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What Size Battery Is Best For Electric Bikes?

What Size Battery Is Best For Electric Bikes?

What is an e-bike?

As soon as you hear the word ‘electric bicycle’, you might imagine it to be something similar to a scooter or a motorbike. But, it’s simply an ordinary bicycle connected with several electrical components, which makes it an e-bike. These components give a slight push to the bike, enabling you to ride it smoothly. Nothing could even come close to that thrilling feeling of riding an e-bike! I’m pretty sure you would feel like superman flying over the clouds! Who wouldn’t like to feel this way?

What’s the demand for e-bikes?

The demand for e-bikes has grown, with the global electric bike market valued at USD 49.7 billion in 2022 and expected to reach USD 80.6 billion in 2027. The reasoning behind this increasing demand would undoubtedly be the rocketing fuel prices, environmental damage such as global warming caused by the emission of greenhouse gases via vehicles, and the health issues many people currently face. With the use of e-bikes, you would surely be able to keep yourself fit and healthy, plus contribute to saving this world by pedaling.

So how do e-bikes work?

As said before, an e-bike is a bicycle that has several electrical components. They work together to allow the bike to operate. The main features are an electric motor, the battery, the sensor, and the electric display. Further, all electric bikes have a pedal assist. Here, the engine will only activate if the pedals are in motion. With this, the rider could ride the bike easily with the extra boost given by the motor. Plus, they could still get a workout by pedaling.

Deep down to the three major components

A quick reminder; the three major components needed are the electric motor, the battery, and the sensor.

Motor – The Booster

The primary role of the motor is to give torque when the rider pedals. Here’s how it works. If you’ve got an advanced engine, which means that it has more power, the more torque, it will be able to provide you with. And consequently, when you have more torque, you can get more ability out of the bike. The motor will also be automatically switched on when you pedal.

Mainly, there are two different types of motors; motors in the crank and engines in the rear hub. Regardless of their differences, they both have their positives and negatives.

Sensor – The most important

This is a tremendously important component of an electric bike. The reasoning is that many e-bikes rely on their sensors to determine when their motor power is necessary to assist in cycling and boost the pedaling force.

The two significant types of e-bike sensors are cadence sensors which measure the pedaling rate, and torque sensor, which measures how hard the rider is pedaling.

 

Battery – The charging component

The battery in an electric bike is the component that gives it the name electric. And this concept of an e-bike revolves around a storm. This is another one of the most critical components of an electric bike, plus the most expensive! The battery of an electric bike could be located anywhere in the cycle, depending on its frame type and size. Different batteries of different batteries make, styles, and models mean that they need to be charged for a different number of hours. It is dependent. On average, the charging time of an e-bike battery could be around 5 to 6 hours.

More about the Battery

As the battery of an electric bike is one of its most essential components, you should be concerned when choosing the correct battery. Let’s get deeper down into this topic.

So how do you choose the correct battery?

As said, the concept of these e-bikes depends on the battery that they are using. So, it is indeed really significant to choose the correct battery. But unfortunately, this has become so challenging with the rapidly evolving technologies. There are some major essential factors to be considered when it comes to choosing the correct battery. In this case, you should consider the range and speed required for your e-bike. Here are the most critical factors to be considered.

The first factor to consider when choosing the correct battery, of course, would be its cost. Because no matter how good it is, if you can’t buy it, right? But, remember, the charge of the battery could also define its quality. Next is its specific energy density, which tells the amount of energy per kg unit of the storm. For example, if your bike is lightweight, you should look for a battery with a high specific energy density. Volume energy density should also be taken into consideration.

The life cycle of the battery, when it will discharge from 100% to 0%, should be checked too. Usually, Lithium-ion batteries have around 2000 life cycles. The battery’s capacity, which shows the storm’s energy rating, is also essential. Higher the degree, the higher the distance that can be traveled in one charge. The charging rate is the current amount needed to charge the battery for an hour. When the amount of current is increased, it means fast charging but can reduce the battery’s life. Finally, the battery management system, the lab certification, casing, and other standards need to be checked to ensure the battery’s safety and disposability. So, these factors would reflect the difficulty of choosing the correct battery.

The types of batteries that could be used in e-bikes

So, a vast kind of battery could be used in e-bikes. Below are some of them.

Lithium-ion

Nickel-cadmium

Lithium cobalt

Lead-acid

Nickel-Metal-Hydride

Lithium manganese

Lithium-ion polymer

Of these batteries, many agree that Lithium-ion batteries would be a great option for electric bikes. And also, although lead acid batteries are cheaper, they are about three times heavy as lithium-ion batteries.

How is the battery size related to its function?

Generally, the bigger the battery, the more capacity it has. This means that the bigger the storm, the more power it has. But still, larger batteries won’t suit many e-bikes as they do not have ample space.

 

So, what’s the best at the end?

This is undoubtedly a complicated question to answer. When choosing the correct battery, there are hundreds of factors to consider. And, sometimes, even if a particular battery is good enough for me, it might not be good enough for you. And even if you consider all those factors and choose the best, it still needs good care to function properly.

