Free calculator
Can My E-Scooter or E-Bike Climb This Hill? Hill Climb Calculator
Climbing takes power that rises with weight, slope and speed. Enter your motor, weight and hill to see if it will make it.
The continuous (nominal) rating
Leave equal to rated if unknown
5% gentle, 10% steep, 15%+ very steep
Estimated results (estimates only; real-world results vary)
Power needed at the wheel
520 W
you have 400 W continuous, 720 W peak
Top speed up this hill
7.9 mph
up to 13.2 mph on peak power
Only on peak power
It needs peak (burst) power: fine for a short hill, but the motor and battery will heat up on a long one.
How it’s calculated
- Power = m·g·v·(sin θ + Crr·cos θ) + ½·ρ·CdA·v³
- θ = atan(gradient ÷ 100)
- Power at the wheel = motor watts × 0.8 (+ your pedalling on an e-bike)
- Top speed = highest speed where power needed ≤ power available
Assumptions
- Rolling resistance (Crr): 0.012 e-scooter, 0.008 e-bike. Drag area (CdA): 0.6 m² e-scooter, 0.5 m² e-bike. Air density 1.2 kg/m³.
- Motor and drivetrain efficiency 80%; real motors deliver less when the battery is low or hot.
- Peak power is only available for short bursts; long climbs on peak power heat the motor and battery.
- Ignores wind and very rough surfaces, which add more resistance.
Estimates only. Results are approximations based on the assumptions above. Always check your manufacturer’s specifications and safety guidance.
Rated vs peak power
The rated (continuous) power is what the motor can sustain. Peak power is a short burst for starts and short hills. Long hills depend on the rated figure.
Why slowing down helps
Power needed rises with speed, so a hill your motor can’t take at 15 mph it may manage at 8 mph.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 350W scooter climb hills?
It can manage gentle slopes (around 5–8%) at walking-to-jogging pace with an average rider. Steeper hills need 500 W or more, or a dual motor.
What gradient is steep for an e-scooter?
Around 10% is steep for single-motor scooters; 15% and above usually needs a dual-motor scooter or an e-bike with a mid-drive.
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