You bought an e-bike rated for 60 miles, and you are getting 32. You are not doing anything wrong. Advertised range is a best-case lab number, and real-world riding rarely looks like the lab.

How brands get their big numbers That headline range usually comes from the lowest assist level, a light rider, flat ground, mild temperatures, and steady speed. Change any of those, and the number falls. It is not exactly lying, but it is the most flattering possible scenario, and almost nobody rides that way.

The five things that drain your battery - Hills. Climbing is the single biggest range killer. A hilly commute can halve your range. - Throttle use. Pedaling stretches a battery; riding on throttle alone drains it fast. - Rider and cargo weight. More mass means more work for the motor. - Assist level. Riding in max boost feels great and empties the battery quickly. - Cold weather. Lithium batteries lose noticeable capacity below freezing.

How to estimate your real range A practical rule: take the advertised range and expect 50 to 65 percent of it for normal mixed riding with moderate assist. If a bike claims 60 miles, plan your life around 35. To stretch what you have, ride in a lower assist level, pedal rather than throttle, keep tires properly inflated, and store the battery indoors in winter.

Match the battery to your route The fix at purchase time is simple: know your daily mileage, double it for a safety margin, and buy a battery that covers that comfortably. Range anxiety disappears when you have honest expectations and a little headroom. Buy for your real route, not the brochure's fantasy ride.