Batteries For Electric Bikes: Everything You Need To Know

Electric bike battery is considered the heart of your ebike. It is the critical component of the bike that determines the overall performance, speed, and range of the electric bike. Choosing the best batteries for electric bikes is often a tedious task.

I still remember the day, five years ago, when I went for electric bike battery replacement and replaced my electric bike battery with one that was not suitable for my e-bike. This mistake caused me to sacrifice peak performance and the overall riding experience.

I realized then that I lacked sufficient knowledge about electric bike batteries. As an e-bike rider, it is essential to understand the technical aspects of these batteries.

But you do not need to worry about it because, in this comprehensive guide, I have provided you with everything you need to know about batteries for electric bikes, which will help you make the right decisions and get the most out of your e-bike experience.

What Are E-Bike Batteries?

As you know batteries are the main component in the electric bike as it supplies energy to the bike and assists in pedaling.

Battery packs in ebikes are generally made up of individual battery ‘cells’. These cells are your normal AA or AAA types.

Ebike battery packs are manufactured in a variety of form factors (a term used in battery engineering). The most common form factor we found in the ebike battery packs is 18650.

Types of E-Bike Batteries

1. Lead-acid battery:

Lead-acid batteries are the heaviest of the electric bike battery types available. They are three times the weight of lithium batteries and two times the weight of nickel batteries.
Furthermore, lead-acid batteries have a lower capacity than nickel and lithium batteries. A lead-acid battery’s maximum capacity is half that of a lithium or nickel battery.

Pros

low cost
simple to recycle

Cons

low power output
much heavier
shorter lifespan

2. Nickel-Metal Hydride Batteries:

Nickel-metal-hydride batteries (Ni-Mh) are more efficient than nickel-cadmium batteries (Ni-Cd) and are also more expensive. In recent times use of these batteries has become obsolete due to their self-heating and self-discharge properties.

Pros

more efficient and environment friendly than Ni-Cd

Cons

expensive
high level of self-discharge
not recommended in modern ebikes

3. Lithium-Ion Batteries:

Lithium-ion batteries are known for their powerful performance and durability. Lithium-ion batteries have become the most popular choice for electric bikes due to their High Energy density. This means that they can store a large amount of energy in a relatively small and lightweight package. This is crucial for e-bikes, as it allows for longer ranges and better performance without adding excessive weight.

Pros

affordable
low self-discharge rate
fast charging
lower weight

Cons

sensitive to temperature
complex recycling process

Battery Specifications

Before you pick best battery for electric bike, you must be aware of some electrical terms to understand battery specifications.

Volts (V):

Volts or voltage is the potential difference between two contacts of battery (positive and negative). Most popular batteries for ebikes on volts basis are: 48v ebike battery, 36v ebike battery.

Ampere(A):

It is the standard unit of current. That defines how much current your battery is drawing while it is in action.

Watts(W):

It is the standard unit of power. Where power (watt) = volts (v) x current (A). The higher the power, the more energy the battery produces.

Ampere-hours (AH):

Ampere-hours (AH) is the unit that defines battery’s energy capacity. In simple words, it is the rating that tells how much current (ampere) a battery can provide for a specific period of time (hours).

For example, if the battery specification is 10 AH. This means it can provide 10 ampere current for an hour.

How to Choose the Right Battery for Electric Bike

Whether you are a seasoned rider or a beginner, our aim is to provide you with valuable insights to make the most out of your electric biking adventures.

Without wasting your time, I am going to describe a few points to keep in mind when choosing battery for ebike.

Choose according to your use:

If you are using your ebike for hunting or any adventure activity, you must look for a battery with higher capacity.

If you are a daily commuter then go for a battery which offers capacity a bit more than normal.

And if you are riding an electric bike for leisure and fun, then you should opt for a battery that offers higher range so that you don’t worry about charging it after every hour anymore.

Consider the weight of the battery:

The weight of the battery impacts the overall weight and design of the ebike. Which affects performance and ride experience of electric bike. So you must strike a balance between battery capacity and weight while choosing a battery.

Charging time

Different batteries have different charging times. Choose between a fast charging and standard charging battery that fits your needs.

Always Check Compatibility with Your E-Bike

While replacing the battery of ebike always check its specification (volts, amperes, watts, ampere-hours, etc.) with your old battery and choose accordingly.

Also, check the battery physically fits in the designated space of your ebike and connects well to the connector and wiring setup.

Safety features

Safety is the most important when choosing an e-bike battery. Look for batteries that have

Battery Management Systems (BMS): These systems protect against overcharging, overheating, and short circuits.
Quality Certifications: Ensure the battery meets safety standards and certifications.