My brother got a bafang hd1000W on a ridiculously heavy cheap fat bike right now, full throttle he gets around 15 miles out of it, probably more on the flat. I’d guess mileage would go up considerably if he properly peddled. It’s a beast though and I’ve only had a shot here and there floats up silly steep hills.
Managed to head away into the hills with him at the weekend there for an overnight camp, was pretty solid weight wise. so we only went so far, but a slight uphill for 5 miles fully loaded was extremely easy, he’d have made 50 yards if for not engine!
think he’s going to buy a decent bike and stick it on that, which should help with the ridiculous weight issues and give him more range, or atleast confindence in the range(I think that’s the main issue, just getting to know it’s limitations.).
I’ve still to take the thing out for a proper test ride though, hopefully get to do that this weekend and I’ll find out the actual range of the thing and give him something to aim at. We’re being very conservative at the moment though as he’ll not get back if he runs out of battery!
I suspect if you take it easy, you’d get a fair distance, but I also think the 1000W motor could but through the battery very easily if you blasted it. Dunno, like I say still to build confidence with that.
Still though, least I don’t need to buy one, can just use his until I feel like one. As someone else said, they’re only going to get better in the years to come. plus I’m starting to feel good on my bike this days anyhow, so don’t need one, and I suspect him on this fat ebike and me on a normal bike will improve my fitness somewhat. Would be a commuter if I did get one.