drive motors are positioned near the pedals, providing power directly through the drivetrain. They are typically more efficient on hills, as they work with the gears to manage power more effectively. Mid-drive motors are ideal for touring, mountain biking and long-distance riding as they offer better balance and weight distribution, which is more comfortable and stable for long rides. If you are heading to the countryside or anywhere that you’re likely to encounter uneven ground and steeper climbs, a mid-drive motor will be very effective, as it prioritises better performance.
A hub motor is positioned inside either the front or rear wheel to deliver power directly to the wheel itself. Hub motors are usually quieter and simpler than mid-drive systems, which makes them a strong candidate for commuters or anyone looking for a budget-friendly e bike. They do perform better on flatter terrain, so if you are primarily an urban rider, a hub motor can be a good bet.
Comfort Features on Longer Rides
If you’re cycling long distances, comfort is crucial. Electric bikes with an upright riding position takes the strain off the neck, wrists and lower back, whilst suspension forks and suspension systems can absorb impacts from potholes, gravel and rougher road surfaces. Fatigue is a real challenge on longer rides, so picking a bike with well-considered comfort features is key.
Fat tyres will offer more cushioning and stability for mixed terrain and unfavourable road surfaces, and if they are puncture-resistant, this can make them more reliable for long trips. Other features to look out for include step-through frames to allow you to mount and dismount more easily, and ergonomic saddles and grips for added support.
Long Range Electric Bikes in the UK
If you want to know more about any of our long range ebikes and which one might be right for you, our team is always available with expert advice – whether it’s for a daily commuter, mountain trails, or urban and rural adventures. Speak to us now via our live chat, or call 020 7072 2847.
