The battery is like the beating heart of an electric bike. A good battery can take you anywhere you want to go. But how do you know if a battery is good? This article introduces electric bike batteries so that you can shop wisely and have conversations with your electric bike friends.
You need to check the battery types on electric bikes to avoid missing important information such as weight and discharge rate. This article also shows you the differences and options, such as the durable Qualisports Samsung.
Are you ready to charge up? Let's pedal away.
The Best Examples Explaining Electric Bike Batteries
Electric Bike Paradise is one of the electric bike suppliers that stocks electric bike batteries for many electric bike models. Here are some of the best electric bike batteries on the shelf: ChamRider.
Key Features:
Compatible with Bafang models.
800 cycles lifespan.
Range of 42 miles per charge (48V 17Ah).
The ChamRider battery, suitable for Cheetah electric bikes, is a high-performance lithium-ion battery that powers your rides with Samsung cells.
It comes in two options depending on the average distance you ride. The 48V 13Ah provides a range of 28 miles per charge, while the 48V 17Ah provides a range of 42 miles per charge.
Enjoy a 50% discount at Electric Bike Paradise and get this powerful battery for your Bafang electric bike.
The Development and Innovation History of Electric Bike Batteries
Since the 1980s, electric bikes have undergone significant transformations in their batteries, starting from internal combustion engines to the first nickel-cadmium battery on the Zike electric bike in 1992.
It wasn't until 2001 that many electric bike manufacturers began experimenting with different energy battery sources, providing affordable options for electric bike makers.
Cheaper electric bikes were equipped with heavy lead-acid batteries, while newer models came with lighter lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride batteries.
Explanation of Electric Bike Battery Types
Scientists have developed various battery technologies and sizes suitable for electric bikes. Let's compare and contrast the most popular types of electric bike batteries.
Explanation of Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Electric Bike Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular type of electric bike batteries because they require less regular maintenance compared to other types.
While their operation is more or less the same, lithium-ion electric bike batteries come in different types - lithium manganese, lithium polymer, NCA, NCM, and LiFePO4.
Advantages:
- High capacity to provide long-range power for your electric bike when fully charged.
- Low self-discharge, meaning they retain power even when idle.
- No memory effect, so they don't require regular charging to maintain capacity.
Disadvantages:
- Slightly more expensive compared to other battery types.
- Prone to damage when exposed to low temperatures.
Explanation of Lead-Acid Electric Bike Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are rechargeable electric bike batteries that use lead and sulfuric acid, with their chemical reactions producing electricity.
Advantages:
Most affordable electric bike battery.
High current density provides more power.
Works perfectly in any weather conditions.
Disadvantages:
Heavier than lithium-ion batteries, which can eventually slow down the speed of the electric bike.
Prone to self-discharge when idle, resulting in lower efficiency for non-daily commuters who need to recharge before use.
Explanation of Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) Electric Bike Batteries
These electric bike batteries use nickel hydroxide and cadmium as electrodes. However, they are not as common as lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
Advantages:
Rapid charging.
Low cost and highly affordable.
High power density.
Disadvantages:
High self-discharge when idle.
Memory effect.
Explanation of Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Electric Bike Batteries
NiMH batteries have been used for many years due to their higher density compared to lead-acid batteries.
Advantages:
Easy to replace.
High capacity.
Less toxic to the environment.
Disadvantages:
Slow charging speed.
Low energy density.
Key Features to Look for
Different electric bike batteries have common features that you should pay attention to before purchasing from your preferred supplier.
Explanation of Electric Bike Battery Voltage
Voltage refers to the magnitude of the electric force or potential generated by an electric bike battery. A higher voltage means more energy to power your ride.
Note that the battery voltage depends on the size of the electric bike, meaning smaller electric bikes will have lower battery voltages, and vice versa.
The ideal voltage range for electric bike batteries is between 36V-48V.
Explanation of Electric Bike Battery Capacity
Battery capacity refers to the amount of energy produced by the battery unit, typically measured in ampere-hours (Ah).
The ampere-hour (Ah) rating of a battery informs you how many amperes the battery can provide per hour.
The best electric bike batteries have high capacity, typically around 10Ah.
Explanation of Electric Bike Battery Wattage
Watts represent the combined power unit of volts and amperes interacting in an electric bike battery.
You'll find that most electric bike batteries have power ratings ranging from 300W to 500W, but more powerful 700W batteries are becoming common.
You can determine the wattage produced by the battery per hour by the watt-hour rating (Wh).
Battery Brands and Manufacturers
If you want to make the most of your electric bike battery's capacity, have good warranty coverage, and ensure peace of mind, it's advisable to purchase from trusted brands.
Popular electric bike battery brands utilize batteries from independent manufacturers such as:
Samsung
Panasonic
Bosch
LG
BYD
These manufacturers supply batteries to well-regarded battery brands that have undergone extensive testing and evaluation through numerous reviews and electric battery guides, explaining the best electric bike batteries.
5 Factors to Consider Before Buying an Electric Bike Battery
Before purchasing an electric bike battery from any brand or store, consider the following factors to ensure you get the highest-quality product:
Brand: Purchase batteries from reputable brands/manufacturers to obtain high-quality products with efficient functionality and effective warranties, where applicable.
Weight:
The weight of the electric bike battery significantly affects the overall performance and handling of the electric bike. Most electric bike batteries weigh between 4-8 pounds, depending on their size, chemical composition, and energy capacity. Higher capacity batteries tend to be heavier than lower capacity ones.
Durability:
A well-maintained excellent battery can serve you for at least three years without showing signs of weakness or discharge issues. A durable battery can save you the cost of regular maintenance and purchasing new batteries each year.
Cost:
Quality does not come cheap, so don't expect lower prices when purchasing a high-quality electric bike battery. Not all expensive batteries guarantee quality, so it's important to weigh cost against performance.
Availability
It is relatively easy to find the best types of electric bike batteries on the market. However, unique batteries can be fun and exciting until you encounter the hassle of sourcing spare parts or replacements, especially if it is a rare brand.
Here are some additional common questions from electric bike battery researchers and other information to check:
The lifespan of a high-quality lithium-ion electric bike battery is approximately 3-5 years, depending on the brand and maintenance. Refer to all the information you need to know about lithium-ion batteries and their maintenance.
Not all electric bikes come with removable batteries. Some electric bikes integrate the battery into the frame, also known as a hidden battery, while others have removable ones. The placement of the battery entirely depends on your electric bike model.
Your electric bike's battery sets it apart and provides the power for your rides, so you need a reliable battery. Now that you have an understanding of electric bike batteries, you can make an informed choice for your adventures or commuting needs. Contact us now, and we will fulfill all your mobility requirements.