Is a 20 mile commute to work doable?
Posted by RuinNecessary7601@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 50 comments
Roads would be mainly cycle paths
I'm in the UK if anyone has any suggestions of brands and models that would work
There is no public transport so I'd need to go both ways
No idea where to even start looking in terms of battery or if this is even feasible, I'm currently quite unfit...
Kflynn1337@reddit
Question; is that one way or round trip? Round trip would be doable, the wife does that on a daily... if it's 20 miles one way, that's a bit of a steep ask... You'd need a battery with a minimum 50mile range, and charge it every night.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
One way, 40 round trip
Kflynn1337@reddit
Ok, so you're going to need a battery in the 25+ Ah range... I'd look at the ones with a duel battery system that say they get range of 50 miles or better. And a really comfortable saddle.
KostyaFedot@reddit
32 km one way? I have done it for curiosity on my EU legal, 25kmph , reputable brand, midmotor e-bicycle.
Mainly rural cycling paths, so no stress from cars, except last, first 7 km in the city.
I had odd uplifting feelings after each ride. Very optimistic.
But pain at night.
From my sport career I know it is doable 5x7, but life needs to managed as sport career. No late parties, enough sleep, no much alcohol and food making you fat.
And it is miserable at dark and rainy season.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
Yes it's one way, how long does that ake you and what model do you use?
KostyaFedot@reddit
Giant Explore 2+ 2022 or so model.
700cc is good for long distances. Fat tires are to avoid.
If possible, check on road e-bicycle. Those have optimized for pedaling geometry.
And make sure bicycle fits.
You will need bibs. And durable jacked. I have both from Decathlon. Good quality and very durable.
For such distances pain will be present at night, but if done regularly it will be less and you will get used to it.
If you could run two days, wfh, two days run, weekend, it will help .
Five days non stop, it will be not only pain, but energy loss. And overall fatigue for sometime.
Use maximum mode if it is battery covering one way, charge, ride back , charge.
You will get pain even on maximum assistance and loss of energy.
Water and some energy source for the rides.
Prepare to struggle more with incoming wind.
Maybe check if speed pedelecs are allowed on same paths.
Or, as it was mentioned. Old fashion ICE scooter.
But e-bicycle will make you completely another person within one year.
notimetosleep8@reddit
My commute is 22 miles each way. I only go into the office 2 or 3 days per week and my bike can go up to 28 mph. For me it would be hard to do five days per week. I enjoy 2 or 3 days. I also charge my battery at work. As for specific bikes, I would buy from a local bike shop so you can have them perform maintenance and repairs. One challenge in the fall and spring is under or over dressing for the weather.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
how long does it take you?
GetOffMy3Inches@reddit
What's your average speed you think? And what's your max?
KostyaFedot@reddit
It really depends. If you have plenty of roads to cross it will slow you down, even without traffic lights ones. Or route is very turny, full of cyclists. If not, about 1 hour 20 minutes or less after you learn the route.
notimetosleep8@reddit
Typically about 1 hour 15 minutes. I have done it in as little as 1 hour 6 minutes and the longest was about 1 hour 25 minutes.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
What bike do you have? That's pretty good
notimetosleep8@reddit
Thanks, it is a Bulls Iconic Evo 2 Speed.
geekroick@reddit
If you have a big enough battery or you can recharge at work, yes.
Probably going to take you around 40-45 minutes each way, too. I think time as opposed to mileage will be the deciding factor there...
ETA - wait, 20 each way rather than per day? Double that time estimate. 90 minutes each way. Rather you than me tbh.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
Yes 40 per day
geekroick@reddit
Yeah, that's a long old time in the saddle... Plus a long time in general. I mean, are you happy to add three hours on to your day?
FWIW my commute is just under 8 miles each way, some hills, it takes me circa 30-35 minutes depending on the route and how much effort I put in to pedalling. By the time I get to work my bum has had enough of the saddle.
YMMV of course (in the literal definition and not in it too) but knowing I had a round trip of circa 3 hours each day would just be far too much for me.
20 miles each way on a moped is a different story though. Ever considered an electric one? Even if it's restricted to 30mph that's going to get you there far quicker and in a touch more comfort. An electric moped will have a higher range than an ebike too - around 50-60 miles is the average from what I've seen. And they're not that much more expensive than ebikes either. Having to pay out for a CBT every two years (or potentially a full licence) isn't ideal but it's still going to be a lot cheaper than getting yourself a car...
KostyaFedot@reddit
I switched to 50cc from EU legal e-bike. Still legal on bike lanes. But not on bike paths. Problem is with traffic. Roads are so narrow, if traffic, I have to stay with cars sometimes.
