Chamrider Battery is an ebike battery manufacturer and electric bicycle battery factory with 12 years of experience. 

When it comes to our passion for electric bicycles, we strive to maximize the benefits and enhance performance. Therefore, a common question arises: Can we add a larger battery to our e-bike to increase range and speed?

Yes, you can install a larger battery on your electric bicycle to achieve greater range and, in some cases, improve speed. However, this is not a DIY project. If you desire this feature, you may need to purchase a bike with expandable battery storage.

Read on to learn more about how battery life affects performance, the impact of removing the battery from the frame, and tips for improving e-bike range!

How does battery life impact e-bike performance?

Removing the electric bike battery from the frame.

Battery life refers to the total number of charge cycles (from 0 to 100%) a battery can endure before it stops working. Your battery's lifecycle will affect overall performance. Batteries nearing the end of their lifecycle will not last as long or hold charge effectively.

The expected lifespan of an e-bike battery depends on the battery type. The most common battery types include:

Lithium batteries, the most prevalent type, can typically handle around 1,000 charge cycles.

Nickel batteries have an estimated lifespan of around 500 charge cycles.

Lead batteries have a lifespan of approximately 300 charge cycles.

While battery lifespan is important and impacts performance, battery capacity and range are crucial factors in choosing a battery. Range refers to how far you can travel on a single charge, while capacity refers to the duration of the ride.

Not all brands and manufacturers accurately describe their model ranges, but as a general rule of thumb, here are some figures:

250-500Wh: Within this range, your bike will be very basic and standard, with an estimated range of 25 miles per charge.

500-800Wh: This range indicates entry into the high-end segment, typically providing a range of over 30 miles per charge.

800+Wh: These are premium and luxury battery series. With this type of battery, you can expect a range of over 40 miles per charge.

Think of capacity like a fuel tank on a car; the more it can hold, the longer you can travel. Battery capacity operates similarly; the larger the capacity, the greater the distance it can cover.

If you are considering upgrading to a larger battery for your current e-bike, be sure to check the capacity and range.

Can you retrofit an electric bicycle with a larger battery?

Not all electric bicycle batteries are interchangeable.

Electric bicycles come in various designs and configurations. If you have the knowledge and skills, you may be able to equip your bike with a different battery. However, for most people and many models of bicycles, the battery is integrated into the bike itself.

Let's take the example of the ChamRider Integrated Battery SSE-125 SEA LION II model.  It comes with a removable integrated battery, and you can upgrade that battery, but you can only use parts provided by the manufacturer.To enhance the battery capacity and fully leverage the bike's performance, you would need to spend around $500, which is nearly half the price of the bike itself.

Can batteries with different voltages (36v, 48v, 52v, etc.) be interchangeable?

The answer to this question is somewhat complex as it largely depends on your specific model and manufacturer. Depending on the type of controller you have, it may be possible to accept a range of voltages such as 24v-36v or 36v-48v. You would need to look up the specific details of your model to determine this.

The concern here is that a higher voltage battery could potentially fry the motor and electronic components. Running a higher voltage battery on a model that doesn't support it can result in the motor being permanently damaged.

That being said, many manufacturers build in a significant safety margin to account for these types of situations. Nonetheless, it's important to check with your model and manufacturer to avoid damaging your electric bicycle.

Adding additional batteries (expanding) to an existing battery

Adding more batteries to an existing battery is not a straightforward task and is not suitable for beginners. If you're looking for an upgrade, it's generally better to choose a higher-end model in the long run.

When adding more batteries to an existing setup, you need to know what you're doing. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, can be dangerous and may cause minor explosions. Assuming you don't encounter an explosion, adding additional batteries can lead to issues of imbalance, premature battery death, and potential battery failures.

Most importantly, if you don't know what you're doing, do not attempt this operation. Adding more batteries can damage the batteries and potentially be life-threatening.


                 

Will adding a larger battery increase speed and range?

When it comes to increasing speed and range, adding a larger battery is not a simple task and is much more complicated than it may seem.

