The E-Bike Range Myth: How to Calculate Real-World Range from Watt-Hours (Wh)

There is no bigger marketing fabrication in the electric bike industry than the “maximum range” claim. You see it everywhere: “Up to 50 miles!” “Ride 60 miles on one charge!”

Let’s be blunt: this number is a fantasy.

It’s achieved in a lab, with a 150-pound rider, on perfectly flat terrain, with no wind, using the lowest possible pedal-assist level. It is not the range you will get.

So, how do you find the real range? You need to ignore the miles and look for one crucial number: Watt-Hours (Wh).

The Only Spec That Matters: Your Battery’s “Gas Tank”

An e-bike battery’s capacity is measured in Watt-Hours (Wh). This number represents the total amount of energy stored in the battery. Think of it as the size of your car’s gas tank. “Miles” is the theoretical distance, but “Watt-Hours” is the actual gallons of gas you have.

You can usually find the Wh on the battery’s sticker or in the fine print of the specs.

• What if I only see Volts (V) and Amp-Hours (Ah)?
  • Simple: multiply them. Volts (V) x Amp-Hours (Ah) = Watt-Hours (Wh).
  • For example, the Varun M26-3 is listed with a 374.4Wh battery and a 48V system. If we do the math (374.4Wh / 48V), we find it has a 7.8Ah capacity.

The Secret Formula for “Real-World Range”

Here is the industry secret that manufacturers don’t advertise. You only need to remember one number: 20.

On average, a typical e-bike, with a typical rider, under mixed conditions (some hills, some flats, moderate assist) will consume about 15-25 Watt-Hours per mile (Wh/mile).

• 25 Wh/mile: Aggressive riding, high-assist, or very hilly terrain.
• 15 Wh/mile: Conservative riding, low-assist, or very flat terrain.

We can use 20 Wh/mile as a fantastic, realistic average.

Your Battery’s Watt-Hours (Wh) ÷ 20 = Your Realistic Average Range in Miles

Case Study: Calculating the Varun M26-3’s Range

Let’s apply this formula to the Varun M26-3 and its 374.4Wh battery.

374.4Wh ÷ 20 Wh/mile = 18.7 miles

Now, let’s look at the full range: * Aggressive/Hill-Climbing Range: 374.4Wh ÷ 25 Wh/mile = ~15 miles * Conservative/Flat-Land Range: 374.4Wh ÷ 15 Wh/mile = ~25 miles

Suddenly, the “up to 50 miles” claim seems absurd, doesn’t it?

More importantly, this 15-25 mile calculated range perfectly aligns with real-world user reports for this bike. One user stated it “lasted about 23 miles for 2 hours of riding.” The math works.

Why 20 Miles of Real Range is Actually Great

Your first reaction might be disappointment. “Only 20 miles?”

Let’s re-frame that. According to the US Census Bureau, the average one-way commute is under 30 minutes, and well under 15 miles for most. A realistic 20-mile range is more than enough for a round-trip commute, a trip to the grocery store, or a long recreational ride.

The problem isn’t the 20-mile range; it’s the 50-mile promise. A 374.4Wh battery is a standard, solid choice for a budget e-bike.

The Real Value: A Removable Battery

Finally, the M26-3’s battery is removable. This feature is arguably more important than a massive range. It means you can park your 63-pound bike in the garage or lobby and carry only the battery inside your apartment or office to charge. It’s a massive convenience and security feature.

Conclusion: Ask the Right Question

When you’re shopping for an e-bike, stop asking, “What’s the range?”
Start asking, “How many Watt-Hours (Wh) does the battery have?”

That one question will tell you everything you need to know. For a 374.4Wh battery, you know you have a reliable 15-25 mile machine. No marketing, just math.