On e-bike it is cars free paths.
But moped is not tiring and more fun :) And no battery hustle.
Plus it is Vespa:)
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
Depends,do You like more trek bike or fat tyres bike,like Engwe... Take a look...
Affectionate-Air3239@reddit
When I first got my ebike I took it for a 20 mile bike ride and, whilst it was fun, my bum was sore by the end of it, I was happy to get off the bike and I really would not want to do that twice a day every day.
I'm also in the UK and the weather is not suitable for a 20 mile each way commute. If I go cycling in the mornings now it is freezing, especially the wind when your bike gets to anything over 15 mph.
I know you've said there is no public transport, but it there really none at all? Could you consider getting a folding ebike you could take onto a bus? Even if the bus only gets you partly there you could then cycle the rest.
Aggravating-Joke-550@reddit
I’d be concerned about getting a shower on a cycle longer than about 6miles.
GetOffMy3Inches@reddit
I got 14 miles takes me like 35 minutes on a good day I have a bike trail though goes about 11 or so miles to my work so I'm only on the road about 3 or so miles. If I had to take street and go thru lights in sure it would be way higher. Guess it depends on if your able to take a bike route like me or not. If you do then it's do able. I go up to 32 mph so I'm going pretty fast also. I have about two bars some times three if it's not windy out when I get to work. I charge it to max at work.
Lordly_Lobster@reddit
That's a lot of time in the saddle, every day. It'll be a grind. I'd probably buy a gas powered scooter or motorcycle.
Corvagon@reddit
May the wind not fight you on your commute. My commute varies day to day, but the longest is 15 each way. Faster than public transit by A LOT. But I don't think i could do it every day.
20indacan@reddit
Yea. I used ride a normal single speed bike to and from work 12 miles each way. It took about an hour going ab 10-12 miles an hour, and after a while it barely makes you tired outside of hills. I have an ebike now and I just gun it on full speed the whole way and it is way quicker.
If you can find a route with backroads or at least not that many stoplights or stop signs, you can just gun it full speed the whole way, making it quicker even if the route is not the best by distance travelled.
I’d really recommend an ebike that is at least in the $700-$1000+ range (idk what that is in pounds) because the cheaper ones tend to come with worse than advertised battery mileage and cheaper parts that fall apart from daily use.
A cheaper option I’d recommend is the Viribus BZ1. It’s a $700 beach cruiser with a 45-75mile range (depending on pedal assist and speed level) with a 20mph max. I recommend it because the “weaker” motor and battery means that they provide higher quality for the other major parts on the bike so it will last longer. If you want fast AND reliable you will need to spend more though, unless you find a good sale.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
What battery size do you recommend? I also used to do a 10 mile commute on a normal pedal bike and found it ok, but since this is double I'm unsure as I've never had an electric one
20indacan@reddit
So, I’ll try to educate you a bit. Bike batteries have the main three specs: voltage, wattage, amperage and Ah (Amp hours)
Generally, more volts, amperage and wattage = more speed, acceleration and torque output, AKA a faster bike. Most e-bikes advertise the voltage 36V is standard, and 48V and 52V are more powerful but consume more power. Amp hours is the amount of power a battery can hold, so it is also important for the range and battery life.
For commuting, I’d recommend a 36V or 48V. Battery should have at least 10ah, preferably 13ah or more especially on a 48V. You don’t need that much power, and most bikes have speed restrictions anyways, so a “weaker battery” will not be slower than a stronger one, it just will reach top speed quicker.
Plus, if for example you compare two $750 bikes, one having a 36V battery and the other 48V, the weaker bike will be higher quality because more of the money goes to the bike itself and other parts like the motor, electronics, frame etc.
To answer your question, it’s up to you but a 36V 10Ah will fit your goals fine and will be cheaper
nfollows1982@reddit
I'll comment as a new ebike owner in the UK who bought the bike with the intention of commuting, my journey is 16 miles one way and all cycle paths adjoining the road.
Is it doable? Yes.
Is it enjoyable 4 days a week? Not for me.
I'm unfortunate enough to bike into head wind both ways, and my journey last night was so horrible I left the bike at home today and got the bus.
I've gone through 3 inner tubes in as many months, I've had to buy more and more emergency items to make sure I can get there and back every time.
I have a pannier full of spares, tools etc.
Yesterday I fell off and arrived to work blood stained and irritated.
Maybe I should've eased myself in because I went from zero to 100 as soon as the bike arrived.
