Granted, during the summer (Jun-Aug) months the average wind speed drops, but more and more people will be forced to bike during other months of the year when the wind velocities are significantly higher. From your experience, you seem to have missed the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, a huge, huge area with many people or areas bordering large bodies of water, e.g. the Great Lakes. If a biker is so lucky to pick the months and the hours of his ride, then he should do so. Early morning and late evening are generally good times during the summer. If you must bike during other months and times, be forewarned in many areas of the US. The wind can scream down the valleys in mid afternoon or damn near all year along the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. Most riders who purchase the E-Zip (75 lbs *) will NOT emulate Cathy's efficient style, will NOT have relatively light body weight, or be blessed with sedate winds so a good rule of thumb for an average rider is 7-8 miles with about 1/4 to 1/3 capacity remaining which is good for the life of the battery.

As for testing the battery and taking care of it, I certainly think it matters...

* With a 75 lb bike, significant rolling resistance tempts a rider to use the throttle even on level paths regardless of gear.