Ebike battery watt hours. Ebike battery watt hours

Ebike battery watt hours

Electric pedal-assisted bikes, also known as E-bikes or electric bikes, offer a spectrum of benefits for different kinds of rides and riders, and aim to break down barriers that prevent us from taking longer, faster rides. Each E-bike in our lineup has a pedal assist motor that runs on a frame-integrated, rechargeable battery. One question we get all the time is: how long will my E-bike battery last on one charge? The not-so simple answer: It depends. We know, WE KNOW: that’s not that helpful, but hear us out. There are a lot of factors that affect just how far your battery will last, and once you understand them, you’ll be better at estimating how many miles you have before you need to recharge.

But, before you can get a clear picture of how to maximize your E-bike battery life, you’ll need a quick run-down of the technology that goes into making your E-bike… well… go. We’ve tried to put our tech jargon into simple terms here. Read on for detailed descriptions of each model of battery and motor, and how they interact on your bike.

Liv’s Four Battery Options

Our E-bikes are built with one of three batteries that power the motor: the EnergyPak Smart, the EnergyPak Smart Compact, or the EnergyPak Side Release. Also available is the EnergyPak Plus, a small backup battery. All four rechargeable batteries detach from the frame and can be plugged in either on or off the bike, depending on how accessible your outlet is.

The strength of each battery is measured in watt hours (Wh)—a unit totally different from watts, which many cyclists use to measure their own power output at any given moment as they ride. But mainly: The higher the watt hour of your bike’s battery, the more power it can hold.

The EnergyPak Smart is the highest-capacity battery available for our E-bikes, ideal for long, intense rides where you’ll be using a large amount of pedal assistance or encountering a lot of loose gravel, snow, mud, or other unpaved terrain. The slim, streamlined battery is integrated right into the frame of the bike for a clean look and feel. It comes in three different watt hour (Wh) versions: 625, 500, and 400 (if the bike you buy comes with the 400 or 500 Wh battery, it’s compatible for an upgrade). All three Wh levels of the battery charge from dead to 80 percent in under three hours.

The EnergyPak Smart Compact is our 500 Wh electric road bike battery, which has the sleekest profile designed to help your E-bike blend in with a fleet of non-electric road bikes. Both the EnergyPak Smart and EnergyPak Smart Compact have aluminum casing to help prevent overheating, for both safety and battery-life extension purposes.

The EnergyPak Side Release comes on many of our commuter E-bikes and entry-level electric mountain bikes, shaped specifically to fit into step-through models. It’s available in 500 Wh and 400 Wh and slides into the side of the downtube, rather than removing from the bottom the previous two batteries listed. EnergyPak side release’s waterproof rating is IPX5, slightly less than the rest of Liv’s batteries (IPX6, which can withstand a bit more pressure).

If you’re taking an extra-long trip where you might need extra battery life before you reach a place you can recharge, the EnergyPak Plus, a 250 Wh backup battery, is available. It’s small, lightweight, and can be mounted directly to your downtube to add more miles to your ride. It charges relatively quickly, up to about 80 percent capacity in just two hours, so you can change up your main battery and this one in a single evening.

Liv’s Three Motor Options

Our E-bikes have a motor located near the bottom bracket that gives you assistance in turning the pedals, also called pedal assist. The three motors were developed in cooperation with Yamaha, and include the SyncDrive Pro, the SyncDrive Sport, and the SyncDrive Core. All three motors are equipped with multiple sensors that detect even the slightest change in your cadence, power input, and speed. This allows the motor to blend the assistance it’s giving you into your pedal stroke in the most natural way possible; it engages smoothly and gradually, increasing input to match yours. Our E-bikes are designed to emphasize and support your own power and fitness, so there is no throttle you can push to make it go. You have to pedal—but how hard you pedal is up to you.

Our top-end E-bikes come with the SyncDrive Pro. It’s the most powerful motor with the fastest engagement, meaning it feels the most touchy of the three, so it’s great for intense bursts of power to get through tricky uphill sections or steep punchy climbs on a mountain bike. The highly sensitive motor engages even if you’re pedaling super lightly and quickly (up to 170 rpm).

The SyncDrive Sport motor comes on most of our mid-priced bikes, and offers a less-punchy engagement than the Pro. Since it’s more conservative with its power, it tends to use less battery over time than the high-powered Pro as well.

The SyncDrive Core is the lightest-duty motor that comes on many of our E-commuter, and entry-level E-mountain bikes. It offers the smoothest engagement with the most gradual increase of assistance, so it is the most battery-conserving option of the three. And—bonus—it’s also the quietest.

eBike Range: What to Know and How to Extend It

Range is one of the most important features you should consider when comparing eBike models.

E-Bike range can be hard to determine because it will differ from one situation to another and between different ebike batteries and motors. It’s quite hard to give a specific answer on how many miles a car can drive, and it’s just as difficult to give a straight answer about the range of an eBike.

This article will cover what eBike range is and why it’s such an essential factor to consider when choosing an eBike.

What is eBike range?

The range of an electric bike refers to the amount of time you can ride on one battery charge.

Bigger eBike batteries will give riders longer ranges because these batteries have a higher storage capacity.

