Auto Trader bikes

Skip to contentSkip to footer
Advice

Electric bike range explained

Afraid an electric bike battery might leave you stranded? Read this.

Auto Trader

Words by: Auto Trader

Published on 15 June 2021 | 0 min read

The amazing thing which most people don’t know about electric bikes and scooters is that you can charge the majority of them via a standard UK 3 point plug, just like your mobile phone or other appliances in your house. This means they are very easy to charge and home, at work and out and about. Lots of manufacturers have developed batteries which you can remove too, so if you wanted to, you could take it into your favourite coffee shop and charge it there.
What is an electric bike's range?
The range is how an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge.
The range will depend on how much the vehicle is charged, the size of the battery, your riding style, the features you have switched on, and sometimes even the weather.
Here are some examples of ranges for different bikes/scooters, when charged via a standard UK 3 point plug:
  • BMW C Evolution - 100 mile range, and 4 hours to charge
  • Harley-Davidson Livewire - 88 mile range, takes 8 hours to charge
  • Lexmoto Cypher - 40 mile range, takes 6 hours to charge
  • Silence S02 LS - 35 mile range, takes 3-4 hours to charge
  • Sunra Miku Super - 84 mile range, 4 hour charge
  • Silence S01 - 80 miles and 6-8 hours to charge
  • Sunra Robo - 40 mile range, takes 4 hours to charge
  • Super Soco CUX - 40 mile range, takes 4 hours to charge
  • Super Soco TC Max - 60 miles, takes 3-4 hours to charge
  • Zero S - massive 178 mile range, 9 hours to charge
What is range anxiety?
‘Range anxiety’ is the fear that an electric vehicle could run out of charge in the middle of your journey and leave you stranded.
Most electric bikes have a quoted range in the region of 35-178 miles, although external factors such as traffic and the weather can affect this. The average commute is around 23 miles there and back daily, which means an electric bike or scooter could be a perfect option for your commute. Most electric bikes tell you how much charge is left in the battery using the fuel gauge, and most will tell you what that equates to in miles. They will also send you a warning when it’s time to top up, exactly like the fuel light on your car or bike.
How do I charge an electric bike or scooter?
The majority of electric bikes and scooters charge via a standard UK 3 point plug, just like your mobile phone or other appliances in your house. Some also have easily removable batteries. This means they are very easy to charge and home, at work and out and about.
Charging technology is changing rapidly. We have been made aware that as electric bikes get more mainstream, manufacturers are planning on trying to create shared batteries for multiple bikes/scooters, which may mean one day you can swap out the battery of a bike at charging hubs.
Are there electric charging points near me?
As most electric bikes and scooters allow you to charge via a 3 pin plug you may never need to use the charging network.
If you would prefer to use the charging network, there are over 20,000 charging points available in the UK, with plans to build more and more each year. Before using the charging network, check they have a suitable charger for your bike/scooter.
What if my electric bike battery goes flat?
If you’ve never run out of fuel in your current bike, it’s not likely you’ll start running out in an electric version. You will get all sorts of alerts before this happens.
While this is very unlikely, if your bike/scooter charges via a 3 pin plug, it’s a relatively easy fix, as you will just need to get your bike to any power socket to recharge. If your bike/scooter doesn’t charge via 3 pin plug and you did run out of charge, it would be the same as if your petrol bike ran out of fuel, you’ll have to pull up somewhere safe and call for roadside assistance if you were too far away to push to a garage. Once you’re parked up safely, you can call breakdown assistance. You’ll either get towed to the nearest charge point (or your destination if closer) or your operators may have recharging facilities.
Looking for an electric bike or scooter?
Start your search for an electric bike

Send me great Auto Trader offers and the latest vehicle reviews.

By signing up, you agree to receive marketing emails in accordance with our privacy notice. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Follow us on social media