It is not always easy to determine what is causing differences in range. A big factor is the temperature – it is normal, that lithium-ion batteries have much less capacity in cold weather. Please also note that the calculations of the remaining capacity within the app or on the display are not always accurate, as a voltage drop under load is a typical phenomenon with Li-ion batteries and is difficult to calculate.
In general, the capacity depends on several environmental factors. Crucial factors are:
- Weather – colder weather reduces the capacity, so does headwind.
- The environment – uphill the motor needs more power, and also on loose ground.
- The total weight (bike, luggage, and rider) – more weight means more work for the motor, including e.g. with a trailer.
- The start and stop frequency – the motor pushes with higher force when starting and therefore needs more energy.
- The motor setting – assist level 1 or assist level 2 give different support values.
- The tire pressure – low tire pressure means increased rolling resistance and more work for the motor and poorer acceleration.
- The riding style – if you rarely exceed the 25 km/h limit, the battery will always use power during the ride - other than going above 25 km/h, where the motor de-couples.
- With Generation 2 bikes, the GPS and GSM modules in the bikes cause a discharge of approx. 3 % per day. These modules enable, among other things, the use of location services (tracking of your bike and movement alerts).
The 70 km range we state for our battery is an average value. Our battery also has a relatively high capacity of 336 Wh, while we can keep the total weight of the e-bike low.
The battery management system, which monitors and protects the cells, signals if the function is impaired, e.g., by causing a complete shutdown of the battery. So if the e-bike charges and behaves normally, environmental factors stated above are causing the reduction in capacity.
To help you get more range, please check the following things:
Tire pressure – check your tire pressure regularly, preferably with a floor pump. You will find the information on the sidewall of the tire, do not go above that number.
Torque calibration – we recommend calibrating your bike's torque sensor every 3-6 months. Re-calibrating the sensor signal will help improve your bike's response and performance.
Firmware restart – this will, among other, re-sync the battery level in the app with the button/display and generally resolves smaller hiccups.
Check your motor support level in the app – you can set it to give you less of an initial push. 70% assistance is our default level 1, you can lower it to 60% or less. You can also have the motor de-couple after 20 km/h instead of 25 km/h.
Put your Generation 2 bike into sleep mode when you are not using it – this way, the GSM/GPS module will stop sending data and the bike will stop self-discharging. Of course, you should only do this when your bike is in a safe place, as it disables the location services.
Thank you for your understanding.
Please also note: If you own an older Ampler, it is a given that the cells are not retaining the original capacity any more, this lies in the nature of Li-Ion batteries. You can expand your battery life by following our battery care tips.