What is the average range of an eBike?

There are many different electric bikes on the market, and they don’t all have the same range. The average range of most eBikes is between 20-100 miles/32-160 kilometers; of course, the exact range will always depend on factors such as the power mode, riding conditions, cargo load, and terrain.

How much further can you go on an eBike, compared to a regular bike?

Electric bikes can be ridden as easily as regular bikes, but you can ride further using the electric pedal assist. Pedal assistance allows eBikes to cover greater distances in less time than the same journey would take on a traditional cycle or mountain bike.

Unlike a traditional bike, an eBike battery has a limited range, so you need to be aware of your unique physical limitations and the range of your battery. You can extend your battery and ride further by pedaling on level surfaces and downhill and conserving your battery for uphill or other challenging sections of your ride.

You could expect to get 22-50 miles out of most eBikes on a single battery charge with relaxed pedaling. In other cases, you will be able to ride even farther. There are several electric bikes available that can get 50 miles on a single charge. Your electric bike’s range will always be impacted by factors such as the battery capacity, incline, wind, and weight and size.

Some pedaling will always be required on QuietKat eBikes, even for models that have a throttle. You’ll need to put some minimal effort into pedaling when riding up steep hills. Pedaling is excellent exercise and more fun, but it also extends the range of your battery.

While you’re out riding, it’s important to remember to track your time or miles covered. This precaution will help you keep track of your battery life, so you don’t run out of power at the wrong time.

Which eBikes have the longest range?

There can be many different variables when it comes to range. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should expect a more extended riding range from electric bikes that come with a battery with higher volts and amp-hours. Cheap eBike models on the market often have a minimal range and are only equipped with a 36V or 48V battery.

Do electric bikes recharge when you pedal?

It is usually not possible for electric bikes to recharge themselves while you pedal. An eBike battery generally does not work like a car battery and does not recharge itself while running. A small handful of electric bikes on the market can charge themselves while you pedal, but most will not. QuietKat bikes do not recharge themselves while pedaling and will need to be recharged with a power outlet or solar charger.

How is the electric bike range measured?

Most eclectic bikes measure range in Wh/Mi or Wh/km, depending on your country.

Wh/Mi is a commonly-cited metric used for electric vehicle (EV) efficiency. Wh/Mi stands for watt-hours per mile, or in the case of Wh/km, watt-hours per kilometer. The Wh/Mi metric (in the USA) is one of the easiest ways to work out how much energy or watt=hours (Wh) is required to move an electric vehicle such as an eBike or car 1 unit of distance (either one km or one mile). You will see this metric used on many cars, including electric vehicles such as Teslas.

How far can a 750W electric bike go?

Multiple factors will always impact range, but generally speaking, most 500-750W eBikes will get you around 25 Wh/Mi.

This estimate assumes that the electric bike is ridden on a flat or moderate incline. An electric bike with a 480Wh battery ridden in these conditions would provide you with approximately 19 miles of range. But a 750w electric bike can go approximately 28 mph (45 km/h) on flat ground.

A 750W electric bike is a popular choice for hunters, anglers, and ebike overlanding. Bikes of this motor size are moderately regulated without compromising on speed. We find that 750 watts are plenty for a hunting ebike.

Electric bikes with the most powerful motors are often more heavily regulated and consume battery power much faster than other Bikes. Because of this, 1000W eBikes can end up having more power but less range. Generally, 1000W electric bikes will come with a heavier, larger battery than most 750W eBikes. But we find for many use cases; a 750W bike is a sweet spot that provides both power and decent range.

Many of the 750W bikes in the QuietKat range are superior to 1000W bikes. For example, in the right conditions, the 750W version of the QuietKat Ridgerunner can take you up to 25 miles on a single battery charge. But the Jeep eBike goes even further and can be ridden for up to 40 miles on a single battery.

How far can a 250W electric bike go?

Most 250W electric bikes aren’t suitable for tough terrain. These types of eBikes are best for light city riding on fairly flat and even paths. That’s because there isn’t enough power or torque in an eBike with a 250 W system. You can’t power heavy riders up hills with a 250w eBike if you still want to maintain a reasonable amount of speed. Trying to use a 250w eBike like a 750w model will drain your battery exceptionally fast and result in a very short range. Cheap electric bikes with 250 W motors can only go around 15-20 mph when it comes to speed. If you’re a serious outdoor enthusiast, you should use an electric mountain bike with 750w or 1000w capability.

How do I determine the range of my electric bike?

It can be challenging to determine the exact range of an eBike because of the various factors we have discussed so far. Many manufacturers would be reluctant to put a precise range on their eBikes because conditions could easily impact the measurement. So how can you plan for eBike trips if you don’t know your range?

To determine the approximate range of your electric bike, you should first start by looking at the battery capacity.

The battery capacity will be noted on a bike’s description and in its manual. The battery capacity of an electric bike will usually be measured in Watt-hours (Wh). On occasion, you may see an eBike battery rated using volts (V) and amp-hours (Ah). For example, an eBike may be labeled as having a 48V 10Ah battery. If you want to convert volts and amp-hours to Wh, you should multiply the number of volts by the amp hours.

