Here’s a question you may be asking yourself right now if you’re thinking about buying an electric bike. Can you ride the bike without the battery? You know, like a regular bike?
It’s an important question. The typical electric bike has a range of 20 to 100 miles (32 to 160 kilometers). But this is with a fully charged battery and under ideal conditions, which is rarely the case.
And, however you look at it, this is an important question to ask. The typical e-bike has a range of 20 to 100 mi (32 to 160 km), but this is with a fully charged battery and in ideal conditions. If yours runs out of battery during a ride, can you keep pedaling or will you have to walk it back home?
Can an Electric Bike Be Used With a Flat Battery?
In a word, yes. You can ride an e-bike without the motor if the battery runs out. However, the bike will feel much heavier and you’ll have to pedal harder.
An electric bike is heavier than a regular bike because it has to be fitted with a motor and battery, which adds weight. A regular bike weighs between 20 to 40 lbs (10 and 20 kg), whereas an e-bike weighs between 40 and 80 lbs (20 and 36 kg), and in some cases more.
Even if you’ve never ridden an electric bike before, you can imagine that riding without the battery can be kind of burdensome compared to riding a regular bike, especially if you have to climb uphill or go a long distance. Don’t get me wrong — for most riders, it’s doable. But it’s a lot of work.
Can You Ride an Electric Bike With the Battery Removed?
Suppose you’re about to fly somewhere. You can take your electric bike — and you’d really like to — but you can’t take the battery because, well, you know how airlines are with things that can explode mid-flight.
Or maybe your e-bike’s old battery is worn out and completely useless, losing its charge in no time and all, and you want to know if you can ride while you get a new one delivered. Listen, whatever the case that brought you to this post, we have good news.
It’s completely fine to ride an e-bike with the battery taken out. However, like riding the bike when the battery has run out, it will feel much heavier and you’ll have to put a lot of effort into pedaling.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can ride an e-bike with a flat battery or the battery removed. But the bike will feel heavier and pedaling will be more work. But, hey, if pedaling is your only option, it’s better than having to walk the bike home!