In short, adding a larger battery can be dangerous, damage your bike, or be a very complex issue that isn't worth the trouble. To increase the speed of your bike, you would need to somehow increase the battery capacity.

Capacity doesn't necessarily mean faster speed, but it can represent a larger range. Watt-hours (Wh) are the measurement unit used to determine the battery pack's capacity, which allows you to measure the range. To calculate it, multiply the voltage by the amp-hour rating of the battery pack. For example, a 36V 10Ah battery pack has a capacity of 360 watt-hours (36 x 10 = 360). Assuming you use about 20 watt-hours per mile, then you can travel 18 miles.

In theory, having a larger capacity battery would allow you to ride for a longer duration. However, this is not a simple task and should be left to professionals. But what is the best way to increase the range of an electric bike without adding a larger battery?

What is the best way to increase the range of an electric bike?

For an electric bike, how you use the bike is just as crucial to the battery and motor as the bike itself. The terrain you ride on, how you handle the bike, and even the wind can affect the bike's range.

How much does it cost to replace an electric bike battery?

The cost of an electric bike battery can vary widely, but typically ranges from $200 to over $900. The range depends on factors such as the brand, capacity, and quality of the battery.

Let's take the example of a battery like the ChamRider 36V 48V Electric Bike Battery . This battery has a voltage of 48V and a capacity of 10Ah, and it is priced quite reasonably. You won't get the support of a high-end brand, but this battery can provide a range of 20-30 miles on a single charge.

With options closer to or above $800, you'll be spending more on the brand and quality. Mid-range prices of $400-$600 should be sufficient to get the job done quite well.

Another factor that can affect the price of a battery is whether it is an external battery or an integrated battery. For integrated in-frame batteries, you may need to pay more compared to external options.

Please keep in mind that while the upfront cost may be high, purchasing a replacement battery is a worthwhile investment. Buying a replacement battery can effectively double your range and provide peace of mind in case of emergencies. The decision depends on you and your budget, but we highly recommend having a spare battery!

Electric bicycles are fantastic, but they are also an investment, and a crucial component of that investment is the battery. Unfortunately, just like your old phone now needing to be charged every five minutes, electric bicycle batteries inevitably degrade over time and lose some of their capacity. If you want to learn how to keep your electric bicycle battery healthier for longer, check out our expert tips and advice.

1. Pedal effectively and use gears

The fewer times you charge and discharge the battery, the longer its lifespan. It makes sense to try to find a balance of power during each ride, meaning pedal wisely.

Electric bicycle motors are designed to work with a normal to high pedaling cadence; they're most efficient and consume the least amount of energy. Bosch recommends keeping your cadence above 50, avoiding slow grinding, and making full use of the lovely gear distribution that comes with your bicycle.

Similarly, make full use of the modes provided with your electric bicycle—ideally, you want to use the lowest power setting you can handle to seek greater range, but not if it slows down your cadence to a crawl.

2. Avoid full charging and discharging of the battery

Batteries themselves have built-in computer chips to regulate their output and charging. This means they will never completely deplete and ruin themselves in the process.

However, performing full charges and discharges on the battery every time you go out does impose a higher load on the battery. So, if you consistently go out with a fully charged battery and then bring it back inside, you'll need to rinse and repeat. Instead, try to stop riding before the battery is completely drained on each ride... easier said than done.

3.Charge the electric bicycle battery at room temperature

Now, this is a big one. Charging the battery at room temperature is crucial, with the ideal temperature being between 10-20°C (50-68°F), definitely not below freezing. ChamRider advises charging the battery indoors, in a dry place with a smoke detector (lithium-ion batteries have proven to be very safe, but in extremely rare cases, they can catch fire if short-circuited). Charging outside of this temperature window will result in reduced range and shorter battery lifespan, as colder objects have increased resistance, causing a decrease in electrical capacity.