The next step is to calculate the effective bike range by taking the Wh capacity of the bike’s battery and dividing it by an average efficiency number (which can be in either Wh/Mi or Wh/km depending on the country).

Wait, what’s the efficiency number? At this point, the math can vary. Your efficiency number will vary based on many factors, such as the rider’s weight, incline, wind conditions, and tire choice. However, based on the earlier generalizations, a 750W eBike can go around 25 Wh/Mi.

How can I increase the range of my electric bike?

Naturally, every adventure enthusiast wants to use their eBike to ride further, faster, and for longer. Compared to traditional cycles, eBikes can undoubtedly provide you with these benefits. Plus, eBike batteries are continually seeing improved performance as new electric bike technology gets developed. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to extend our range further to increase our scope for exploration!

Thankfully, there are several simple measures you can take to improve the range of your eBike. Follow our tips to improve the eBike‘s range and squeeze out a little bit more power from your battery. And sure, you can always upgrade parts or update your battery to increase your range, but there’s a lot of easy changes you can make for free as well. A simple change in riding behavior can have a significant impact on your range.

Here are some easy habits and changes you can make to extend the range of your eBike.

Go easy on your throttle

Hand throttles aren’t standard in Europe but are prevalent in American eBikes. in addition to pedal-assist bike features. Many American riders (and those in other countries which allow hand throttles) will find that hand throttle is one of the quickest ways to drain your bike’s battery and reduce range.

Remember that each time you accelerate using the throttle, you are using significantly more battery power than you would while cruising or pedaling manually.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever use your throttle; after all, it’s there for a reason. But you’ll undoubtedly want to be discerning about when you choose to use your throttle. If you are riding up steep hills, you will naturally need to use it more extensively, but you should be aware this will limit your range.

Instead of using the full-throttle every time you want to accelerate, you should instead try to ease into the throttle. Yes, this will mean you accelerate a bit slower, but by sacrificing a little bit of speed, you can increase the longevity of your battery‘s charge. This technique will help minimize the amount of battery power used by your bike each time you accelerate. Additionally, this method can also help keep the bike’s battery cooler, enabling the bike to use even more efficiently.

Pedal while you accelerate

If you’re reducing your reliance on the throttle, you will naturally find yourself pedaling more. It’s easy for riders to become reliant on their throttle and grow to dislike pedaling but remember it’s great exercise and will extend the range of your bike.

Regular pedaling will conserve battery, so you don’t have to continuously pedal later if your battery runs down! (And that’s what this article is trying to help you avoid)

By using the pedal-assist feature carefully while riding, you can make your range more efficient. Generally, most pedal-assist electric bikes will get you around 15 Wh/Mi when ridden around 15 to 18 mph utilizing medium levels of pedal assist.

Acceleration is usually the most significant single-use of battery power. especially if you stop and start frequently. If you can pedal while you accelerate, even just a few seconds, you can significantly reduce your battery usage. When you add up every acceleration, those few moments of pedaling can pay off as some pretty significant energy savings,

Coast when you can

Naturally, adrenaline junkies love to use the throttle of an eBike and get to those high speeds. But coasting can significantly increase your bike range.

But there’s something about coasting through the countryside and admiring the view that can be equally as fun.

Of course, there’s a time for coasting, and a time for pedaling. Here are some of the times you can coast to conserve battery energy (and your physical pedal strength).

• When you approach a stop
• When you’re on a smooth path
• As you come out of steep decline to the flat
• When the view is worth it!

As you approach a stop ahead, such as an intersection, you should let off the throttle and simply coast to the stop. Riding full throttle right up until you need to brake is just a waste of your bike’s precious battery energy. If you know that you will be coming to a stop, you can save your bike’s power and your pedal energy by coasting for a minute. Sure, this extends the time of your ride slightly, but that can be a good thing. With more battery, you can ride for longer times and distances.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt to slow down in life occasionally. One of the best things about a QuietKat eBike is that it can take you into the great unknown to explore some of the country’s most beautiful and remote parts. If you’re powering through the woods at full speed, you won’t have a moment to take in the view, or metaphorically stop and smell the wildflowers.

There’s a time and place to slow down. Obviously, don’t slow down in a risky place for yourself or other riders, such as on a busy bike path or when riding in traffic. But slowing down, even by just a couple miles per hour, can make a significant difference in the range of your eBike. You would be surprised how slowing down even slightly can decrease the amount of energy you use by trying to maintain a high speed throughout your entire ride.

Ride in the right gear

Riding in the wrong gear can put more strain on your battery than you need to. As you grow more familiar with riding an eBike, you’ll grow accustomed to shifting gears correctly and in a way that can conserve your battery. When you’re riding on the flat, you can adjust your gears and level of power assistance relative to how much energy you want to exert peddling. If you’re out for a long, all-day ride, you can conserve your battery power while riding on the flat and only use it for hills.

Then when it’s time to tackle a steep hill, you can increase your bike’s power. You may need to change both power and gear levels to get the ideal speed and utilize your battery efficiency. As you go downhill, you should decrease the electric assistance level and use eco. Then, shift up to one of your highest mechanical gears.