Battery packs are made of individual battery cells. And these cells could be cylindrical cells or prismatic cells. Plus, these batteries are manufactured in various form factors (the size). Commonly, the form factor used in the storms of electric bikes is 18650.

 

Is it unsafe to store an electric bike with a lithium battery in an apartment?

An electric bike is a motorized bike. The First E-bike was invented by Hosea W. Libbey of Boston in 1897. It has the same features as regular bikes like two wheels, a seat, pedals, handles, and body geometry. But the only difference is it has an additional electrical drive system. There are many categories of E-bikes, such as a mountain, cargo, city, cruiser, and commuter. The main three types of electric bikes can be found. One type is pedal assist – which you must pedal to use the motor. Type two is throttle only – an e-bike equipped with an engine controlled by the throttle, and the third one is pedal assist 28mph. Nowadays, lithium-ion batteries are the batteries used in electric bikes. Because they produce about 90% more power output than other types of batteries compared to their weight.

 

What are these Li batteries?

Lithium batteries are also known as lithium metal batteries. They are primary batteries that anode made up of metallic lithium. Manganese is commonly used as a cathode with a lithium salt dissolved in an organic electrolyte solvent. These batteries are generally used for portable electric devices. These batteries are typically stored at 4 – 21 Celsius (39.2 – 69.8 Fahrenheit) temperature. When the temperature goes up or down, this range could potentially damage the battery capacity. This type of battery is usually used for E-bikes. 

Are lithium batteries safe?

These lithium-ion batteries are highly combustible, that can cause home fires as a result of careless treatment. But those causes can be prevented by undergoing safety procedures. Keeping the battery at a constant temperature when it is not used is recommended. Never leave the bike with the battery at the hot places.

Are there any alternatives for lithium-ion batteries?

There are some cheaper alternatives to lithium-ion batteries that can use for e-bikes. Still, they may not be designed or capable of performing a particular function as much as Li-ion batteries. You can use Lead-acid batteries as an alternative. 

Is it okay to leave my bike under the sunlight?

During hot periods such as summer, you must keep your bike away from direct sunlight because UV radiation can degrade the structural integrity of the battery. Also, color fading and overheating of electrical components may happen when the bike is exposed to direct sunlight for too long. By the way, you can occasionally leave the bike under sunlight. 

 

How do you protect your bike and its battery? 

  1. Do not overcharge or completely charge your battery. 
  2. Use the provided charger.
  3. Charge the battery at safe places such as places without hot flames.
  4. Do not regularly fully discharge the battery.
  5. If you store the battery for the long term battery must be recharged periodically.
  6. Keep your battery clean and dry.
  7. Keep the bike in a dry environment.
  8. Store your bike at the ideal temperature.
  9. Keep the battery always cool.
  10. Do not open the battery of your motorcycle.
  11. Never leave the charger when connected permanently.
  12. Use quality tires.
  13. Try to ride on smooth roads.
  14. Leave your bike in safe places. 
  15. Use a bike rack to store your bike.

How can you store bikes?

If you store your electric bike in the garage, it should store in a dry and cool place but not in a freezable environment. It is preferred to keep the cycle at a woody surface. 

How long can I store an E-bike battery?

 

When the charging state of your battery becomes 0%, the battery’s voltage continues to drop, and the battery has become deep discharge state; you can store your battery for around 10.7 months, but after that period, you can’t recover your battery. During the winter, you should keep your e-bike inside the place with a constant temperature between 00C – 200C (32 -68 Fahrenheit) because a freezing environment can lessen battery lifespan. 

Can I store my E-bike upward? 

You can store the bike upright but keep it simply side in the front tire. Also, it can hang safely on the wall or from the ceiling. If there are no such spaces in the garage, you can store your bike vertically as well but make sure to keep it vertically for a short period of time. If you keep the bike outside, it’s better to get the battery inside.

How do I store my Bosch E-bike battery?

The best temperature to store the Bosch batteries is between -10 to 60 degrees centigrade (14 – 140 Fahrenheit). But make sure to keep constant temperature. 

Store the e-bike in cool and dry where the low humidity and not frequently changes of temperature like a garage, an outdoor shed or depending on where you live. When storing the bike, make sure to keep the partial charge battery separately.

How long can I use the battery?

New batteries of E-bikes can use around two to five years, but it depends on the brand of the storm, the type of the battery, and battery charging frequency. If you use the right mode at the right moment, ride and pedal smoothly, use proper tires, reduce weight, and store and use the battery in the right conditions, you can make the battery of the E-bike last longer.

How often can I charge an E-bike battery?

The recommended way to charge the battery is after every ride. But do not charge the battery when the temperature is below 00C. It can be charged when the bike is on or off, but the battery should switch off. The battery should not be covered while charging. The place where you charge the battery should be away from the flammable materials, heating surfaces, and dry surfaces with less humidity.

How can I recognize my battery is dead?