Riding for a few hours in cold weather is not bad for your battery since it will reach a certain temperature regardless of the environmental conditions. However, starting from warm is important. This means that if you're driving a van, place it in front of you and the heater, and put it on the bike immediately before riding. Also, avoid taking it directly from a cold shed; warm it up inside beforehand.

During the summer, don't leave it in direct sunlight either, just like your phone, as high temperatures increase the load on the battery. In theory, if the battery overheats, the motor will automatically shut off, just like on a laptop, but we haven't experienced such a situation.

Avoid fully depleting or fully charging the battery

If you haven't ridden your electric bicycle for a few days, weeks, or months, it's important not to leave it fully charged or completely drained. Bosch recommends keeping it at around 30-60% capacity, while Shimano suggests keeping it at 70%. Recharge the battery every 6 months, and of course, fully charge it before riding again.

Avoid excessive water usage around the motor and battery area

Clean carefully, avoid high-pressure cleaning

Bosch suggests removing the battery before cleaning the bike, while Shimano recommends keeping it in place to protect the terminals. Shimano's advice may be more practical in real-world application as there can be a significant exposure of wires splashed with mud and water if the battery is not installed.

We believe the best approach is to gently clean it vertically with a hose and sponge, then let it dry completely before opening it up.

Tips and Tricks

ChamRider suggests that if there is dirt or grime on the battery terminals (not the battery itself), you can clean them with a soft, dry brush or cotton swab.

Finally, reach out to the dealer who specializes in your motor and check the status of your battery. They will be able to inform you about the battery's condition and whether you're in a long-term storage situation or if there is any equipment damage.

Four

Electric bicycle questions you're afraid to ask:

1. Why does the charger get hot?

Converting the UK's 240V voltage to 36V for ChamRider results in some energy loss in the form of heat, typically around 10%, according to ChamRider. Charging automatically shuts off when the capacity is reached, so there is no overcharging or increased load.

2. Can battery manufacturers open the casing and replace a faulty battery like Tesla does?

No, it is not possible because the batteries need to be perfectly matched to avoid overcharging or over-discharging. It is technically feasible but a complex process, which would cost more money – acceptable for a £100,000 car but not for a £5,000 electric bicycle. As a point of interest, the Bosch PowerTube 625Wh battery has 50 individual cells inside.

3. How many cycles can the battery endure?

It depends on how you treat it. ChamRider states it can be charged up to 1,000 times, equivalent to normal usage for 7-10 years before the battery capacity starts to decline. Obviously, you would replace the bike before that, so theoretically, it can extend the lifespan of the bike. ChamRider guarantees that after 1,000 charging cycles, the battery will retain at least 60% of its original capacity.

ChanRider's warranty guarantees that within the warranty period (24 months after purchase, or 36 months from the date of battery purchase), the 400Wh, 500Wh, and 625Wh batteries will have at least 60% of their original energy capacity, and the 300Wh battery will have at least 70% of its original energy capacity. This is based on proper maintenance or 500 full charging cycles, whichever comes first. The brand states that with proper care, the lifespan can be much longer, as supported by lab tests and customer feedback.

4. Where do the batteries go when they are depleted?

Battery dealers, whether for bicycle batteries, phone batteries, or car batteries, have a responsibility to recycle the batteries. Different battery recycling programs exist throughout Europe, and in the UK, Valpak operates the largest compliance scheme. Interestingly, the UK tends to export its battery waste rather than recycling it domestically, primarily to France, Germany, and Poland.

Introduction

An electric bicycle consists of two essential components: the motor and the battery. Both are crucial, and it is important to choose the right battery for your DIY customization. In this article, I will do my best to explain e-bike batteries in a simplified manner.

There are many factors to consider before purchasing a battery, and it's important not to make hasty decisions, as even lower-spec batteries can be costly.

I could write pages upon pages about modern batteries and their working principles, but I want to keep this article as simple as possible, focusing on selecting the right battery for your specific build.

Choosing the Right Battery

Several variables need to be considered before buying a battery. I will list them below, and each one requires careful consideration:

For the purpose of this article, I will focus on the most popular voltages currently used:

Most road-legal e-bike kits use a 36V battery, while more powerful motors may require a 48V or even a 52V battery. When using high-performance electric bikes, the voltage can reach up to 72V or even higher.