To conserve battery, you should also shift your mechanical gears to a low and easy setting before you stop. When you stop the eBike in high gear, it makes it more challenging to start pedaling when you next ride, which can require more battery assistance to get you started.

By ensuring you adjust your gears while riding, you can preserve the battery life and extend the range of your electric bike. You should regularly adjust your cadence for more efficiency while riding. Riding all day in really high gear will make it much harder to push pedals, wasting your energy and the bike’s energy!

Riding incorrectly in the wrong gear. such as a high gear on a flat surface. will increase your reliance on using pedal assist, which will drain your battery faster. Check out our blog to learn more about eBike gears and how to use them.

Pump those tires!

Tires can have a big impact on the quality and comfort of your ride. The correct tire pressure can help make your ride more efficient and more comfortable, plus it can help prevent punctures and flat tires.

You should ensure that your eBike tires are kept pumped up to their maximum air pressure rating as much as possible. An eBike pump should be a standard part of your ebike maintenance kit. Certainly, your tires should at least be fully pumped when you set off, and ideally, you can top them up while on long rides as well.

Why does tire pressure matter?

Simply put, full tires have less rolling resistance. That means that your eBike’s battery doesn’t need to use as much energy to get you moving on full tires as it would on flat tires. The impact of tire pressure on performance is a well-known concept for car tires and something that eBike enthusiasts have also noted when riding their eBikes.

Filled tires that are maxed out can add some significant distance to your range. Who wouldn’t take a few minutes to pump their tires if it means getting a few extra miles in range on their next ride?

Choose the right tires

Choosing the right tires will also impact your range. Some terrains and conditions call for specialized tires. So if you’re riding in the snow or sand, for example, you should switch to the appropriate tire. This method puts less pressure on the throttle and battery to get your tires rolling on challenging terrain.

Check out our Vee Studded Tire if you want to get some extra grip on the trail.

Charge your batteries

It should go without saying that the most obvious way to extend your battery range is to diligently fully charge your battery before long journeys. Proper planning to ensure you charge your battery before a big ride will ensure you always get the best experience from your eBike.

Whenever you go out for a day ride, you should get in the habit of charging your bike overnight before you put it away. That way, if you decide to go for a spontaneous ride, you’re all ready to go!

Most eBike batteries, particularly lithium batteries, will get the best range when they are at 100% charge. You may be able to get away with charging an eBike battery once a week if you’re only making short trips on a commuter ebike. While this may conserve electricity, it will decrease your range and efficiency and harm your battery. If an eBike battery sits in a state of being partially discharged for most of its life, it may decrease performance. If you’re concerned with conserving electricity, then a solar panel charger is an eco-friendly alternative.

If your electric bike has been in storage for some time, you should check the batteries before your ride. Even if you store the bike at full charge, the batteries can drain if they haven’t been used for a long time. Think of your bike like a car and restart it every now and then if it’s not being ridden frequently. Regular battery maintenance will extend not only your ride but the lifespan of your eBike and its battery.

Bring a backup!

If you really want to extend your bike’s range, a second battery may be required. You can easily keep a second, smaller charger on your eBike, or you can bring a solar charger for longer trips. It’s not too heavy to bring a second battery, so for multi-day trips, a backup is the best solution to extend your range. Carrying a second eBike power source or charging option is recommended for any eBike camping trips. Overlanding adventures, or when using an ebike for fishing or hunting excursions.

Portable eBike Solar Charging Station

Our portable solar charging stations are an excellent option for anyone who is going on extended trips on their eBike, or who wants to use an eco-friendly power source to charge their battery. With a solar charging station, you can extend your battery from almost anywhere in the world, even if you’re in the depths of the backcountry.

These compact chargers can fit easily in your backpack and connect directly to the bike battery for maximum efficiency. You can set up the solar charging panel while at your campsite, sitting in your deer stand, or when out on the water fishing, or while hanging out at the camp. The charge time of these solar chargers is roughly the same length as charging from a traditional outlet. But you will need to have the panel in direct sunlight.

Spare batteries

Spare batteries can be a lifesaver if you misjudge your available range or want to extend your riding trip. Different QuietKat bikes are compatible with different batteries, so make sure you choose the right battery for your model if you need a spare.

• QuietKat Jeep Battery (14.5AH)
• QuietKat Q7 Battery (11.6AH)
• QuietKat Apex 1500w Battery (52V/17.5AH)
• QuietKat Pathfinder Battery (11.6AH)
• QuietKat Pathfinder Battery (14.5AH)
• QuietKat Pathfinder Battery (17.5AH)
• QuietKat Dorado Battery 10.5AH
• QuietKat Dorado Battery 16AH

Most of these tips can help you increase your range without spending any extra money. Naturally, if you want to take extended trips on your eBike, you may need to purchase a second eBike battery or a solar power charger. But for most day-trippers, a few changes in riding behavior can give you more bang for your buck and more battery to play with!