 

If the LED display of the bike turns off and when the electric gears are not working, you’ll understand your battery is dead. When the battery is slow electric brake light and headlight won’t turn on due to no power supply. Also, the throttle will not provide power anymore.

How can I check my E-bike battery?

You can check the battery with a good multimeter. Before connecting the multimeter with the battery, you need to charge the battery fully (around 6 to 8 hours). You can check the voltage, current, or resistance by this. Connect the multimeter into the connector of the battery without applying excess pressure.

How do I store E-bike in an apartment?

The best way to store your E-bike indoor. The place you store the bike must be cool and have less humidity. You can store the bike close to your clothes, like the laundry room. It is better if you keep the battery and bike separately. But it is necessary to store the battery were not too much cooler, too much hot, or where the temperature changes constantly. Ideal temperature range is 00C – 200 C (32F – 68F). Keep the battery partially charged when it is not used. Make sure to recharge the battery every few months. Therefore it is not unsafe to store E-bike in an apartment when you follow the safety storage conditions.

Can I store my E-bike outside for a longer period?

You shouldn’t leave the e-bike in the basement for a long time because moisture, rain, and humidity can harm the bike’s battery. Also, other parts of the bike may affect by rain, sunlight, and moisture. An electric bike should not expose to the elements. If you live in a small apartment and have no other options to store the bike, you need to cover the bike frame, keep the battery inside, and lock the bike perfectly.

Are there any advantages or disadvantages to E-bikes?

The main advantage of E-bike is easy to ride rather than regular bikes due to having a motor. You can ride faster than traditional bikes. E-bikes are a better alternative to cars. Riding an E-bike improves your physical health (cardiovascular health) and mental health. Also, traveling through E-bikes is more eco-friendly than traveling through vehicles. It has disadvantages too. They are expensive, the lifespan of the battery is short, the charging time of the battery is long, they are heavier than regular bikes, you have to spend much money to maintain and repair it, manufacturing of E-bikes is not eco friendly.

 

Are there any electric bikes with removable batteries??

Do you need a comfortable mode of transport that does not require so much hassle for maintenance? Then the best choice you have is an electric bike. Electric bikes are a great new technological invention that can make your life easier. You can ride faster with your electric bike while enjoying your journey more. 

Electric motorbikes are plug-in vehicles with two wheels. The electricity is loaded on board in a rechargeable battery that drives more electrical contraptions. The electric bicycle is powered by electricity instead of petrol, so this bicycle does not contain an engine. Like any other vehicle, there are also different sizes and shapes in electric bikes. And just like any other vehicle, you should have a driving license, as well as suitable training and protective riding attire.

The history of the electric vehicle goes back to the 19th century. The idea of connecting a motor to an electric bike is relatively new. The concept of the electrical motor bicycle was first patented in France by three different people.  

The technology of the world is fast growing and improving day by day. Even though technology has improved our lives, most new inventions are not eco-friendly. But the world of vehicles is now moving towards an environmentally friendly situation. This eco-friendly electric and power-assisted electric bike is the massive adoption of environmentally friendly transportation.

The world’s fuel resources are also running low, so moving into the electric vehicle world is a better idea.

 

What do you know about the batteries of electric bikes?? Do you know what kind of batteries is most suitable for your electric bike??? Do you know how to maintain the battery of your electric bike? What to do when the battery is dead?? Is it true that there are electric bikes with removable batteries?? How to choose the correct battery for your electric bike? Can you ride your e-bike even without the battery? Don’t worry, keep reading. At the end of this article, you will know the answers to all those questions and much more.

 

Battery-powered motorbikes and their benefits

Let’s first talk about what are battery-powered motorbikes and their benefits. 

They are easier to ride as well as faster and more comfortable. Most importantly, electric bikes are great alternatives to cars. In busy towns, there are lanes and sidewalks for bikes. You can ride on them without blocking the traffic. You have alternative paths to travel, so your commute will be quicker than a car stuck in traffic.

Electric motorcycles are vehicles with Instant torque and power. Electric motorcycles have incredible power. Because of that, they are speedy. With that instant torque, you get faster acceleration than a fuel-powered bike.

Electric bikes need less maintenance. Fuel motorbikes have many moving parts, while electric bikes have fewer. An electric bike does not have spark plugs, oil, air filters, or timing belts, while some do not even have a gearbox or clutch. So cleaning your electric bike is more effortless. You don’t have to worry about hassles like oiling and cleaning chains. You’ll only need to check out tires, brake pads, and hydraulic fluid regularly.

Electric bikes are considerably quieter than fuel-powered bikes. Fuel-powered motorbikes are so loud. Some electric bikes have artificial noises. So if you wish to be with the machine roar that your old fuel-powered bike had, you can choose an electric bike with artificial noise. The quiet nature of electric bikes is more gentle on the ears so that you won’t need ear protection. 