For example, if you purchase a 250W mid-drive motor, you would need a 36V battery. If you opt for a 1000W BBSHD motor, you would need a 48V battery.

Battery Placement

You need to decide where you want to mount the battery on your bicycle. The most popular location is the downtube in a diagonal position because it not only looks neat but also keeps the additional weight of the battery relatively centered and low, improving stability.

The Cube Target Pro mountain bike is powered by a Bafang BBS02 750W electric motor kit and a 52V battery.

Unfortunately, this may not apply to all bicycles and depends on the frame size and geometry. For many full-suspension mountain bikes, it can be challenging to mount the battery on the frame due to the rear suspension. Fortunately, there are now more compact battery packs available, but these packs have smaller outputs, typically around 36V 10.4Ah. Alternatively, you can mount the battery on the underside of the frame, but this may make it more susceptible to damage, and you need to check the clearance with the front tire when the suspension is fully compressed.

Frame-integrated batteries are also popular options for step-through frame bicycles or small frame bicycles. These types of batteries typically come with specific "double-layer" frames, which inevitably add weight to the rear of the bicycle.


                               

Battery Range

Another important variable to consider is the Ah or "ampere-hour" rating of the battery. A battery with a capacity of 1 ampere-hour should be able to continuously provide a current of 1 ampere to the load for exactly 1 hour, or 2 amperes for 1/2 hour, or 1/3 ampere for 3 hours, and so on, before being fully discharged.

The capacity of a medium-sized battery is typically around 13Ah. When multiplied by the voltage, such as 36V x 13Ah = 468Wh, it gives the capacity in "watt-hours" (Wh). Watt-hours is a unit of electrical energy, equivalent to the power consumption of one watt over one hour. Therefore, a 36V 13Ah battery can effectively sustain 468 watt-hours.

How does this translate into measurable range? Assuming you are conservative with the power usage, you would spend approximately 20 watt-hours per mile of travel, giving you a range of 23.4 miles. This is based on the assumption of maintaining power consumption at that exact level throughout the duration.

Of course, in the real world, this scenario is unlikely as there are times when you may not need electric assistance at all, while other times you may heavily rely on it. For example, if you live in an area with long and steep hills, your power consumption per mile may exceed 20 watt-hours. If you reside in a fairly flat area, your consumption may be lower.

If you desire to achieve longer mileage, a 36V 17.5Ah battery would allow you to travel 31.5 miles at a constant power consumption of 20 watt-hours per mile. However, in real-world scenarios, I have reported ranges of 50-60 miles with such capacity batteries.

If you can only purchase a smaller battery, there are many ways to increase the battery range of an electric bike without spending any extra money.

Most electric bike batteries use standard 18650 lithium-ion cells produced by well-known manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, and Sanyo. In my opinion, opting for branded batteries is always wise as they tend to have longer lifespans and greater reliability compared to unbranded generic Chinese batteries. That being said, I have provided many battery packs using Chinese batteries without any issues. It all comes down to the price. Personally, I would spend a little more to purchase branded batteries as buying cheaper batteries might be a false economy.
                               

Battery Maintenance

Lithium batteries require careful handling. There are restrictions on their transportation, and it's not without good reason. The problem is that if they catch fire, they burn at very high temperatures and can cause severe burns or even death. Do not store them in areas exposed to extreme heat.

These batteries do not like extreme temperatures at either end. Their performance decreases once the temperature drops below zero, and most manufacturers set the minimum operating temperature at -20 degrees Celsius and the maximum at 45 degrees Celsius.

Charging

When the battery is new, it is generally recommended to run it through at least three full charge and discharge cycles to ensure the battery is fully balanced, although I have ample evidence to suggest that discharging the battery to at least 50% during normal use is sufficient for this period.