Conclusion

It’s crucial for all eBike riders to understand how their bike’s range works. Understanding the limitations of your bike’s battery will help prevent any unfortunate flat batteries down the line. By taking the proper conservation measures, you can use your bike’s battery to take longer and more fulfilling rides in the future.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Get to where you need to go faster and easier than on a regular bike. Depending on how you choose to ride, you can travel without significant effort at up to 20mph on some bikes and even up to 28mph on others.
• Climbing hills is a breeze. and we aren’t talking about the breeze from huffing and puffing.
• No sweat. Even though you can ride much faster, you won’t feel like you have to take a shower once you are there.
• Safer. That might seem counter-intuitive, since you can go faster than on a regular bike, but you also get an easier start from stopped positions, allowing you to get through an intersection steadier and quicker. When climbing steep hills with cars nearby you can FOCUS more of your energy on controlling the bike instead of propelling the bike.
• Easier on those joints. Use the electric assist to ease the pressure on your knees and hips.
• Staying together. You may have a riding partner that rides at a different pace than you. An e-bike can even out the pace for both of you.
• Ditch the car. The convenience, the ease and the speed of an electric bike make it an alternative to an automobile more often than a regular bike. A study by Portland State University shows that e-bike owners ride more frequently and farther than when they relied on their traditional bike. This was the case for all age groups.
• It’s FUN. Just try one and you’ll see. Or catch a friend coming back from their first test ride with a big smile on their face.

Do I need a license?

No. As long as the e-bike has a motor size of 750 watts or less (1000 watts in Oregon) and is programmed so that it can’t go more than 20mph without pedaling, there is no need for a license. No electric bike sold by Cynergy E-Bikes requires licensing. FYI – you must be at least 16 years of age to operate an e-bike in public places.

Where can I ride my e-bike?

First and foremost, make sure your bicycle with an electric motor is classified as an e-bike. The definition of an e-bike and rules on where to ride will vary state by state. For federal land the rules vary depending on the branch of government. For the most complete resource, check out PeopleforBikes.org

For Oregon, you can ride an e-bike on:

• Any bike lane on the street.
• Shared use paths that are reserve for bicycles and pedestrians
• For state parks, you can ride on paved trails that allow bicycles, but check with the individual park’s management for their rules for unpaved trails. It varies from park to park.
• Any trail where motor vehicles are permitted, such as unpaved forest service roads.

In Oregon, you must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike on public property. While most states have motor wattage limits of 750 watts, Oregon’s limit is 1000 watts.

• National Parks – opportunities are expanding, but check with the park.
• Bureau of Land Management trails – the trend is to allow e-bikes wherever non-electric bikes are allowed, but we advise you to check with BLM office that manages that trail.
• U.S. Forest Service – opportunities are expanding, but check with the Forest Service.
• Another resource for finding mountain bike trails where e-bikes are allowed is People for Bikes nationwide EMountain Biking Map.

What about theft?

As best as we can determine, e-bikes don’t get stolen with any more frequency than non-electric bikes. That’s most likely because people tend to lock them up better and because a bike thief needs to get a charger and a battery key to make the bike truly saleable.

The best ways to protect your bike from theft are:

• Get a high-quality bike lock. Cable locks are way too easy to cut. High-quality u-bolts and folding locks are better.
• If you are parking your bike in your garage, lock your garage. It’s probably the #1 location we’ve seen bikes get stolen from.
• When in public, lock your bike in a visible location.

Do I need special insurance?

Check with your insurance company. Some insurance companies do not treat e-bikes as bicycles, so you may need to get a rider added to your homeowners/renters insurance for theft protection. You can also check with two bicycle specialty insurers – Velosurance.com and Spokeinsurance.com.

Aren’t electric bikes heavy?

As one of our customers told us, “E-bikes might be heavy to lift, but they are heavenly to ride.”

Electric bikes are typically heavier than regular bikes. But the weight of any bicycle (electrical or non-electrical) is felt the most when climbing hills. The electric assist on an e-bike makes up for the additional weight many times over. Where weight does matter is if you need to lift the bike. That’s one of the many reasons why e-bikes are favored over electric scooters, which often weigh 150 pounds or more.

If you have to climb several flights of stairs to store your bike, we strongly suggest finding a more accessible storage location.

CHARGING, BATTERIES RANGE

Do electric bikes recharge when applying brakes or going down hill – like a hybrid car’s regenerative braking?

It’s rare and the concept doesn’t work very well. A few models of electric bikes include a feature to recharge the battery, usually while you are braking. In those cases the range of the battery can be extended 5-10%, while adding several hundred dollars to the cost. However, due to the design of the motors that provide regeneration, you’ll often find that the bike is harder to pedal if you are using the bike with the power off.

What is the range I can get from a single charge?

The biggest factor contributing to your range is whether you pedal or just use a throttle without pedaling, along with what level of assist you use. Cynergy E-bikes is a strong proponent of the synergy cynergy resulting from combining human pedal power with electric power, so we’ll tell you the expected range when you do both. With relaxed pedaling expect 22-50 miles on a single charge for most e-bikes. In some cases you’ll go even farther. We have bikes that are getting 80 miles on a single charge. Range will also be impacted by the battery capacity, the hills, wind and your size. Many electric bikes pedal easily as regular bikes. So you can extend the range even further by using little or no power on level surfaces and down hill.

How long does it take to charge an e-bike battery?

