The short answer is 2.5 – 3 hours at full throttle without stopping, but that answer is a generalization and only part of the story.
Many factors are involved when answering the question: How many hours does an electric bike battery last? At Electrified E-bikes, we believe educating our customers is the key to finding the right bike. To purchase the best e-bike for your needs, understanding battery capacity is where it all begins.
Battery Types
Most e-bikes run on Lithium-Ion batteries—the same ones used in laptops and cars. This type is the most popular because it has good capacity, is not too heavy, has good longevity and range, and can be molded into different shapes.
Lithium-iron phosphate batteries have yet to be mainstream, but they are showing much promise. They have a longer lifespan, better charge efficiency, and hold up well across different temperatures and weather conditions. The drawback is the price. Being new to the market means they are hard to come by, which increases the cost.
Understanding Battery Capacity
How many hours does an electric bike battery last based on watt hours? The formula is Volts X amp hours = watt-hours. Good batteries can do 1 mile every 20-watt hours. Figuring watt hours will determine the proper range of your e-bike.
As an example: A 36volt battery X 10 Amp hours = 360 watts
360 watts divided by 20 watt-hours = 18 miles on one battery charge
At electrified e-bikes, our Velotric models offer a range of 55 – 65 miles depending on the model, on a single charge, 50% longer than similar e-bikes on the market.
Our Samsung 48V, 14.4Ah lithium-ion battery reaches 100% charge in just 6 hours—one of the highest standards in the industry. Our Jupiter models offer the same range and charging time.
How many hours does an electric bike battery last based on other factors?
Published manufacturer ranges can be confusing. To find the actual capacity of a battery and how far you can go on one charge, you must consider other factors like speed, rider weight, terrain, wind conditions, and tire choice, which all impact this number.
E-bikes with hand throttles will drain a battery quicker versus pedal assist. Here are a few examples: Most 500-700-watt e-bikes with a throttle, ridden at an average speed of 20 mph on slightly hilly terrain, will be good for 19 miles.
An e-bike with pedal assist is more efficient. Ridden at 15-18 mph with a medium pedal assist level, you can expect to travel 32 miles on a single charge.
Rider weight and terrain also decrease or increase mileage. The pedal assist level will increase distance based on a hard workout or mildly increase distance with moderate pedaling.
Extending the Life of Your Battery
Our maintenance department at Electrified E-bikes offers the following tips to extend the life of your battery.
- Test your battery charge level to ensure it is properly charging.
- Clean your battery connectors once a month or more if you cycle a lot to keep them free of dust and grime.
- Don’t overcharge your battery; keeping it 100% isn’t optimum. 30-70% complete is ideal. Also, don’t let it go to zero before charging. This creates extra stress.
- Store at room temperature; 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit is best for the most extended lifespan.
- If you ride your bike, charge it regularly so you don’t run out of charge. *Tip: Most e-bike owners don’t know that if you only ride during the warmer months of the year, you still need to keep your battery charged. Typically, every 2-3 months and fully once per month, but not more.
At Electrified, our knowledgeable team is here to help you find the perfect e-bike.