There is some evidence to suggest that always fully charging the battery can shorten its lifespan, and most of the time, charging it to 80% and only fully charging the battery once is more beneficial for long-term battery health over weeks.

This is a somewhat controversial topic, as a highly respected lithium battery expert told me that this is not the case. In fact, I had a customer who followed the above practice, and several months later, the maximum charging voltage dropped significantly, and the battery needed to be rebalanced.

If the battery is not used for several months, it is also essential to ensure that the battery has at least 80% charge. If the battery is left discharged for several months without use, the voltage in the battery may drop below the design minimum and could result in permanent damage. Additionally, it is not recommended to store the battery at its maximum capacity for more than a few days, as this is also detrimental to the long-term health of the battery.

All these battery packs use a Battery Management System (BMS), which is the brain of the battery. It is a small electronic circuit that prevents overcharging and over-discharging and regulates the overall amplifier output. A fully charged 36V battery has a voltage of approximately 42.2V, and the BMS typically shuts off the battery at around 29V. A fully charged 48V battery has a voltage of 54.4V and usually shuts off around 39V. This is crucial because over-discharging can permanently damage the battery's chemical composition.


                                 

Continuous Current

This depends on several factors but will be influenced by the battery quality, voltage, Ah rating, and BMS. Most 36V 13Ah batteries have a continuous discharge rate between 15A-20A but may be able to provide higher output momentarily. This also depends on the type of motor controller being used. For example, the controller on a 1000W Bafang BBSHD can handle a continuous current of 30 amps.

Other Factors to Consider

A good mid-drive motor, such as Bafang or Tongsheng, utilizes the bike's gear ratio to transfer the power generated by the motor to the rear wheel. This results in higher efficiency and less battery energy consumption. On the other hand, large direct-drive hub motors cannot spin as fast, so they will consume more watt-hours per mile.

The weight of the rider also plays a significant role. A person weighing 100 kg riding a 250W electric bike at full power will consume more energy compared to a person weighing 75 kg.

Conclusion

If you only plan on using the bike for short trips of up to 20-30 miles, then a 36V 13Ah battery should be sufficient. The same applies to a 48V motor. However, if you plan on traveling or spending long periods in the saddle, it would be worthwhile to purchase a battery with a capacity of at least 36V 17.5Ah or even 20Ah.

Based on type and capacity, the weight of electric bicycle batteries can range from 5 pounds to 40 pounds or even heavier. Typical lithium-ion electric bicycle batteries can weigh as light as 5 pounds and go up to 20 pounds. On the other hand, lead-acid electric bicycle batteries are larger in size and heavier, starting from 30 pounds.

The weight of electric bicycle batteries is not randomly determined; factors such as voltage, ampere-hour capacity, anode and cathode materials, and other metal components contribute to the weight.

In simple terms, batteries with higher voltage and larger capacity tend to be heavier, while batteries with lower voltage and smaller capacity are lighter.

Most riders prefer lightweight and maneuverable bicycles. Since it's not possible to reduce the weight of the electric bicycle frame or the weight of the motor and other key components, the only reasonable way to make the bicycle lighter is by adjusting the weight of the battery.

Whether it's an internally integrated frame battery or a simple removable external battery, understanding the weight of the electric bicycle battery and, if possible, replacing it with a lighter battery can help make your electric bicycle lighter.

Comparison of Different Bicycle Weights

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the best lightweight electric bicycles. Hopefully, it will help you find your ideal bicycle.

             

Types and Weight of Electric Bicycle Batteries

There are various types of electric bicycle batteries, and each type has a different weight value.

We can certainly discuss the weight of internally integrated or externally removable or fixed batteries. However, it would be easier to understand if we categorize the batteries based on their chemistry and material composition.

Lithium-ion Batteries:

Well-made removable internal and external lithium-ion batteries typically weigh around 8 pounds to 17 pounds.

Lead-acid Batteries:

Lead-acid batteries are cheaper but heavier compared to lithium-ion batteries. You would typically find lead-acid batteries weighing between 30 pounds to 40 pounds.

