When it comes to selecting an electric bike with a long range, what factors should you consider before making your purchase? Clearly, the distance an electric bike can cover largely depends on the amount of energy stored in its battery—essentially, its size—and how efficiently the bike uses that energy while in motion. So, logically, an ideal long-range electric bike might seem to be one with a massive battery and a low-powered motor. However, this simplicity is deceptive. Who would want to ride at a sluggish pace for hours on end just to cover a long distance?

In reality, most people use their electric bikes for short commutes or leisure rides. Therefore, a long-range electric bike might not always feel practical in everyday scenarios. Yet, there's a specific niche where such a bike truly shines: long-distance tourism. When venturing into remote areas like forests or mountainous regions, having an electric bike with sufficient battery life becomes essential to avoid getting stranded. Understanding this need, we can delve deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of owning a long-range electric bike.

The benefits are straightforward. Such bikes offer the range required for nearly any user and are generally very dependable. Dependability is crucial since, as previously noted, these bikes are meant to traverse vast distances far from civilization. Running out of battery or experiencing motor failure in the wilderness could be catastrophic. Hence, if you encounter an electric bike that doesn't resemble an armored tank on two wheels yet claims to have long-range capabilities, approach with caution. Physics remains consistent—achieving high reliability often involves increased weight, more robust materials, or advanced technology, all of which impact the price.

On the downside, achieving high mileage necessitates a large battery paired with a sturdy design, resulting in a heavier vehicle. This makes these electric bikes resemble motocross bikes rather than traditional bicycles. Additionally, a powerful motor demands more wiring, which adds to the overall weight. Due to these design constraints, long-range electric bikes tend to be bulkier, heavier, and less pedal-friendly. Despite this, Delfast has produced an electric bike that has already logged over 100,000 miles and is still running strong!

Nothing lasts forever, including your electric bike. The lifespan of an electric bike and its components is finite, influenced by design, materials, usage intensity, and environmental conditions. Factors such as occasional recreational use, extreme weather, rugged terrains, or commercial applications can extend the bike's mileage beyond expectations. Interestingly, this is precisely what happened with Delfast's courier electric bike.

The bike I’m referring to has been serving our courier service for 3.5 years now. On average, it covers around 124 miles per day. Over its operational period, it has traveled approximately 160,000 miles. Its brake pads and tires have been replaced multiple times, but the battery retains 80% of its original capacity. The motor remains unchanged, the frame intact, though the shock absorber had to be swapped out. Regular maintenance, however, ensures that the shock absorber could last much longer. This marks another impressive achievement for Delfast’s electric bike.

While the official Guinness World Record for the longest range stands at 226 miles, the unofficial record for endurance surpasses 150,000 miles in courier service. Furthermore, this bike has endured both Ukrainian summers and winters, operating nonstop in temperatures ranging from -25°C to +35°C, under scorching sun, pouring rain, and snow. In conclusion, when purchasing an electric bike, remember that lighter models often sacrifice durability for reduced weight. Opting for lightweight designs means compromising on longevity. Thus, the trade-offs can be summarized as follows:

Low weight + Reliability + Acceptable range = High Price (or Very High Price)

Reliability + Acceptable Price + High range = Heavy Weight

Low weight + Low Price = Low reliability, low range

Even though the life of any bike is finite, certain models, like the Delfast electric bike, manage to defy expectations and set records.