What Are the Types of E-Bike Batteries and How Do They Differ?
Everything you need to know about types of e-bike batteries, battery life and how to take care of your battery
When purchasing an electric bicycle, the battery is one of the most important components. The battery determines how long the bicycle can be used without recharging, the distance it can travel, and how heavy and/or light it weighs.
It’s also one of the most expensive parts, so be sure to pay attention to the battery when you’re making an e-bike purchase.
A Guide to Electric Bike Batteries
Finding a good battery determines how far you can travel on a single ride, and varying sizes and weights have different degrees of speed and efficiency.
Without a battery, an electric bicycle is just a regular bicycle.
Let’s take a look at at the various options:
Lead (gel) batteries
Used less and less frequently over the years, lead batteries have a lower capacity (or amount of energy that can be stored in the battery), and take between 8-10 hours to fully charge.
For perspective, newer batteries can charge from empty to full in under three hours. Lead batteries also tend to weigh heavier than newer predecessors, meaning that bicycles powered by lead batteries are heavier in general.
Lead batteries are also cheaper to manufacture due to the quality of materials, and lower use capacity which is why they’re gradually being replaced in the marketplace.
Electric transport lane
Lithium-ion battery (Li-ion)
Newer or recent e-bikes will have some kind of lithium-ion battery as they are the most popular battery currently on the market.
Lithium-ion batteries optimize for both total weight and energy, giving you the best range and longevity to any other battery.
Li-ion battery types can also be molded into different shapes or unique spaces, making them ideal for high capacity and low power applications.
Lithium-ion batteries are made of various formulas — including cobalt, manganese or others — but there is no expert opinion to prove that one mix is significantly better than the other.
What’s most important is to buy a bike with a high-quality electric drive system and well-made parts to ensure against overheating and battery life over time.
What makes RIDEL special is its consideration of battery weight and size, while also optimizing for sleek design.
The SNUGGER features a lightweight, long-lasting 48V 13Ah lithium battery containing an integrated backlight, so you can instantly check how much charge is left, day or night.
The EKO features an integrated 36V 250W battery built into the frame’s down tube – a smart solution that gives you a more balanced center of gravity.
LiFePo4
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) operates across a wide temperature range, making it a viable option for various applications or weather conditions. Its advantages include a longer life span, charge efficiency, no maintenance, extreme temperature operation and an ability to charge quickly.
As these batteries are relatively new in the market, they’re not the cheapest, but due to its long life span they are a smart investment over time.
FAQ
What is Lead (gel) batteries?
Used less and less frequently over the years, lead batteries have a lower capacity (or amount of energy that can be stored in the battery), and take between 8-10 hours to fully charge.
What is Lithium-ion battery (Li-ion)?
Lithium-ion batteries are made of various formulas — including cobalt, manganese or others — but there is no expert opinion to prove that one mix is significantly better than the other.
What is Lithium iron phosphate battery?
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) operates across a wide temperature range, making it a viable option for various applications or weather conditions. Its advantages include a longer life span, charge efficiency, no maintenance, extreme temperature operation and an ability to charge quickly.
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