What factors affect the weight of electric bicycle batteries?

Voltage and Capacity:

Electric bicycle batteries are a combination of interconnected batteries. The more batteries there are, the higher the ampere-hour capacity and voltage flow. These batteries have a metallic body along with metal anodes and cathodes, so their weight is definitely noticeable.

Material Composition:

Graphite, nickel, copper, lead or lithium-ion, metal oxides, and zinc—all these battery types have composition components, most of which are metals, making them a significant factor behind the heavyweight batteries.

Are there weight limits for electric bicycles?

Yes, electric bicycles have weight limits. The weight of leisure bicycles typically ranges from 200 pounds to 300 pounds, while cargo/load-carrying bicycles weigh around 450 pounds to 550 pounds.

Please note that weight limits refer to the bike's ability to withstand a certain weight. Therefore, a weight limit of 200 pounds means that your electric bicycle weighing 50 pounds or 60 pounds will be able to comfortably carry around 200 pounds without affecting performance.

Is the weight of your electric bicycle important?

The weight of a bicycle is indeed crucial. A heavy electric bicycle may be reliable and comfortable to ride, but storing or carrying it can be a hassle. If you have to transport a bike weighing around 70 pounds to 80 pounds (including the weight of the battery) to your office or home, it can be quite inconvenient.

If you are a racer or seeking additional speed with an electric bicycle, a heavy bike will not provide satisfactory performance. Yes, the motor can certainly provide enough power to reach a certain speed, but the weight of the bike will be the biggest drawback in terms of speed.

If you are a racer or enthusiast looking to enjoy decent speed on an electric bicycle, you can certainly opt for a carbon fiber frame and rims, remove suspension systems, and add tubeless tires to shed a few pounds. However, in doing so, you may have to compromise on comfort.

Does the weight of the electric bicycle battery affect speed?

The weight of the electric bicycle battery certainly affects speed.

Let's consider a real scenario where you participate in a race, and you've done everything to make your bike lighter—using tubeless tires, carbon fiber rims and frame, and even removing suspension systems; you are satisfied with the weight of the bike.

But when you add a 20-pound battery to the bicycle, firstly, the weight distribution becomes uneven. The motor can provide enough torque to increase speed, but the weight of the battery makes it challenging to maneuver the electric bicycle.

Despite having a lightweight bike, the weight distribution, maneuverability, and ultimately the speed of your electric bicycle will be affected; all the blame falls on the battery.

How much does a lithium-ion battery weigh?

A decent lithium-ion battery weighs around 17 pounds. You may also find batteries weighing around 8 pounds, but their performance may not meet the standards.

Generally, lithium-ion batteries containing lithium, graphite, nickel, and metal oxides may have relatively higher weights compared to regular batteries. However, efforts are constantly being made to make them lighter while maintaining the standards of electric bicycles.

Why are electric bicycle batteries so heavy?

Electric bicycle batteries are heavy due to their construction materials and configuration. If you want the battery to have a larger capacity and voltage, you need to incorporate a sufficient number of individual batteries inside the battery pack.

These batteries have anode and cathode structures made of metals, along with copper, graphite, metal oxides, and other essential components. The weight of the plastic casing around the battery is negligible; it is primarily the inherent weight of these materials that adds to the overall weight of the battery.

It's a simple trade-off: if you want higher capacity in your electric bicycle battery, you will have to accept the burden of its weight.

Conclusion

For riders who value speed, having a lightweight electric bicycle is essential. The best way to reduce the overall weight of an electric bicycle is by using lightweight batteries.

The weight of the bicycle frame and motor is fixed and cannot be changed, but using a carbon fiber frame can help. Tubeless tires and carbon fiber rims can also significantly reduce weight.

Lead-acid batteries may be cheaper, but they are heavy to carry. For leisure use, an 8-pound lithium-ion battery would be the best choice.

The differences between lead-acid batteries and lithium-ion batteries on electric bicycles are quite apparent.

Cost:

Lead-acid battery systems can be several hundred or thousand dollars cheaper than comparable lithium-ion batteries.

