E-bike batteries will ultimately determine just how long and how far you will be able to ride.
The battery is arguably one of the most essential components of your e-bike.
Although the technology has improved significantly over the years, they are also more affordable. Regardless of this, it remains that the battery is still likely to be the most expensive part of it.
As a result, choosing the right to power the motor, controller, and lights is essential for ensuring the best riding experience.
This quick snippet video with tips on electric bike battery care and long-term storage.
Table of Contents
What to look for in an e-bike battery?
To understand how they work and what to look at, you must learn (or remember) the basic concepts that comprise the whole unit.
Battery capacity and power (voltage, amps, and watts)
What is “voltage (v)”?
Voltage is the flow of energy, the horsepower that propels the flow of electricity to the motor.
Volts “v” are international units for measuring the electrical potential difference, with one volt indicating one joule per coulomb.
Most electric bikes tend to be either 36V or 48V; nevertheless, the higher the voltage, the more power your bike will have.
A 72v e-bike battery will be much better suited for bigger motors.
Most throttle electric bikes, such as the Super 73 S1 Fat Tire, are powered by at least 48v.
What is “Amps (Ah)”?
Amps refer to a measure of force, which is ultimately a measurement of the electrical current flowing from the battery; in turn, the Amp-hour rating refers to the battery’s capacity (see next item for more details).
For ebike batteries, the higher the amp-hours, the greater the distance you can travel.
What is “Watts (Wh)” in electric bicycles?
If voltage is the flow of energy and amps are the measure of the force, then watts (Wh) are a combination of the two.
Capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). To do the math, a Wh is equal to the value of the Amp-hours (Ah) of the battery, multiplied by the volt (v); for example, a typical 36V, 10Ah battery has 360Wh.
Batteries on Pedelec and S-Pedelec typically range from 250 to 500 Wh and above for throttle ones.
I want to be clear that while this can indicate the range you are likely to get, it refers to a continuous power outage.
Remember that it is not easy to calculate the exact range when you are riding at different speeds and on various terrains.
A higher wattage may be better if you live in a hilly area or tend to stop and start a lot.
Size and Weight
One of the most prominent factors to look at is the size and weight of your battery.
The size and weight can impact your riding experience, with added weight potentially reducing the maneuverability and limiting the overall portability.
Despite the best technological improvements, 30% of the overall weight relates to the battery.
Weight and power are often correlated with the price. Those with a long-distance range and higher prices tend to have a lighter battery.
On the other hand, budget models have heavier systems that may have diminished durability.
E-bike batteries’ general performance and range
When purchasing an electric bike, the battery range is one of the most important factors to consider.
With technology ever-evolving, the range has increased in recent years, with some claiming to achieve nearly 50 miles (80 km) per charge.
This is an ideal figure, and the range of e-bike batteries depends on many external factors, such as the rider’s weight, terrain, pedal assist used, and connected electrical elements.
But what about the weather? Batteries don’t like extremely low or high temperatures; the cell pack will diminish over time, reducing the number of charging cycles.
Despite the potential impact of low temperatures, batteries perform much better than high temperatures.
Water-resistant and waterproof
One of the main factors that most people miss when looking at batteries is if they are water-resistant or waterproof.
Water resistance means the battery will be capable of handling some water for a short time. By contrast, the waterproof ones can take heavy rain.
Budget electric bikes like the Swagtron EB7 Plus generally come with water-resistant batteries. In contrast, high-end models (and more expensive), such as the Giant Trance E+ 3 Pro, are fitted with waterproof capabilities.
Facts About Their Chemistry
There are three (3) types of batteries used for electric bikes: lead acid, Li-Ion (most popular), and Li-PO.
Lead Acid Batteries
If you are purchasing a budget e-bicycle and it doesn’t say the type of battery, it is likely to be lead-acid.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, there are a couple of factors involved:
– These are cheaper if you want to save money but know you don’t need much power.
– While you may save some cash on your initial purchase, you will need to replace them more frequently, which will cost more in the long run.
They are not the most practical choices and will not get you far compared to other types. In addition, they are significantly heavier and susceptible to poor treatment.
I think they should get out of the market.
Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) – The Most Popular
Ninety percent (90%) of the batteries in the market are Li-Ion, one of the most popular thus far.
Made from clusters of small battery cells (also called packs), they last longer and generate more power (Ah). In addition, they have a reduced environmental and safety risk.
Li-Ion is the best choice, but with the removable batteries costing around 500 dollars, they are also one of the more expensive options.
This is also because lithium-ion batteries operate better with Battery Management System (BMS) technology.
The BMS is a small piece within the circuit that prevents overcharging, and it regulates the total output to help protect the cell’s chemistry.
Lithium-ion Polymer (Li-PO)
One of the newer options on the block, a lithium-ion polymer battery, is similar to Li-Ion but can be molded into just about any shape.
The non-rigid container enables manufacturers to integrate them into the frame’s shape and are reported to be less vulnerable to damage.
