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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I got my new ORA’s two weeks ago delivered to my house. Assembly was fun and easy, all according to the guide with no trouble at all. i’ve been driving them none stop since and i can’t tell you enough what a head spinner those bikes are. Everybody are approaching me to ask where did i get those stunning bikes The ride is super smooth ILOVEMYORA.
Rated 4 out of 5
Abraham_z –
Absolutely great bike. Get it now!
Rated 5 out of 5
Noel Barrios –
Nice bike for the price – arrived fast (2 days) with easy assembly. I’ve put 125 miles on the bike and typically ride about 15 miles on flat terrain at 20mph. I’ve taken it for a 30 mile ride without any problems. Charging the battery for 2.5 hours, the battery always still has power at the end of the ride. I’d recommend this product!
Okay, this bike is crazy good. Worth every cent! If you like mountain bike riding, then this is your bike.
Rated 5 out of 5
Katherine Branch –
So, far my husband and I are both pleased with our Tripster. We’re both learning the in’s and out’s of riding an e-bike. This year, we’re looking forward to a lot of rides. Thank you for a fantastic product.
Rated 5 out of 5
Bryan Amin –
The bike is really fast, has great handling, looks nice, can handle tough terrain and love that it folds up so it’s easy storage
Rated 4 out of 5
Joe Bradbury –
I use this bike a lot for off roading. Mountain trails, gravel trails, jumping off rocks etc. The bike isn’t too bad and can handle itself for an electrical bike.
Rated 5 out of 5
Kayden Keller –
I brought it cause I thought it looked cool but I didn’t think other people would think the same cause the amount of compliments I get is incredible. I always tell them where to get it and give them more info about the bike.
The bike is totally weatherproof – you can ride it in the rain, snow, etc. It definitely makes for a very fast ride that’s effortless if you don’t want to sweat on your commute or taking it over mountain terrain. The bike is on the heavier side mostly because you can carry up to 300 lb or ride with two people. I charge it once or twice a week without any trouble.
Rated 5 out of 5
Dan Delora –
So far great solid ride! It’s definitely tough and rugged for pretty much any type of terrain due to the thick tires and 750W engine. I use it to commute to work over a bridge that I can practically fly over.
Rated 5 out of 5
Russel Myers –
Amazingly done Ridel. Handsome looking bike, the old-fashioned is to die for, the power on the bike is electrifying, the build of the bike is brawny. The Snugger is quite an extraordinary ebike. One of the most splendid ride to go on and has such a profound charm to it where it fascinates the viewers.
Rated 5 out of 5
Maggie Sialer –
Ugh such a great bike. Me and my dog love going on rides. Well she runs or walks while I ride but she loves to chase me on it.
Rated 5 out of 5
Ernesto Gonzalez –
Me gusta mucho la moto. Compré uno para mí y pensé que era increíble, luego compré dos más para enviar a México.
Rated 3 out of 5
Billie Harris –
So, I brought the 500 watts model. great bike, doesn’t have too much power or range. Totally my fault should have gotten the 750 watts model.
I’ve been using this electric bike to commute for the past month. This bike is good for easy riding in cities – adjustable height for the seat/handlebars to ride in a comfortable position for a long period of time. It’s quite lightweight so can be picked up easily + good battery capacity. Highly recommend buying.
Rated 5 out of 5
Sam Ulmer –
I’m a longtime rider and wanted a little assist, and found it with the EKO. I wasn’t expecting much given the price point vs other e-bikes, but I have been pleasantly surprised — the bike has high-quality components, is very fast, reliable, fun, and safe. Also super lightweight. In general, I’d say this is a great bike for city riders who are looking for a reliable way to commute with some power.
I bought this bike for my girlfriend and she absolutely loves it. It’s a super smooth ride and still quite feminine while having all the power of an electric bike. It’s the perfect bike for riding around the neighborhood or to the store…it has a rack on the back to store a bag or backpack if you are riding for a short day trip. Assembly was easy with the instructions RIDEL provides with shipment. Thank you!
Rated 5 out of 5
Elena –
The bike arrived on time and the assembly was easy and straightforward. I live near to the beach and I couldn’t be happier with this purchase! This was my first time using a pedal-assist bike and I feel comfortable / in control riding up to 20mph. I’d recommend this bike for riders in urban settings/ bike paths as its good quality for the price.
Rated 5 out of 5
Rody –
Cruzer is absolutely the perfect model for living in the city. I completely stopped relying on public transport since the purchase of my Cruzer bike. 5 stars and a thumb up!
1 review for ORA
Julles Magnetic –
I got my new ORA’s two weeks ago delivered to my house. Assembly was fun and easy, all according to the guide with no trouble at all. i’ve been driving them none stop since and i can’t tell you enough what a head spinner those bikes are. Everybody are approaching me to ask where did i get those stunning bikes The ride is super smooth
ILOVEMYORA.
Abraham_z –
Absolutely great bike. Get it now!
Noel Barrios –
Nice bike for the price – arrived fast (2 days) with easy assembly. I’ve put 125 miles on the bike and typically ride about 15 miles on flat terrain at 20mph. I’ve taken it for a 30 mile ride without any problems. Charging the battery for 2.5 hours, the battery always still has power at the end of the ride. I’d recommend this product!