I have gotten up to 38 mph going downhill on this thing. That's scary! I get it to 28 on the flatlands, but I never go that fast. I normally cruise along at at 15-20 mph, peddling. After 20 mph it gets hard to peddle as your moving too fast. I don't use the throttle, except when taking off. When you use it, you are cutting way into battery time. I stay away from the throttle, and I ride in mode 3 and sometimes 4 on real big hills. Mode 4 and 5 are Power modes, which use alot of battery. So, riding in mode 3 is just right as it's power assist. If you live on flatlands, you never need to use the power modes unless your in a big hurry. I normally ride 20-30 miles a few times a week. More as the weather gets better. I figure this battery is good for 50 miles if it's kept out of the power modes. But 30 miles is a good ride for me. Even with padded bike shorts, big gel bike seat, front suspension, and rear seat post suspension, which I added, (and you will want), 30 miles is plenty. lol. I've had both knees and one shoulder replaced, so that's plenty. Also, to get past 20 mph, you need to use the controller screen and control buttons and read the instructions at the back how to re-program the bike settings. It's easy. You change the speed to a higher number. By law they can only ship these with the 20mph setting. Just read the manual and ask me if you have any questions. You should go ahead and oil the chain with ebike chain oil. I use Finish Line ebike chain lube. It's made for bigger, heavier ebikes. It makes abig difference in the performance of the chain and gears. Good stuff! I also bought a small electric air compressor to fill the tires as they lose air alot on their own. Better tires are needed on this bike. These puncture easy. Since getting my Schwalbe Big Ben Plus lined tires, I have no no leaks or flats in the last year! And there is alot of glass, bolts, nails etc. along side the roads out there. These are very tough tires. Well worth it. I tried tire liners and they failed. Let the battery sit for 2 hours after riding to cool before charging. I charge after every ride. Let the chain lube sit on chain overnight to dry before riding. Get a super bright front and rear light. Mine are Cygolite front and rear and super bright day and night. Yes, the left handle is for the rear and it gets used the most when stopping. To stop squeal, clean the disk after every ride with 90% alcohol.