 

Because electric bikes have fewer parts than regular fuel-powered bikes, they are lightweight. So anyone can easily control these electric bikes

Even though an electric bike may initially cost more than a fuel-powered one, you can make tremendous savings with your electric bike in the long run. A full charge to your motorcycle will not cost much. The petrol or diesel bills cost more. The maintenance cost of electric motorbikes is also less. They have just one moving part. You will not cost much money on repairs and services. Yes, you may be paying more money initially, but you can quickly recover that money and go to incredible savings.

Some people think it takes less effort to ride an electric bike, so they don’t give you much exercise. But researchers have found out people who ride electric bikes also get a good workout without feeling exhausted. Even if it has a pedal assist, riders still have to pedal, which results in burning fat. It also helps make you stronger, and it will help build muscles.

Electric bikes are straightforward to ride. You can easily ride hills, slopes, and rough terrain without exhaustion. People who don’t like to ride regular bikes because of aches and pains can also enjoy this. 

 

E-bikes make cycling more accessible, so people are more likely to do it. People who live a lazy life might like to ride an e-bike over a regular bike. It gives them exercise and fresh air, changes the mood, and relieves stress. It gives them a more comfortable sleep, therefore increasing productivity. It also assists you in maintaining better mental health.

 

Electric bikes are faster than traditional bikes. Usually, an e-bike can travel 20mph. It’s also safe so that you can fly to your destination without any fears.

 

What do you know about the batteries of electric bikes?

Now you know the benefits of electric bikes. So let’s move on to the main topic, ‘the batteries of electric bikes’. 

 

Where are the batteries placed on electric bikes?? 

The battery is the most critical component of your electric bike. All electric bikes have batteries. The battery’s position on the bike changes with different factors. For example, the shape of the bike’s frame can decide where the battery is positioned. Most electric bikes have a battery mounted on their conveyance rack, while some have batteries on the down tube. 

Can you ride your electric bike without a battery?

Are you worried the battery will lose its power while you are traveling?? Don’t worry. The benefit of your electric bicycles is you can also ride them without a battery. All e-bikes function as regular bicycles when the motor is off. So you don’t have to worry if your battery is dead. You can ride your electric bike the similar way you would a regular bicycle.

What are the most common types of batteries that electric bikes have? 

The most common battery type in electric bikes is rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Lithium manganese batteries are the best lithium-ion batteries you can find. It’s ecologically friendly and safer. Lithium cobalt batteries are also widespread, but lithium manganese batteries can provide a higher cell voltage than lithium cobalt batteries. 

How to choose the correct battery for your electric bike? 

It is a common question that most e-bike users ask. The most vital component of an electric bike is its battery. You should be aware of the importance of an e-bike battery. How do you know which one is the best of all the battery types available?

Don’t worry; this article will describe the factors you should look out for before selecting an electric bike battery. So, keep reading. 

First, We will clarify a few terminologies used to describe e-bike batteries. It will help you understand more about what we will explain next. 

  1. Amperes (Amps)

 Ampere is an international unit of electrical current. 

  1. Ampere per hour (Ah) 

Ampere per hour is a unit of electrical charge; it measures electric current against time. This unit is used to describe the battery capacity. 

  1. Voltage (V)

 They are also known as Volts. Voltage is used to describe the electrostatic potential discrepancy between two conductors (Live and Neutral). The voltage can be up to 400 volts in the best electric bike batteries.

  1. Watts (W)

 The standard unit of power. The battery’s power output is higher when the number of watts is higher. 

  1. Watt per hour (Wh)

 This unit describes the total power output per given time. 

 

What type of batteries are the best and the strongest?

Are you curious what type of batteries are the best and the strongest..? Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the best type of batteries for e-bikes. Lead-acid batteries are cheaper, but Li-Ion batteries are three times as bulky as their li-ion equivalents.

 

Most common types of electric bike batteries 

Now you know some terminologies used to describe electric bike batteries. So it’s time to see the types of electric bike batteries. 

 Lead Acid batteries

 Nickel-cadmium batteries

 Nickel-metal Hydride batteries

 Lithium-ion batteries

 Those are the most common types of electric bike batteries. 

 

  1. Lead-acid batteries. 

 Lead-acid batteries are very cheap. But the disadvantage is they are so heavy. They are the most severe batteries of all the types available. They provide less power output and have less capacity when compared to other battery types of the same size.

 

 They are helpful for immobile applications and motor system starters in cars. But we don’t recommend this battery for electric bikes.

 

  1. Nickel-cadmium Batteries

Nickel-cadmium Batteries are strong batteries that you can use for a very long time with proper maintenance. Their capacity is more significant than lead-acid batteries and has excellent load performance.

 But they have a low power density, so you will have to charge those batteries regularly. The battery percentage of nickel-cadmium batteries can go very low within a few hours.

 Because they include cadmium as the main component, they are very harmful to the environment. So these batteries are now going out of usage due to recycling issues. They are costly as well. So we don’t recommend nickel-cadmium batteries as the right choice for your electric bike. 