The information available about these types of batteries is limited, but they could be taking over the market at some point.
How to Charge an Electric Bike Battery?
The simplest answer is to plug it into a power socket and let it recharge. But this is not as simple as it sounds.
First, e-bicycle batteries should be removed (if you can) before charging. This ability ensures that the battery can recharge in the most appropriate environment.
Some batteries, such as the one fitted in the Gocycle GS folding electric bike, will also feature a slot to charge it on the go.
We need to answer some other questions to fully know how to charge an electric bike and get the best performance.
For how long should you leave the battery charging?
How you charge the e-bike battery will depend on the manufacturer’s indication. It is always advisable that you read the instructions thoroughly before you begin the first charge.
The amount of time the battery takes to charge will depend on the type of technology. The recharge time for lead batteries is usually much longer, often requiring five (5) hours or more.
Lithium-ion batteries are quicker, taking between 3 and 5 hours to charge, depending on their size.
What is the ideal lowest battery voltage to prevent damage?
To increase performance and boost their lifetime, it is advised that you avoid deep discharge cycles as much as possible and try to keep some juice left in the tank.
There is some debate about the lowest charge you should aim to maintain, but a minimum of 50% voltage is recommended to prevent the battery from underperforming.
Some chargers will not inject power if the battery has dropped below the cut-off point (25%).
If you use lithium-ion chemistry, the BMS will help protect the battery from charging and discharging excessively, meaning you can benefit in the long term.
How long does an e-bike battery last?
All batteries have a lifespan, depending on the chemistry and care.
As with any other element, the battery performance will diminish over time due to degradation in the cell composition (even if you don’t use it).
Warranty length on the battery will often be shorter than for the rest of the bike components.
High-tech batteries can last up to five (5) years but will depend on the technology used, including the charger and if they have a BMS feature.
Sleep Mode and BMS
As mentioned before, battery technology has improved. It is known that even some high-quality ones, such as the one used in the Bianchi Aria e Road, have a “sleep mode” feature.
A sleep mode refers to a “hibernation state” where the BMS system will protect the cells.
Connecting the battery to the charger or the bike will automatically turn on the system.
You can probably get the battery back to sleep mode, but it will still not be as efficient as before the first use.
If the above is the case, we recommend charging it up at least annually.
Smart chargers
Manufacturers have identified that the chargers can also play a role in the battery life.
Top devices have an intelligent configuration that lets the charger cut the power off when the battery reaches a certain point.
This prevents it from being overcharged, even if it says it is complete.
Assuming your battery has had no significant damage, lithium-ion chemistry lasts around 1000 recharges on average, whereas lead-acid ones need replacing after 200-300 charges.
E-Bike Batteries Care and Maintenance
While all batteries degrade over time, there are some things you can do to maintain the performance for longer, including:
– Always handle it carefully; knocks or excessive vibrations can impact their lifespan.
– Keep it indoors, store it between 20 and 30°C, and always avoid placing it in direct sunlight for a long time.
– Your cadence (pedal power) also has an impact on it. Slow pedaling can also impact the battery.
– Make sure you disconnect the battery as soon as it is fully charged, no matter the technology.
– Ensure proper tire pressure to minimize rolling resistance and increase efficiency.
– Keep an eye on the performance of the motor and ensure that all the components are in tip-top condition.
– Lastly, if you notice that the battery is creating issues from the start, you should ask the seller to replace it with a new one (hopefully within warranty).
Read the Pendleton Somerby Electric Bike review to find the kind of issues users have faced.
If it continues to play up, you should return the electric bike for a deeper assessment.
SAFETY NOTE
NEVER, EVER POUR WATER ON A SMOKY, BROKEN OR FAULTY BATTERY. CHEMICALS INSIDE THE CONTAINMENT WILL REACT TO IT, THEREFORE GENERATING A FIRE.
Recommended Electric Bike Battery Suppliers
In this industry, you will find generic and branded e-batteries. The generic ones will often be less expensive but could still be reliable.
Regarding the non-generic ones, sticking with the known brands is usually advised.
Note: buying a top-brand battery will not ensure 100% efficiency.
Based on what we have seen in the market, the top suppliers providing the best quality e-bike batteries include (not limited):
– LG.
– Samsung.
– Sanyo.
– Panasonic.
– Bosch.
– Taxxas (offers Li-PO technology).
Some other brands like Joyisi, Bespov, and X-go can provide a budget option with reliable performance and efficiency.
Guide Wrap Up
Electric bike batteries have improved immeasurably in recent years, but things can still be done to provide more reliable energy.
With proper use and careful management, the right battery can last up to five (5) years, but the wrong one could go in months.
If you are looking for the best, I recommend using lithium-ion chemistry, regardless of the voltage and Amps required.
Lastly, don’t forget that the e-bike batteries’ specifications should be considered to match the motor and minimum power requirements.
Read More: Electric Bike Motor Guide 2024
Are you looking to buy a reliable battery for your electric bicycle?