A lithium ion ebike battery that is fully depleted will take 3.5 to 6 hours to recharge. Batteries that still have a partial charge when you start charging will take less. In addition, the last hour or so of a charge is used to “top-off” the cells, and you don’t have to wait for that process to be completed. So some batteries can be 90% charged in 2.5 hours or less.

How many charges can I get out of a battery?

Most e-bike batteries sold in North America are lithium-ion, which will provide a minimum of 500 full charge cycles at which point the battery will hold about 80% of its original capacity. Some batteries can deliver up to 1200 charge cycles. If you recharge the battery when it is only 50% depleted, that counts as only 1/2 of one charge cycle. If you usually use your e-bike in pedal-assist mode, combining both pedal power and electric power, you can expect to go 10,000-30,000 miles before replacing your battery. That is a lot of miles on a bicycle.

How much electricity does it take to charge a battery?

Depending on the capacity of the battery, it will usually take 500-800 watt hours (0.4. 0.8 kilowatt hours) to charge the battery. Assuming a rate of 0.10/kWh, it will cost you 5-8 cents for a charge that will last you 20-80 miles.

MOTORS, SPEED PERFORMANCE

What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 electric bikes?

This system of classifying electric bikes is being adopted by several states as a means of regulating electric bikes. The classifications are as follows:

• Class 1. is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling (thus no throttle), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
• Class 2. is a bicycle equipped with a throttle that can propel the bike up to a maximum of 20mph with the rider pedaling, and may also have the ability to achieve up to 20mph with the rider assisting, without the use of a throttle.
• Class 3. also known as a “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

For all classes, the maximum power output is 750 watts (1 h.p.).

Several states, including our neighbor to the north, Washington, have adopted regulations that use this class system. Our home state, Oregon, has not yet done so.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this classification system is how some states are treating Class 3 e-bikes. While these bikes are permitted in bike lanes on streets, they can be restricted from shared use paths, such as those in parks and “rails-to-trails” paths that are designed to be shared by cyclists and pedestrians.

Should I buy a bike with a mid-drive motor or hub-motor?

They both have their benefits. Hub motors tend to be a little easier to operate if you are a less experienced cyclist, because they require less shifting of gears. Mid-drives tend to get a little better range for equivalent battery capacity, because you’ll get more efficiency by shifting. While theoretically you get better hill climbing with a mid-drive, you’ll usually find both types will climb just about any hill.

Finally, it’s usually easier to change a rear tire with a mid-drive.

But the real test of determining which type of motor is best for you is to ride both and compare.

What’s the difference between a cadence-sensor and a torque-sensor?

With a torque sensor, the power that is delivered is increased in proportion to the amount of pedal force the rider is applying. So as you pedal harder, the motor automatically delivers more assist. As you reduce pressure, you get a little less assist. It’s essentially amplifying whatever power you are applying to the pedals. You have multiple levels of pedal-assist, with each level representing a higher or lower amplification of your own power. A torque-sensor can feel more like riding a conventional bicycle than a cadence-sensor. It also tends to deliver power smoother.

A cadence-sensor, perhaps more appropriately called a crank-sensor, delivers a uniform amount of assist at each assist level, regardless of the amount of pressure you are applyng. It is activated just by getting the crank turning. Because a cadence-sensor is not reading your pedal pressure, the power delivery is not quite as smooth or “bike-like”. But it’s fairly easy to adapt your use of the controls to smooth out the power delivery. Some people prefer a cadence-sensor because it tends to provide a great sensation of power without applying much pedal pressure.

The best way to know which type of pedal-assist is right for you is to try them both.

How fast can an electric bike go?

If you are pedaling, you can go as fast as you are able to pedal it. However, most bikes stop providing electric assist while pedaling at 20 mph (Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes). Some will provide assist going at speeds up to about 28 mph (=45 kilometers per hour – Class 3 ebikes.)

How important is motor wattage? (also. I’m really big, so don’t I need a 1000-2000 watt motor? or. I want to go fast, so don’t I need a lot of wattage?)

The benefits of a high wattage motor are very overstated. A street legal e-bike in Oregon can go only 28mph, and only 20mph unless you are pedaling (and we recommend pedaling). You’ll be able to get that with even some 250 watt motors.

With a properly designed e-bike and e-bike motor, you’ll find that you get far more power than you need with 500 watts or less. There are many 250 watt motors that deliver as much torque as motors that are 500 watts or higher. The design of the motor and the gearing of the bike are far more important than the wattage of the motor.

Higher wattage correlates with higher power consumption, so using a higher wattage motor means you’ll need a bigger battery to go the same distance. The most expensive part of your e-bike is the battery, thus a larger motor, requires a larger battery which leads to higher cost.

As for hauling a lot of weight, we have several 300lbs customers that do fine at 250-350 watt motors.

Can I ride an e-bike as a regular bike. without the electric power?

Yes. And it is easy to switch back and forth. For example, you might want to use the power only when you are going up hills.

Do I have to pedal?

It depends on the bike. Some electric bikes sold in North America allow you to operate by simply turning the throttle without pedaling. Europeans have stricter rules, requiring that you pedal. which we support. If you think you’ll get by without pedaling, think again. Even for e-bikes that have a throttle, you’ll need to pedal when going up long, steep hills, although you won’t have to pedal hard. Pedaling is more fun, extends the range of your battery, extends the life of your motor, and extends your own life too.

