What Is The Capacity Of Battery Used In Electric Bikes?

One of the very first questions new e-bike owners usually ask is, “How far can I travel before I need to recharge my battery?” While calculating battery capacity can give you a rough idea of the distance you can cover on a single charge, it’s not the sole determinant of how long your e-bike can keep going. Although having a high-quality battery is crucial for an excellent riding experience, the way you utilize your battery is just as significant as its size.

In essence, a larger battery doesn't always mean it's better.

If you're finding it challenging to understand all the battery-related jargon, don't worry—we’ve got you covered. Below, you'll find a straightforward explanation of how battery capacity is measured and what that means in practical terms.

What Types of Batteries Are Used in E-Bikes?

Over time, the technology behind e-bike batteries has improved significantly. These advancements have made e-bikes more efficient and sustainable, offering a greener alternative to traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Most e-bikes, including those at Story Bikes, rely on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These have mostly replaced older options like lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride batteries due to their versatility, durability, and compatibility with high-capacity, low-power devices like electric bikes. Additionally, they can be easily integrated into various spaces, including within the frame of your e-bike.

Story Bikes come equipped with 36V 7Ah Samsung lithium-ion batteries. They also include charging units and AC adapters that connect directly to the bike. Charging your bike fully from empty takes just about three hours.

Breaking Down the Terminology

Now that you know the type of batteries we use, you might be curious about what abbreviations like V and Ah mean and how they relate to battery capacity.

Battery power boils down to volts, amps, and watts. Think of electricity as water flowing through a pipe: amps represent the volume of water, while voltage signifies the water pressure. Combining the volume of water with its pressure gives you an estimate of the water’s potential power—or, in this case, watts.

Here's a quick rundown:

V (Volts)

Volts measure the basic electric power. Generally, a higher voltage indicates a stronger battery, but several other factors influence performance (more details below).

AH (Amp Hours)

Consider your amp hours similar to a car's gas tank—they measure how much energy a battery can theoretically store.

Watt Hours (Wh)

Watt hours (Wh) help estimate how long a battery will last. To calculate watt hours, multiply the voltage by the amp hours. For instance, with Story Bikes' batteries, you'd multiply 36 by 7 to get 252 Wh.

These figures provide only a general sense of a battery’s power. Other elements significantly affect how far your bike can travel on a single charge, such as the bike's design and your riding habits.

Other Factors That Influence Battery Capacity

Your riding style plays a big role in determining your battery's capacity. Riding uphill will deplete your battery faster than cruising on flat terrain. Similarly, the level of pedal-assist system (PAS) affects battery usage. A steady pace at a lower PAS setting consumes less battery than sprinting at maximum power with the highest PAS setting.

However, a significant portion of battery capacity depends on the e-bike's PAS technology and components. The difference between torque-sensing and cadence-sensing PAS systems has a huge impact on battery life.

Cadence-sensing PAS relies on magnets and sensors to determine the level of assistance. It only turns on when you pedal and adjusts based solely on the selected assist level. This method is less responsive and efficient.

Torque-sensing PAS, on the other hand, determines motor assistance by detecting the pressure applied to the pedals. More pressure equals more assistance, making for a more responsive ride. It also conserves power by avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure when slowing down or descending. An e-bike with torque-sensing PAS can achieve greater distances, even on hilly terrain, with a smaller battery. This technology is newer and more efficient.

We use torque-sensing PAS on our e-bikes, providing a smoother, more responsive, and enjoyable ride. With torque-sensing PAS, you'll enjoy a longer range compared to using cadence-sensing PAS. A Story Bike can cover up to 45 miles depending on the PAS level used.

Conclusion

Battery capacity is complex and involves more than just crunching numbers. While metrics like voltage and amp hours give you a rough idea of a battery's power, the bike's overall build plays a critical role.

How you use your battery is just as important as its size. With a quality bike, a mid-sized battery can last a long time between charges.

If you're considering an e-bike, you can start your search at Story Bikes. We offer affordable step-through, road, and commuter bikes. For each bike we sell, we donate one to a student in Zimbabwe.

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