 

  1. Nickel-metal Hydride Batteries

 These batteries are better than lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries when considering the capacity. But Nickel-metal hydride batteries will not last long. The charging process of these batteries is very complex. They are hard to maintain as well. Because they produce heat after limited usage, they have high-self discharge rate. So we are not advising you to use nickel-metal hybrid batteries for your electric bike.

 

  1. Lithium-ion Batteries

 Lithium-ion batteries have many more advantages than other types of batteries. They are durable and last longer. They are becoming the ideal type of battery for every electric bike available in the market today. Compared to other batteries, Lithium-ion batteries produce more power output for their weight.

 

 Most importantly, they are small. So lithium-ion batteries are ideal for lightweight electric bikes. But because of that, they require functional components to prevent them from firing and destroying. Don’t be so afraid; manufacturers have always taken precautions to avoid accidents. Still, you should know how to maintain and handle them properly. Even though they are expensive, we recommend lithium-ion batteries as the best for electric bikes. 

 

The capacity and output of your electric bike’s battery are significant. It decides how far your battery will get you. Regular batteries give 250 -500 watts so that the output will be about 20 to 50 volts. An average electric bike will go about 40 miles if you are pedaling and nearly 20 miles if you are not.

 

How to recharge your electric bike battery? 

How can you recharge your electric bike’s battery? It’s effortless. You can recharge those batteries by plugging them into regular wall outlets. Usually, it takes about eight hours to recharge. Also, some manufacturers have designed high-powered batteries for quicker charging. You can charge those batteries up to 95% within an hour. The typical lifespan of the storms of electric bikes is between 2 and 4 years if it is well maintained. (Normally, lithium-ion batteries will slowly lose their capacity over time, even if it’s not used.) 

You can see your bike’s LED display turns off, and you can’t shift the electrical gears when your battery is dead. Because there is no power supply, your bike’s headlights and brake lights will not turn on.

 

Are there electric bikes with removable batteries?? 

Yes, there are. You can remove them and repair them. It would help if you always asked for an expert’s help to check the battery status and fix it. Never repair the battery yourself.

How can you remove the battery from your electric bike?? Insert the key of your E-bike into the keyhole on the EnergyPak battery. Turn the key to unlock the battery. While doing this, be sure to place your hand under the battery. (For down tube energy peaks).

Now the key is in the “unlock” position; you can use your thumb to liberate the battery from the bike.

** (Energypak batteries – an improved battery with improved qualities for continual connection between the battery and charger for optimized charging performance.)

What are integrated batteries for electric bikes?. Many types of equipment we use daily have integrated batteries. That means they are implanted in the kit by design, and you cannot remove them without tools. Storms put together into the downtube are increasingly being used to keep an electric bike looking stealthy, so they integrate into it better. A familiar problem with integrated batteries is that they can pop out if not correctly connected to the frame mount.

 

How to maintain the battery of your electric bike?

Are you worried about the lifespan of your battery?? For long battery life, you have to give good care to your electric bike battery. Below I mentioned some tips for maintaining the battery of your electric bike.

 

  1. First, read the documents and user manual of your electric bike carefully.

Always follow what the user manual says. Reading documentaries is always essential. When your electric bike is not functioning correctly, you will know the problem. The user guide or user manual of your electric bike contains necessary information regarding the battery of your electric bike and how you can manage your battery. The nature and duration of use mainly influence the lifespan of a battery.

 

  1. Always make sure to keep your battery at room temperature. The best temperature for your electric bike battery is between 10-20° degrees. Don’t store your battery at a temperature lower than -10 degrees or a temperature higher than 25 degrees. It will decrease the lifespan of the battery. There are thermal protective covers to use in cold weather. You can use those covers to protect your battery in winter. Never store your battery empty, especially in cold weather. It will make your battery unusable. Don’t expose your battery to direct sunlight in summer.

 

  1. Be careful not to keep the battery empty or fully charged for a more extended period. Make sure to keep the battery percentage between 30% and 70%. Regularly check the battery status. 
  2. You must always use the correct charger. Use the charger that comes with your electric bike so you can make sure your e bike’s battery is charged correctly.

 

  1. You have to clean it carefully. Always remove the battery before cleaning it. Avoid the electrical components from getting wet. Clean the plug terminal from time to time. 

 

  1. You have to carefully remove the battery from the bike when you are transporting your bike. It assures the protected transport of your electric bike. It is dangerous to keep your battery inside while transporting the bicycle. 

 

  1. Do not repair your battery yourself.

Don’t try to repair your battery yourself if it is broken. Always find an expert to check your battery status with a diagnostic tool.

 

Sometimes you can hand over your electric bike’s battery to the manufacturers if your battery is at the end of its life. Recycling your battery will help to protect nature.

 

Try to maintain your electric bike’s battery with these simple and valuable tips, and enjoy your electric bike for as long as possible.

 

Would it be okay if we used copper wires instead of nickel strips for a 18650 e-bike battery

E-bike sales are soaring all around the world. With the pandemic, people have drawn their attention towards long-term health, outdoor activities, and ways of keeping entertained while social distancing. Thus, many of us have picked up biking to keep ourselves company. Statistics from NPD show a staggering 240% increase in e-bike sales from 2020 to July 2021 in the US.