Currently, the price range for lithium-ion batteries is between $5,000 and $15,000 (including installation costs), and this range may vary depending on the size of the required system.

Associated Costs:

The purchase and installation costs of lead-acid batteries are generally cheaper than lithium-ion batteries.

The cost component of lithium-ion batteries is higher; however, the lifespan value of lithium-ion batteries offsets this impact.

Energy Density:

The energy density of lead-acid batteries is much lower than that of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries have significantly higher energy density compared to lead-acid batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries can store more energy in the same physical space. Additionally, they can release more energy, providing power for a longer duration.

Discharge Capacity:

The discharge capacity of lead-acid batteries should not exceed around 50% as it can shorten the battery's lifespan.

Typically, lithium-ion batteries utilize 85% or more of their total capacity in a single cycle. Therefore, lithium-ion batteries have better effective capacity than lead-acid batteries.

Efficiency:

The efficiency of lead-acid batteries ranges from 80% to 85%. These batteries charge slowly and have lower effective battery capacity.

Most lithium-ion batteries have an efficiency of 95% or higher, meaning that 95% or more of the energy collected in the lithium-ion battery can be utilized. These batteries charge quickly and have a larger effective capacity.

Application:

Lead-acid batteries are well-suited for large-scale stationary applications where space is abundant and energy demands are low. In terms of cost and size, lithium-ion batteries may be the ideal choice for electric bicycles.

Environmental Friendliness:

Lead is a carcinogenic and environmentally hazardous substance. Even lead-acid batteries contain dangerous compounds like sulfuric acid. Lithium-ion batteries are more environmentally friendly as lithium is a harmless substance.

Which battery is best for electric bicycles?

For electric bicycles, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the best choice. While lead-acid batteries are still much cheaper, they are three times heavier than lithium-ion batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are favored for their lightweight nature and suitability for long-distance travel. Compared to older battery technologies, lithium-ion batteries offer faster charging, longer range, and better power density, achieving longer battery life in lighter containers.

However, the five most critical variables to consider when choosing battery chemistry are specific energy, cost, lifespan, power, and safety.

What is the lifespan of an electric bicycle battery?

With proper maintenance, the battery lifespan can range from 3 to 5 years. Even when not in use, lithium batteries on electric bicycles will gradually lose capacity and self-discharge.

Even if the connected electric bicycle doesn't require any power or remains unused, the lithium battery on the electric bicycle will lose the stored energy due to internal actions.

Excessive self-discharge can cause irreversible damage to the electric bicycle's battery. Therefore, it is recommended to actively utilize it.

How Many Years Should An Ebike Battery Last?

Generally, a high-quality eBike battery may last between 3 and 5 years. Of course, this depends on various factors, including the type of battery,  and how well you maintain it. 

The major factors recommended for prolonging the e-bike’s battery life include the following:

Charge your battery completely for up to 4-7 hours before your first ride to extend its lifespan.

Use the original charger provided during the initial purchase with your e-bike; never mix and match chargers.

Do not wait until your e-bike battery is completely drained before charging.

Maintain your e-bike by charging it regularly and adequately.

Establish a charging station that is both dry and secure. Electrical gadgets should not be exposed to high humidity.

Learn your battery’s high and low voltage cut-off limitations.

Regularly clean around the battery connections and eliminate any corrosion.

Lithium batteries are the most prevalent battery in electric bikes nowadays.

Advantages Of Lithium Batteries




Disadvantages of lithium electric bicycle batteries

Advantages Of Lead Acid Batteries For E-Bikes

Disadvantages of lead acid batteries for e-bikes

Conclusion:

Which is better, lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries? In most cases, lithium-ion battery technology is superior to lead-acid battery technology due to its advantages in reliability and efficiency.

If the electric bicycle is not used frequently, the cheaper lead-acid battery may be preferred. According to recent research, the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries in electric bicycles is 45% longer than that of equivalent-rated lead-acid batteries.