Don't get me wrong, if I go out for a social ride around, I'll happily spend 20 or 30 miles on the bike, but for commuting, it's been a brutal introduction.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
Would you say it's significantly easier on an ebike? It seems like the 15.5mph limit is quite limiting so I'm not sure I'll go ahead with it tbh
ntech620@reddit
You might be up to the point where you would want a scooter or motorcycle for 20 miles. Save the E-bike for recreation and a "occasional" trip to work.
aredridel@reddit
Yep. I'd have a battery each way or charge at work, but totally doable. Not a light commitment but it's fine
actuallymg@reddit
US here in Vermont. Heck yes! I commute to work at least once a week on my Turbo Vado 4, 21 miles each way so 42 miles total. I never have battery anxiety as the bike can easily do 50+ miles. When I started it took about 1.5 hours but after plenty of body conditioning I’m down to about an hour. I carry my laptop, change of clothes, etc in one saddlebag and a trunk bag. It feels great!
GrumpyOik@reddit
Difference being that to ride legally in the UK you can't use a throttle, you have to pedal to generate power. My 250W pedelec does around 50 miles on a charge.
Relative_Bother_1069@reddit
My commuting is 17 mi. I carry charger if needed.lot of steep climbs.
whattteva@reddit
You didn't say if it's round trip or one-way.
I do 22-mile commute round trip (11 miles one way) and I even used to do it on a regular push bike. It's so much easier on the ebike though.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
I meant one way do 40 per day, how long does it take you?
whattteva@reddit
About an hour on a regular push bike and 45 mins on the ebike one way.
HandleRealistic8682@reddit
Yes, doable but in addition to figuring the right bike, I’d start prepping your body for it. Even if you’re going slow, you need to build up endurance and get used to the motion of biking (ie: your arse and arms). Riding 40 miles a day even on an e-bike is no small feat.
The bike will depend on what you need… I need to carry changes of clothes, breakfasts, lunches, and my computer so I have a cargo bike and those weigh a lot to begin with. My commute is 15 miles round trip (~35 min each way with traffic lights) on somewhat hilly paths (I live in Seattle). I try to go on eco mode to get exercise (50 mile range fully charged) but sometimes I’m tired and use turbo (I have a Bosch battery on a Tern). I’d charge at work if you’re stressed about battery life.
It’s so nice to speed past cars stuck in traffic and get exercise in! I could take the train but it takes longer and everyone looks so sad on it.
DueOwl1149@reddit
Damn, that's a commute. But much healthier than making it in a bus or car. Good on you!
Look into spare batteries and/or a spare charge adapter at work; the weight / range / times ratios are in your favor as you will be able to swap in fresh packs to keep your speed up throughout the entire range, and charge your batteries while at work as well.
MesugakiBratTamer@reddit
Round trip; absolutely doable
Yuck_Few@reddit
That's a lot of wear and tear on your tires and motor I probably ride about 10 miles a day
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
How long does it take you?
Constant-Term-1629@reddit
I manage 26 km/h (16 miles per hour) atleast. With a bit of downhill, wind and effort on my part that'll easily go up to 30 km/h (18 miles per hour), so rougly 35 minutes is what I'd expect.
bacon_and_eggs@reddit
I have that same commute, but I dont have to do it every day. I'm in office 3 times a week. If the weather is good (ie, not raining, not below 30f) then I do it. It takes about as long as the train anyways, so I don't mind the length of time on the bike. I love riding, and time is enjoyable. I have an Aventon Aventure 3, and can make the whole trip on a single charge.
onlyTryingtoBeNice@reddit
20 miles one way or two ways
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
Each way, so 40 miles per day
onlyTryingtoBeNice@reddit
so assuming you are going 3/4 the max speed of 20mph, that would be about \~1.5 hours per way, so \~3 hours total per day.
are you ready to be on a saddle for \~3 hours per day? It will whip you into shape pretty quick!
Im in the US so don't know exactly what your regulations are (no throttles, right?), but I'd look at something with a mid drive and at least 15ah battery (which you may need to charge at work, and at home). You could go smaller with the battery but you will have to work more.
As far as what kind of motor specs to look for, if you have many hills look for a mid drive with 75+ NM if you think you are on the heavy side.
RuinNecessary7601@reddit (OP)
It's all flat, but last time I did a commute was 10 miles each way on a pedal bike and that used to take me 1hour so was wondering if although the distance is double if going electric would make ot possible. Yes no throttle in the UK without a licence and insurance, has to be peddle assit
Slight_Nobody5343@reddit
just build your own 1500 watt middrive and speeeeeed
MrKamikazi@reddit
Doable but not fun. As others have said that is going to be 1.5 hours each way. I've known people who commutated that long in a car. They hated it even though they were out of the weather and didn't have to physically work.
eluuu@reddit
Yeah