The e-bike industry has undergone significant advances during the past decade. The big players in the automotive field like Bosch and Yamaha have made significant contributions. Riders now have a lot of options with very few compromises. E-bike enthusiasts, hobbyists, and freestylers are always on the lookout for opportunities to push the envelope of power and speed. Over the past few years, companies and other third parties are manufacturing e-bike hardware and conversion kits that have fueled the excitement in enthusiasts. 

The battery is one of the core components of a bike and directly correlates with the power, speed, and range of an e-bike which is why it is an area that engineers and enthusiasts like to tweak and fine-tune. 

One of the common questions that arise is the usage of the material for batteries. In this article, we will be answering whether copper wires or nickel strips are ideal for 18650 e-bike batteries. 

 

E-bike batteries

E-bike batteries have come a long way since the earliest days of e-bikes. Starting from Lead batteries that got up to a life span of 300 charge cycles, today Li-ion batteries can hold up to 1000 charge cycles. When it comes to e-bike batteries companies pay a lot of attention to details, and it is probably the most researched and upgraded element in e-bikes. 

  • The size of batteries is a crucial detail because you are looking to keep e-bikes at a low weight while packing the highest power. There are also constrictions in space since your design has to work alongside the bicycle frame.
  • Charge time is a massive concern for e-bike riders. Companies have made significant improvements in this aspect, and now an average e-bike takes under 6 hours to be fully charged. Similar to other consumer electronics charging time can never get too low. A lot of research goes into this charging aspect because users always get hooked on products that juice up the fastest 
  • Safety of batteries – This is a no-brainer. E-bikes riders can pack over 500W of power right under their body. Sometimes DIY projects crank the power well above 4kW. High energy battery packs can pose serious safety concerns like they recently did in New York during the pandemic. In New York, the incidents of e-bike fires this year were double that of last year and included 75 incidents with 72 injuries and 3 deaths. 

The top companies in the e-bike industry set very high standards in their battery production stages. For DIY e-bike makers, it is vital to know how the above factors are affected when making decisions on battery connections, layout, materials, etc.

 

The 18650 e-bike battery

18650 is the widely used battery for e-bikes these days. These 18650 batteries go in laptops and other rechargeable devices. Companies manufacture the battery packs on a large scale with the help of automatic CNC spot welding machines. 18650s come in all sorts of capacities, voltages, and qualities while they are relatively cheap, which is why they are pretty prevalent among DIY electric bicycle makers.

The most critical ratings that you need to look out for when selecting 18650 batteries are:

  • Capacity – The capacity of a battery is denoted in Amp-hours, and it gives an idea about the maximum energy that will be drawn from a charge cycle. So higher the capacity, the longer the battery life, provided all the other conditions remain the same.
  • Voltage – The voltage of a standard 18650 is typically indicated on the surface of the battery and can vary between 2.5V to 4.2V.
  • Maximum discharge current – It is the maximum current that can be drawn without damaging the battery. Your circuit should function within this limit under all working conditions. This rating varies between different manufacturers and is a critical factor when designing battery connections for e-bikes. 

These ratings and your battery arrangement will allow you to determine what range of current your e-bike will be drawing under different pedal assist levels. Knowing the amount of current is the most decisive factor when choosing copper wires or nickel strips as connectors.

 

Copper wires over nickel strips

Both copper wires and nickel strips are used as 18650 connectors in various applications.

The following comparison between copper and nickel will help you make an informed decision for your e-bike battery configuration.

  • Copper is cheap and readily available. On the other hand, nickel strips are significantly more expensive.
  • Copper has very high conductivity thus low resistivity. Nickel is 5x more resistive than copper. The resistivity tells us about the difficulty for current to pass through, therefore it is a good indication of the amount of energy wasted (heat generated) as current passes through a material. 
  • Nickel has good corrosion resistance, hence used a lot for alloying metals and as coatings for alloy wheels, coins, etc. Copper has a lower resistance to corrosion and usually requires a protective coating for applications that require durability.
  • Copper is difficult to spot weld as it requires a lot of heat. Spot welding is the widely used mechanism to connect 18650 batteries. Spot welding with Nickel results in a stronger weld compared to copper. 

Copper and Nickel have their pros and cons. It’s about weighing out your options and prioritizing your requirements. 

 

When to choose copper wires for a 18650 battery?

There are several cases where using copper wires could be advantageous. Here are a few scenarios where you might want to consider using copper.

  • If your circuit is drawing a high current from the 18650 cells then copper wires would be good. Having low resistivity connectors like copper means the pack will not heat as much as it would with Nickel. Overheating is one of the main reasons for the decline in battery performance and fires. The rule of thumb is that if each battery in your setup is drawing over 7A then copper does a better job than Nickel. 

