As we expected with the Rhino’s dual batteries, the bike covered an impressive distance in our Range Tests! We determined two bookend range values by riding it in Eco mode/PAS 1 and Sport Mode/PAS 5 until one battery was depleted, then doubling the distance we measured when tracking our ride in Strava.
With the maximum amount of pedal assist in Sport/PAS 5, we covered 30.8 miles in 2 hours and 5 minutes. When doubled, our results suggest a low-end ballpark of 61.6 miles and the ability to travel 4 hours and 10 minutes.
On the high end, we measured a distance of 51.6 miles over 3 hours and 45 minutes when riding in Eco/PAS 1. When doubled, these figures indicate that the bike could have traveled 103.2 miles in 7 hours and 30 minutes when using both batteries.
E-bikes with more than a single battery are still relatively uncommon; as such, this is the first e-bike of its kind (a fat tire commuter) that has traveled such a great distance on a single charge! With a highly practical amount of speed in its lowest PAS setting, there is a significant payoff for choosing to ride in PAS 1.
When comparing our estimated range (based on motor and battery specs) to our real-world test results, we can see that the Rhino’s motor is surprisingly efficient. With its 1,000W motor and total battery capacity of 1,440 Wh, we expected the bike’s Sport/PAS 5 test to yield roughly 21 miles in 1 hour and 26 minutes. The test’s final mileage and time both showed nearly a 200% increase over our estimated results.
We expect that some of the D5 Ultra’s efficiency is due to the fact that it uses a mid-drive motor, which requires some degree of input from the rider. I believe that a greater factor is the bike’s programming; it seemed to require an unusual amount of force on the pedals before the motor would let loose its full force.
In truth, only a handful of bikes we have tested have exceeded the 100-mile mark. We were pleased both by the D5 Ultra’s performance in this test, as well as the fact that our results met and exceed Himiway’s advertised range of 100 miles. With the ability to travel so many miles, we think it’s clear that the bike is well suited to its role as a commuter
