For the Pedigo Avenue’s range test, I used the larger, optional 7.8 lb. 14-amp hour battery Pedego provided on the high step and step-through models I tested. On our high power range test (PAS 5 on the Pedego display unit), the battery gave us 32.6 miles before dropping off. The lighter-than-average 44.6 lb. frame on the Classic I tested (52.2 lb. total with battery) helped reduce the demands placed on the battery.
My riding weight is 195 lbs. (me and my gear), and I rode a course that was mostly flat bike paths, with six short inclines that had gradients between 5% to 12% – pretty standard riding in most of the U.S. (except for the Great Plains states). Therefore, range results will be a little longer for riders who weigh less, and for riders who are riding only on flat bike paths and roads.
On the steeper inclines, the Pedego Avenue’s 500-watt motor was not able to maintain a speed of 20 mph getting our 195 lb. rider up and over. But as soon as the road leveled the motor resumed the 20 mph goal quickly when the battery was at least 50%. Once the battery dropped below 50%, the motor did not accelerate as swiftly, and it took longer to return to the 20 mph setting. It was as if the controller was telling the battery, “hey, don’t speed up so quickly, or else we will use up the battery power sooner.”
Throughout the range test, it appeared the power system was set up to avoid getting the rider stuck with no battery life left. As the Avenue dropped further in battery life, the motor became more conservative in the power demands it placed on the battery. Giving me conservative readings on the battery’s remaining charge, the Pedego Avenue was destined to get me home, not leave me stranded. The battery life display reinforces this because even when it seemed like I was almost on empty, the Avenue kept providing power to move me forward.
On the two long distance tests I performed, the display readings were consistent in listing the estimated battery life. Rather than displaying percentages, the Pedego Avenue’s display features a bar with five dots, indicating remaining battery life. Five dots on the bar indicates a full charge. As the battery power drains, the display screen removes one block at a time. The five dots on the battery indicator bar imply battery drainage is displayed in 20-percent increments, but the reading is not that precise.
In our test, the first dot disappeared at the 5th mile (87.5% battery life left). The second dot disappeared at the ninth mile (71.8% battery life). The third dot at the 17th mile (46.88%), the fourth dot disappeared at the 24th mile (25%) and the fifth dot began flashing in the final two miles before the motor became ineffective. So, if you can get within a mile or two of your destination before the warning light flashes, you should be okay.
The standard version Pedego Avenue comes with the 10.4-amp hour battery that weighs 6.4 lbs, and sells for around $2000 (the 14-amp hour battery is $250 more). Based on the information Pedego provided, riders can expect to average 18-20 miles using PAS 5 on the Avenue.
Regardless of which battery you get, if you’re leaving work on a Friday with a fully charged battery and a 20-mile commute, and you want to hurry home to start your weekend, the Avenue should get you there quickly using PAS 5. The system display is pretty user friendly in making sure you don’t get surprised and find yourself peddling unassisted for those last few miles.
Overall, I was satisfied with the Pedego Avenue’s battery’s performance. My test rides involved normal streets, terrain and hills the average commuter is likely to face. I rode responsibly, followed local traffic laws, avoided excessive use of the throttle, and pedaled consistently. The battery provided power to the motor at consistent levels, didn’t seem to run low quickly, and I felt like this bike would not leave me pedaling unassisted when I reached the last click on the display gauge, with less than three miles of my destination. The Pedego Avenue battery gets a thumb’s up from me.
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