Jan 16, 2025
On this episode we turn the page back to last fall when I did a secret mini tour with a big purpose… to test the range of my eBike battery on the C&O trail! Can I stretch one full charge enough to get a full day’s ride in with all of the pedal assist I want? Let’s find out the hard way!
eBike Range Test Preview
The ride
Cabin to Cumberland, road and trail
1 day, 1 charge*
eBike!
The idea
Can I stretch the battery enough to get me 75.1 miles from cabin to Cumberland?
Learning about range
Learning about methods to conserve power
Can I pedal this bike comfortably without pedal assist? Will I have to?
The weather
We haven’t had rain in the region for a month, so of course we are forecast for rain the night before the ride
BUT it should be dry day of, with a cold start and low 60s as a high
The gear
No camping this trip… doing a hotel in Cumberland and taking the train back
No camping? A lot less gear!
Bringing two emptyish panniers
Charger
Clothes for next day
May bring my sleeping bag for emergency’s sake
Extra chain and tools
The plan
A chilly start after sunrise
Ride to Hancock
Hour break to get a few more miles of charge
Pedal assist level 1 or maybe level 2 on the C&O to keep pace up but conserve battery
Assessing battery in Paw Paw (may have an opportunity to top up)
Will turn off pedal assist as necessary… or keep it up to improve pace
What is success?
2x speed 1/2 effort!
Knowing the range in real world conditions
Giving the bike its longest test yet
Feeling out the comfort situation - do I need to do more?
Next week… the ride!