 

  • You have a plan for how you are going to bind the batteries to the copper wires. As mentioned previously spot-welding is not going to work with copper wires. Unless you have experience soldering copper wires to 18650 batteries successfully then soldering is out of the question. If you are not careful, the excessive heat could most certainly cause irreparable damage to the internal compounds and thereby reduce the capacity and charge cycles of the battery. The recommended/safer option is to use magnets to clip the copper onto the battery terminals. People have posted such builds using Neodymium magnets on forums so they could be a good source of information for your build.

 

  • Of course, the budget should be the last thing on your mind when working with e-bike battery packs. Nevertheless, copper is the cheapest option out of the two, and it should be easy to find copper wires.

 

Concerns when using copper wires for 18650 battery

If you believe copper wires would be a good fit for your project based on the essential factors discussed in the preceding topics, then these tips would come in handy for your build.

  • Choose the right size for the amperage. If too large currents run through the wires it could heat the entire pack and cause detrimental damage to the batteries. Refer to the wire gauge current ratings chart published by the manufacturer of your respective wire. You should pick the gauge that has a maximum current load rating above the maximum current your circuit extracts. 

 

  • Use new copper wires for your connections. Corrosion is one of the major causes of the accelerated drop in battery performance and reduced lifetime. As discussed earlier copper wires are less resistant to corrosion in air, therefore avoid using copper wires that have been hanging around for too long. 

 

Conclusion

18650 batteries are now in every DIYer’s arsenal. They are frequently incorporated in electronic projects like e-bikes, robotics, and other wireless builds. Nickel strips have been the prominent choice of connectors owing to their characteristics. Nickel strips are easier to weld using commercial spot welders and show higher resistance to corrosion, hence producing a durable connection between batteries. With high power projects that draw over 7 Amperes through a single 18650, you could go for copper wire connections as an alternative to prevent excessive heat generation. Copper wires are a viable option, provided you have a method to attach them to the terminals of batteries. Spot welding doesn’t do a satisfactory job with copper. Soldering can damage batteries if not done with precision. As long as you reasoned out the particular factors it is okay to use copper wires instead of nickel strips, and it may even possibly be the better option.

 

Is it easy to put a second battery on an e-bike?

Many electric bike owners question how they may increase their bike’s top speed and range. Pedal-assist and minimizing the weight of your baggage are two ways to extend the life of your battery, but what about installing a second battery? Is it easy to put a second battery on an e-bike?

Installing a second battery in your bike as an alternative, you can carry a separate battery as a spare to achieve the same purpose of additional battery capacity while providing additional redundancy if one battery fails. ” Another approach is to get a larger battery.

Increase battery capacity.

However, there is a great deal to take in here. There are various ways to increase your bike’s battery capacity, including buying a bike with built-in dual batteries. For those interested in learning more, this is a great resource.

Battery upgrades may be the first thing you think of while updating your electric bike. The question of obtaining a larger battery or having a backup is inevitable. There are advantages and disadvantages to both solutions. What’s correct will depend on your preferences, model, and price range.

Most enthusiasts will use two batteries, one as a backup and a primary power source. When commuting by foot or bicycle, they always have an extra battery. Having two distinct batteries provides a lot of utility and value, but we can’t underestimate having a single large battery as well.

The advantages of having a single large battery are numerous. Less weight, a more compact design, and a lower initial cost are advantages of using a larger battery. Some riders find the ease of having a single battery to be a significant selling point.

 

Is it easy to put a second battery on an e-bike? – The answer to this question is a resounding yes.

However, this is not a project for the faint of heart, so proceed with caution. As in-depth you want to go, upgrading the battery on an electric bike might be a simple afternoon task or a weeks-long project.

Please be aware that not all e-bike batteries can swap out. For some models and brands, you may be able to replace your current battery with a better one.

Depending on your model, you may only upgrade the battery through the manufacturer in some cases. A manufacturer upgrade can be pricey, and they may not even have an upgrade available.

Additionally, updating the battery may not be very DIY-friendly in some circumstances. It’s possible to damage your electric bike and yourself if you upgrade it incorrectly. Make sure you choose the appropriate choice by conducting research and doing your due diligence.

 

A Single, Larger Battery Offers Several Perks

There are number of advantages to having a single, larger battery if you choose this option. A single battery can reduce weight, charging time, and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for many batteries. Take a closer look at this!

  1. Weight reduction. 

Single-battery devices will be lighter thanks to their smaller size and reduced weight. Your overall ride will be more comfortable and have more range if you carry one fewer battery, whether it’s on your person or your rack.

  1. Only one charge time. 

It takes twice as long to charge two batteries at once. You only have to charge one battery using a single battery pack. When you only have to charge one battery, you’ll save time and frustration. Even though it will take longer to charge than two smaller batteries charging in parallel.

  1. Less upkeep required. 

Having only one battery to maintain and clean reduces the time and effort required. This impacts how it is stored; a single battery takes less room.

  1. More Ease of Use

 A single large battery may be preferable if you don’t want to deal with a lot of effort or are a beginner. Changing batteries and transporting extras might be a pain. This inconvenience is eliminated when you only have to worry about one battery.

