Project BMX battery explained: range, pedal assist and what to expect in the real world

The Project BMX runs a 36V 9.6Ah Samsung 21700 battery with 345.6Wh of usable capacity. That number tells you the size of the tank. What matters more is how the bike uses it, and that depends almost entirely on how you ride.

This article breaks down real-world range, how pedal assist changes the equation, and what you need to know about charging and battery care before you buy.

How much range does the Project BMX actually get?

Evolve rates the Project BMX at up to 60 km with pedal assist and up to 25 km on throttle only. Those two numbers tell a clear story about how the battery is best used.

Pedal assist distributes the load between you and the motor. The battery lasts significantly longer because it is not doing all the work. If you are commuting across Melbourne or riding along the Brisbane River path, mixing pedal input with motor support is how you get close to that 60 km figure.

Throttle-only riding pulls harder from the battery with no human input to offset the draw. That brings usable range down to around 25 km. Still enough for most urban trips, but worth knowing if your route is longer.

In practice, most riders land somewhere between those two extremes. Flat sealed surfaces in Perth or along the Gold Coast foreshore will favour the higher end. Heavier riders, hillier routes or consistent full-throttle use will pull it down.

The five riding modes and what they do to range

The Project BMX has five selectable speed modes controlled from the handlebar display. Lower modes draw less power and extend battery life. Higher modes prioritise torque and acceleration at the cost of efficiency.

For commuting, starting in a lower mode and stepping up when you need it is a simple way to stretch range. The display also shows your speed in km/h, which helps you stay aware of how hard the motor is working.

The bike comes in two firmware configurations: a 500W version and a 250W version. The 500W setup delivers more torque, faster acceleration and comes standard with a throttle. The 250W version is tuned for road compliance, runs pedal assist only and caps assisted speed at 25 km/h. The power and range behaviour differs between the two, with the 500W drawing more aggressively under load.

Note: the 500W version is intended for private property use. Always check your local laws and regulations before riding on public roads. This is not legal advice.

Charging: three hours from flat

Charge time from flat is around three hours. The battery weighs 2 kg and sits integrated into the frame, keeping the bike's centre of gravity low and the profile clean.

For daily riders in Sydney or Brisbane, a three-hour charge window is easy to fit into an overnight routine. Plug in when you get home, fully charged by morning.

A few habits worth building early:

• Use only the official Evolve charger to protect the cells long-term
• Disconnect once the charge is complete rather than leaving it plugged in overnight repeatedly
• If storing the bike for a few weeks, keep the battery at 40 to 50 percent and top it up every month or two
• Avoid leaving it fully drained or fully charged for extended periods

The battery uses Samsung 48X 21700 cells, which are the same cell format used in Evolve's skateboard range. They are quality cells with good cycle life when treated well.

Is there a spare or travel battery option?

Unlike some boards in the Evolve skateboard lineup, the Project BMX does not have a swappable travel battery option. The 345.6Wh battery is integrated into the frame and is not user-removable in the same way.

For most riders this is not an issue. The three-hour charge time is short enough that a mid-day top-up is practical if your commute is long. But if your daily route pushes toward the upper end of throttle-only range, planning around charge access is worth doing.

For air travel, the 345.6Wh capacity exceeds the standard 160Wh carry-on limit for most airlines. Check with your carrier before flying with the bike.

How the battery fits the Project BMX riding experience

The Project BMX is built around authentic BMX geometry with a Chromoly frame and a Bafang M560 mid-drive motor. The mid-drive placement means the motor sits at the bottom bracket, which keeps weight central and makes the bike feel balanced rather than front or rear heavy.

That balance matters when the battery is doing its job well. On smooth urban surfaces, the assisted ride feels natural. The motor response through the five modes is progressive enough that you can dial in effort rather than just toggling between on and off.

At 20.5 kg, the bike is heavier than a standard BMX, but lighter than most cargo-style e-bikes. The 24-inch Kenda road slick tyres roll efficiently on sealed surfaces, which helps the battery work less hard on typical urban routes.

If you are curious about the full spec or want to see how it fits your commute, the Project BMX product page has detailed configuration options including the 250W and 500W variants.

What riders ask about the Project BMX battery

How far can I ride on a single charge?
Up to 60 km with pedal assist, or around 25 km on throttle only. Real-world range depends on rider weight, terrain, mode selection and how much you pedal.

Can I ride the Project BMX without pedalling?
Yes, on the 500W version with throttle. The 250W road-compliant version is pedal assist only and requires you to be pedalling for the motor to engage.

How long does charging take?
Around three hours from flat to full using the included charger.

Can I take it on a plane?
The 345.6Wh battery exceeds the standard 160Wh airline carry-on limit. Check directly with your airline before travelling.

Does the battery affect the handling?
The mid-drive motor and integrated battery keep weight low and central. Most riders find it handles closer to a conventional BMX than a typical e-bike.

Is the Project BMX available to test ride in Australia?
The Evolve store at Mermaid Waters on the Gold Coast is the best place to see the full lineup in person. You can also order online with delivery across Australia.