How To Prepare an Electric Bike for a Long-Distance Ride

Heading out with an electric bicycle on an extended journey—whether it's a 50-mile ride through rolling countryside or a multi-day tour—requires more than just a full battery. 

Here are 5  practical, road-tested tips for preparing your e-bike for a long-distance adventure.

1. Check your Battery (and use it strategically).

Start by charging your battery to 100%. Under normal circumstances, a full battery gives you the maximum range. The more charge your battery has, the longer you should be able to ride.

But don’t stop at a full battery.

Sometimes, the real-world range of an e-bike battery can be less than the official estimate from the manufacturer. 

An e-bike battery may have a range of 30 miles, for example, but if you are riding continuously uphill or on a particularly rough path, the battery might not last that distance.

How far you can go on a single charge depends on factors like:

• The wind (the force of the wind acting against you)
• Hills (rougher paths drain the bike more)
• Your body weight, 
• The level of pedal assist (the higher the pedal assist, the higher the battery use).

If possible, carry a spare battery

If that’s not practical, plan a route with charging stops—many cafes and bike-friendly businesses will let you plug in if you ask nicely.

Ride smart. 

Stick to lower assist modes like Eco or Tour for flat terrain and reserve Turbo for hills or headwinds.

If you are riding the Panther Electric Mountain Bike, for example, you have five levels of pedal assist.

2. Carry out Mechanical Inspection: Tighten, Check, Clean

Your motor won’t help if your tires go flat or your brakes fail. Always give the mechanical components of your e-bike a thorough once-over before your ride.

Here’s what to check carefully:

1. The Tires

• Check the tires for tread wear and pump to the recommended PSI.
• For extra reliability, consider switching to puncture-resistant or tubeless tires.

2. Brakes

• E-bikes are heavier and faster, so carefully inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear and tear.
• Here’s a more detailed guide on how to clean your brake pads.

3. Chain & Drivetrain

• Clean and lube your chain to reduce friction and prevent wear.
• A dirty chain saps motor efficiency.

Here are more details on how to clean a bike chain.

4. Bolts

• Constant vibration tends to work e-bike bolts loose over time.
• Check everything—especially on racks, fenders, and bottle cages.

3. Pack Light but Smart

Long-distance e-biking is all about balance. Overpacking can weigh you down and drain your battery. So, take everything you need, but stick to the essentials

Here are some items you should pack for a long-distance ride:

• Multi-tool
• Mini pump or CO2 inflator
• Spare tube or patch kit
• Charging cable
• A small bottle of chain lube
• Water, snacks, and electrolytes
• Rain jacket or windbreaker

Keep the weight low and centered in a saddlebag or frame bag. Avoid heavy backpacks—they strain your back and burn more energy.

Make the Most of Your Rear Basket

If your bike has a big enough rear basket, you can comfortably put all these items without affecting the balance of your bike on the ride. 

Viribus electric bicycles have spacious rear racks with a load capacity of about 110 lb.

4. Plan Your Route Properly: Go Beyond GPS

Apps like Komoot, Ride with GPS, or Google Maps (Bike Mode) can be very useful when it comes to planning your ride because they show you a variety of roads to choose from.

Choose routes with gentle climbs and low-traffic roads when possible. More importantly, it identifies rest stops, water sources, and potential charging points.

• If you are unsure of cell reception, download an offline map.
• Also, you can save the phone battery by keeping your screen off while riding.

Tip: Komoot allows you to filter routes by terrain and elevation—perfect for conserving your battery on hilly rides.

5. Be Ready For Time and Weather 

Ideally, you should be setting out early and avoid riding in the dark. However, it is always wise to prepare adequately in case, for some reason, you cannot make it back before dark.

The same goes for rain. Nobody prays for rain or any other form of bad weather, but one must always be prepared. 

Here are some items to bring along:

• Front and rear lights
• Layered clothing (preferably moisture-wicking)
• Weather-resistant outerwear

Pro Tip: A lightweight Merino wool base layer adapts to temperature swings without trapping sweat or adding bulk.

Here are more details on riding an e-bike in the rain

6. Tech Tools and Safety First

Beyond battery and GPS, tech can keep you safe and connected:

• Use a bike computer or tracking app to monitor battery use, distance, and elevation.
• Consider using a GPS tracker if you leave your e-bike unattended.
• Carry your ID, emergency contact info, and insurance details.

7. Do a Full Test Ride

One to two weeks before your trip, do a full-day ride with the gear, route, and assist levels you plan to use. 

You’ll spot potential issues with comfort, battery range, or equipment before they become problems on the big day.

Think of it as a dress rehearsal for your adventure.

Final Thoughts

A well-prepped e-bike turns a long ride from a challenge into a joy. With the right planning and gear, you’ll roll farther, feel better, and spend less time worrying and more time soaking in the scenery.

Discover how fast an e-bike can go, and here are some e-bike helmet laws you may need to pay attention to.