SERVICE

Is servicing an e-bike any different than a regular bike?

Look at an e-bike as being comprised of two groups of parts – mechanical and electric.

• Mechanical parts are the same parts that you’ll see on non-electric bikes. Servicing mechanical parts can be performed at any bike shop. You might find that your bike parts might wear a little faster than on a non-electric bike – especially brake pads, chains, cogs and tires. But that’s because most people put many more miles on their e-bike. There is some basic maintenance that you can do on your own, like keeping your tires properly inflated and lubricating your chain. For some basic bike maintenance tips, check out our recommended maintenance videos.
• The electrical parts don’t require any maintenance. If you do run into a problem with an electrical part, you’ll want to go to a shop that has some expertise in servicing e-bikes. While not really a maintenance task, you do want to make sure that the battery keeps some charge in it. If you don’t, it might discharge to a point so low that you can’t charge it anymore, thus killing your battery – an expensive mistake to make.

Cynergy E-Bikes has a complete service department for both mechanical work and electrical work, with expertise servicing electrical parts for from many different e-bike brands.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER

How much will I reduce my carbon footprint if I use an ebike instead of a car?

Our favorite question! In Oregon, which depends on hydropower and wind more than coal and gas, it takes the carbon footprint of over 60 e-bikes to equal the carbon footprint of one single occupancy, gasoline-powered car. In states that depend more on coal, it might be around 20-30 e-bikes compared to one car. No matter how you calculate it, even though an ebike uses electricity that might come from fossil fuels, the amount of CO2 emitted compared to a car is miniscule.

What about leaving my electric bicycle out in the rain?

The motor and battery are sufficiently sealed to be protected from the rain. However, we do suggest that if you are carrying your bike on the back of a car and rain is in the forecast, that you place the battery inside the car. Driving 70mph in a downpour with the battery exposed is like pressure-washing your battery. That’s a lot different than riding your bike in the rain.

Measure the battery radius for your e-bike

Here is a guide on all things battery-related, plus check out our awesome battery radius calculator tool!

How much capacity do I need?

In general, the bigger the battery the better! With current technology, 400 to 500 Watt-hour (Wh) capacity batteries tend to be the most common as they provide a good balance between range, longevity and weight, which are three key factors that should be thought about.

Do you want to travel long distances on your e-bike, or will you be using the motor assistance often. for example on hills or windy rides? Then a larger battery could definitely be a good option, especially if you don’t want the hassle of constantly charging their battery. If you are just looking to ride for less shorter distances without much motor support then a capacity of 200-400Wh would be more fitting for you.

2) Longevity

Bigger batteries not only last longer per charge, but are also more durable! This is because most batteries run over a certain number of charging cycles before their performance decreases. Therefore, if you have to charge your battery less then it will degrade at a slower rate. Replacing a battery can also be expensive, so you might have to pay more often to replace smaller batteries that don’t last as long as larger ones.

3) Weight (on your bike and your wallet)

Having said this, the main drawbacks of larger batteries are that they can be more expensive to purchase in the first place and usually weigh more as they contain more storage cells. Therefore, if you might have to carry your bicycle or if you are on a tighter budget then a smaller battery could be more suitable for you.

So how much capacity do I actually need?

So, after assessing these factors, do you need a bigger or a smaller battery? For those looking to get a larger battery, then a capacity of 500Wh or more would be appropriate. Need even more charge? It can be possible to have a dual battery system where you have two batteries on your bike which allows for double the capacity! If you just need a little boost, then a battery with a capacity between 200 to 400 Wh would make more sense.

How quickly does a battery recharge?

In general, a lithium-ion battery (the standard type of battery used in e-bikes today) can take anywhere between 4 and 6 hours to fully charge from being empty. However, it usually takes 1.5-3 hours to reach approximately 80% charged. The majority of charging time is actually spent charging the last 10-20% of the battery capacity. This is known as the top off period where all the battery cells are at a usable capacity but they aren’t fully charged. so the charger replenishes them simultaneously but at a slower rate.

How can I optimise the recharge rate?

There are ways to maximise the charging efficiency. Though warmer conditions can improve charge times of batteries, if the temperature gets too hot then the fluid inside the battery which causes the chemical reactions to create electricity will start to evaporate and battery capacity decreases. Conversely, charging in cold conditions (especially below 0 degrees Celsius) can cause irreversible damage to the battery due to the internal components going through chemical reactions that slow down or even prevent the battery from functioning. Therefore, c harging the battery between 10 to 30 degrees Celsius is considered the perfect range as it not only optimises the recharge rate but also avoids damage to the battery.

Another way to charge efficiently is dependent on the amperes. Using a charger with more amps will decrease the time to fully recharge a battery. For example if a 2-amp charger takes 6 hours to fully charge a battery, then a 4-amp charger will charge a battery approximately twice as fast so it would take only 3 hours! However, too many amps could negatively impact the battery so it is always best to see what the manufacturer recommends or supplies with the bike!

How long does a battery last on average?

