E-bicycles are gradually being embraced as a cleaner, cheaper, and extremely convenient means of transportation. The size of the battery will be the most crucial choice you ever make when buying an e-bike. Besides the range per charge, the battery capacity will determine how fast your e-bike will ride and how long your e-bike will take you. We shall lead you to the ideal battery capacity according to your choice.
How Range Depends on the Capacity of Batteries
Your range on an e-bike is all about capacity. High energy density batteries are big batteries, i.e., they have more electrical storage capacity of the energy. With that, the motor has longer runtime, i.e., your e-bike travels longer distance without needing to be charged. Low energy storage capacity batteries are small batteries, i.e., they have very less range and overcharging, especially for longer distances.
Most Important Issues That Regulate Range on an E-Bike
There are several factors that determine how far an e-bike will travel before it has no more power:
- Battery capacity:Battery capacity in watt-hours (Wh) will be the measure of how much energy it stores and supplies. For instance, a 48V, 10Ah battery would have a total capacity of 480 Wh. Depending on your e-bike, it would be using 4-35 Wh per mile, thus, a 480 Wh battery would last about 120 miles.
- Riding Conditions:Weather and road conditions may also affect your e-bike range. Suck winds, for instance, siphon additional power from the motor, shortening travel distances. Wet roads also translate to rolling resistance, which siphons additional power from the battery.
- Battery Age and Condition: Just like in bicycles, all bicycles will degrade energy storage capacity and they will pass away. It is with most batteries that they have to 500 charges, or 18,000 to 31,000 miles. Efficiency becomes poor after that.
How to Select Your Optimal Battery Size
To select what battery size is optimal for you, adhere to the below instructions
- Ride Style: if you are contributing most of the effort of the electric motor since you are literally in motion, you would need a heavy-duty battery as an effort to locate you the most mileage.
- Ground:if you have more hills and potholes to ride over, then a heavier-duty battery will give you that little extra that you will need in order to get up the hill without wearing it out too quickly.
- Rider Weight:The heavier the rider, the greater the stress on the motor and the greater the power needed. Heavy usage will be handled by a high-capacity battery.
- Cargo Weight: If you carry mostly heavy loads, a bigger battery will suffice to provide adequate power without sacrificing range.
- Motor Power: Choose the battery size based on your motor power level. The higher motors need more power, and therefore you should choose a high capacity battery that will give you the best performance.
Choosing Right Size Battery Based on Your Requirement
- Flat Ground and Light Rider:For a light rider and flat ground, 10-14 Ah capacity battery would be enough, and it will give you the optimum power and range ratio.
- Hilly Ground or Heavy Rider: If you ride on hilly grounds or you weigh more, then you have to utilize a 14-20 Ah capacity battery so that you will get enough power to climb.
- Long-Distance Riding:To travel long distances or commute daily for long distances, fit a 20-25 Ah capacity or larger battery to reduce frequent charging.
Understanding Battery Voltage
Voltage is a term used for the unit of electric pressure used to push current through your e-bike system. Increased voltage is more likely to deliver more performance in the way of top speed, improved hill climb ability, and ability to carry heavy loads.
What each of these voltage ratings delivers is clearly described in detail as follows:
- 24V:Suitable for recreational e-bikes with plenty of power for recreational riding but not suitable for acceleration and climbing hills.
- 36V: A good mix of range, speed, and power and suitable for recreational riders and flat terrain.
- 48V:Offers more performance with increased speed, faster acceleration, and improved hill climbing.
- 52V:Most suitable for performance e-bikes and offers maximum speed, fastest acceleration, and easiest hill climbing.
How long does it take to charge an electric bike?
It will charge an e-bike in 2 to 6 hours, but there are certain factors that will determine the charging time:
- Battery Capacity:Larger battery, longer charging time.
- Charger Output: Higher output charger, faster charging time.
- Battery Charge Level: Trailing charged battery gets charged faster than a charged battery.
- Charging Habits: Partial-charging of charging for durations shorter than the full 100% duration is feasible in some e-bikes.
- Health of Battery:Fresh batteries charge faster than aged batteries.
Consult your guidebook to ascertain the appropriate charging durations using your battery and charger.
E-Bike Batteries by Type
There are several types of batteries out there with several advantages:
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Most widely employed, with ideal compromise between energy capacity, weight, and efficiency.
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries:Longer life expectancy but generally with lower energy capacity.
- Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) Batteries: Lighter packaging and higher energy density.
Other Things to be Noted While Choosing a Battery
- Charging Method: Less battery would be more appropriate based on charging station convenience at home. If you change places frequently or do not have a charging facility, high range and big one battery would be best for you.
- Climate: Day or nighttime temperatures may influence battery performance. Tropical climatic conditions will need a slightly bigger battery to cover up the heat loss in terms of performance, and cold weather will need a low-range delivery that will call for a big battery.
- Brand and Price:Opt for an optimum brand with a great warranty backup for long-term reliability and durability.
Why LOHAS Electric Bikes
We are happy to provide green transport. Our e-bikes are tough, trendy, and provide a smooth and green experience.
If trail blazin’ or city cruisin’ is your fantasy, then LOHAS has the perfect e-bike tailored exclusively for you. Our team of people work day and night to improve every bike in performance and quality with the finest material and cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
Take a look at our electric bike model:
- KCMTB001C:48V 10.4Ah lithium-ion battery easy-pull-out,40-70 km range with BAFANG motor.
- KCMTB018:500W Shengyi motor, 48V 10.4Ah easy-pull-outlithium-ion battery, 40-70 km range.
Conclusion: Getting the Right Battery for You
The right sized battery for your e-bike is a balance between what you, the user, desire and what your battery is capable of delivering. There isn’t just one correct answer, but if you understand how you ride, where you ride, how heavy you are, etc., then you can make your e-bike do what you desire. You will get to go further without fatigue with the right size battery.