As a guide, an e-bike battery could provide assistance in excess of 140km but the average is between 40-80km on a single charge, while lasting 2 to 5 years (or 500 to 1,000 charge cycles) before the battery capacity can be worn down to 60% of its capacity compared to when it was new. The range on a single charge is mainly based on battery capacity and the use of the electric assistance, while the lifetime of the battery depends on the quality of care and maintenance of the battery.

Getting the most out of a single charge

To maximise the range on a single charge, a battery with a larger capacity will definitely help! However, using the assistance efficiently. such as using the boost up hills or to accelerate up to speed. will decrease the battery consumption. E-bikes more frequently have an ‘eco’ mode where less boost provided is but the range is higher, which could overall be quicker for you to get from A to B. think about the tortoise and the hare! Tyre choice and riding surface is also important in reducing battery consumption: riding with narrow and smooth tyres on smooth roads has a much lower rolling resistance compared to wider, knobbly tyres riding off-road (in other words, it is easier to pedal with the first option).

Maximising the lifespan of your battery

To ensure your battery lasts for many years, avoid storing batteries in extreme temperatures, be mindful of potential water damage from rain and avoid knocking the battery or too many vibrations (such as if the battery is left on the bike while it is being transported by car) so the internal components are kept in good condition. Some m anufacturers also give guarantees dependent on the number of charge cycles carried out, which can give an indication on how long they expect their batteries to last.

When should you charge your e-bike battery?

If you charge the battery when it is at 20-30% charge until the battery is full, then this will optimise the lifespan of the battery. Other charging habits, such as letting the battery run completely flat or charging it when it has only lost a small amount of charge, can reduce how long the battery will last.

Are second-hand e-bike batteries reliable?

As with everything that you buy second-hand, it is important to check batteries for wear and tear that may influence their performance. The issue with batteries is that externally it could look very well maintained and in pristine condition, yet internally the capacity could have deteriorated due to excessive use. Therefore, three key factors when considering reliability are the current capacity of the battery and the ease of replacing the battery in the future, plus the brand of the battery.

Checking the capacity of a used battery

This can be difficult to get a precise answer for without running detailed battery tests using specific tools. We go into more detail on this below. Some battery manufacturers, such as Bosch, have certified dealers which can accurately diagnose the state of the battery for you. Instead, you could check the e-bike’s cycle computer when the battery is fully charged to get an indication of the state of the battery. how many kilometres are on the odometer and what is the estimate of the range? Additionally, you could ask for an estimate of how often the previous owner would charge the battery and the age of the bike. Then, cross-reference this to the manufacturer’s stated guarantee of the battery to give an idea of the condition of the battery.

Replacing a second-hand battery

Though e-bike batteries can be reliable, researching how much a replacement battery costs and its availability is also a sensible idea when deciding to buy an e-bike with a second-hand battery. Some manufacturers like Shimano offer a 2-year warranty on their e-bike systems so this could be another factor to take into account when purchasing an e-bike. Batteries that are built in to the bike may have to be sent back to the manufacturer for them to replace for you, so it is important to check the viability of this process otherwise your e-bike could just become a regular bike!

Dependable battery brands

Brands are also important when looking at second-hand e-bike batteries. The e-bike market is still emerging as demand for these bikes rise; for example in Europe alone sales have increased by 500% between 2009 and 2018. Consequently, there has been much investment and innovation into battery technology, and now companies like Bosch, Shimano and eBikeMotion are accepted to be the most dependable battery manufacturers, so it could be wise to keep an eye out for these manufacturers when looking at second-hand batteries. However, many brands also opt to design their own batteries in-house, which can be just as reliable as the big names! Unbranded or worn looking batteries could be more unreliable or in the worst cases they can be outright dangerous, so it is important to have as much information about the battery as possible when buying a second-hand e-bike.

How do you measure battery capacity?

Battery capacity is measured in Wh and in order to measure this you will need to know the amperes (A) and voltage (V) of the battery. You can get accurate measurements of these readings with a multimeter. It works by connecting the black clip to the negative pole of the (fully charged) battery and the red clip to the positive pole of the battery (they should be marked with a ‘-‘ and a ” respectively) and then simply registering the readings of the A and V on the multimeter.

Once you have found out the A and V, you can use this basic formula to find out the capacity of your battery (and also take you back to physics class at school!):

Can I measure capacity another way?

Don’t have a multimeter? You could take the battery to an e-bike specialist dealer or an electronics specialist to see if they can run this test for you! Or, for a rough estimate of current capacity you could see how far the e-bike will go on a full charge using the most boost on a flat road and then comparing this distance to what the manufacturer originally specified as the range. For example, if the manufacturer originally said their e-bike can go 40km on one charge of a 400Wh battery, but when you try this test you only go 30km. Then you can see that the range has decreased by 25% since it was new and therefore the battery capacity will have also decreased by roughly 25%, meaning that now the battery would have around a 300Wh capacity.

How can I measure the radius of an e-bike battery?

We have made a handy tool that can give you a good estimate of what your range would be depending on characteristics about you, your bike and your e-bike habits!

There are many variables that influence the battery radius and so the more you can work out the more accurate the calculation will be! You can find this tool here.