  1. More Acceleration. 

One larger battery should theoretically provide faster speeds than two smaller batteries. It’s both valuable and thrilling to have the increased speed! This may be something to consider depending on how you ride your bike.

  1. More compacted package. 

Your e-overall bike’s design will be closed if it has a single large battery. If you have a single large battery, you won’t need additional racks or bags for spares. There is something to bear in mind for those who are more concerned about their appearance.

  1. The price. 

Having a large battery can save money in some circumstances. Depending on the make and type of your bike, it may be more cost-effective to change the battery buy a new one. With this choice, you may also save money by avoiding purchasing additional accessories like racks, bags, and chargers. When it comes to e-bikes, the cost is always an issue for those on a budget.

Having Two Batteries That Are Independently Charged

Riders with a high level of expertise are likely to choose two distinct batteries. There are advantages to having two separate battery packs, such as fewer charge cycles, a safety net, and increased range. Let’s get further into this!

  1. There are fewer charge cycles per battery. For e-bike batteries, the number of charge cycles can significantly impact your performance. A battery’s charge cycle is the number of times it can be charged before it loses its ability to perform or entirely fails. To extend the life of each battery, you can use two separate batteries and alternate charging cycles.

 

  1. A Protective Device. Batteries should be kept separate as a safety net. You have a backup battery in case one of yours fails or malfunctions. Having a spare can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run. “

 

  1. Dual-charging capability. Having the ability to charge both batteries simultaneously is a significant advantage, even if you do require an additional product. If you don’t use your spare battery daily, you can leave it at home to charge. If you handle your batteries in this manner, you’ll never be caught short of a fully charged battery again.

 

  1. Each Battery’s Charge Time Is Reduced. A larger battery may take longer to charge than a smaller one, even though you’ll use two. It will take longer to charge a battery with a larger capacity, whereas charging a smaller battery will be quicker.  If you forgot to charge your battery as you are in a hurry, a faster charge time will come in handy.

 

  1. There’s a lot more potential. Having two sets of batteries gives you double the range. Double the distance you can go on one trip by using two batteries. If your commute is long or you need to cover much ground, this is unquestionably useful to you.

 

Additions to the Equipment Inventory. Having more equipment could seem like a drawback if you’re in the market for a single large battery. An additional piece of equipment, on the other hand, can be just the thing for you if you’re a true aficionado. Racks and bags are available in various styles and sizes so that you can choose the right accessory for your bike.

More Choices. There are more possibilities when you have two batteries to choose from. You may, for example, leave your extra at a friend’s house or work. As your battery’s range increases, you’ll have more options for where you can go. If you have a range of 60-80 miles, it can open up a whole new world of possibilities in your neighbourhood.

 

How Do You Carry Extra Batteries for Your E-Bike?

How will you transport it if you decide to use a different battery? There are various ways to transport your electric bike batteries, including racks, bags, and backpacks. Let’s have a look at each one!

 

Racks toward the back

It’s common for rear racks to be attached to the back of a bicycle above the tire. They’re affordable and straightforward to set up. In some circumstances, having more weight on the back of your bike can assist distribute the load more evenly.

The most significant advantage of Rear Racks is the additional storage space they offer. It’s possible to locate models that can accommodate two more batteries. In some circumstances, this extra space can be used to store items other than your battery.

A battery cover is a must if you decide to go this route. These covers are designed to protect your batteries while riding and travelling. Battery covers are inexpensive and a worthwhile investment.

 

Packs for the back of the seat

Another excellent alternative for transporting an extra battery is a Rear Seat Pack. The placement of rear-seat packs on bicycles aids in weight distribution. Waterproof and detachable, these packs are a convenient option for travellers on the go.

Ensure that the seat pack you select is compatible with the battery you intend to use. With Seat Packs, smaller sizes are both a gain and a drawback because they are more convenient to use than other types of carry-ons.

Frame-Mounted Pouches

 

Depending on your battery’s current mounted, frame-mounted bags can be an excellent choice. A bike with an integrated tube-style battery would be great for top-mounted bags.

With these bags, you won’t have to sacrifice style in the process of saving money. Products that can accommodate more than just your batteries can make rides more convenient for those who need to travel long distances. If you can, look for a waterproof type; safeguarding your additional battery should be a top concern.

 

Backpacks

 

E-bike battery-specific backpacks are one of the easiest and most accessible ways to carry your battery. Keep in mind that batteries can range from 3 pounds to more than 7 pounds, so keep that in mind.

You may feel some discomfort due to this additional weight on your shoulders and back during the ride. Make sure you pick something that’s right for you.

In general, e-bike battery-specific backpacks are best used by commuters who already carry a bag with them. These packs are ideal to avoid the extra weight and clunkiness of other carrying options.

Hefty-quality products come at a high price, and these packets are no exception.

 

Helpful Hints to put a second battery on an ebike

 

Make sure you store and handle your battery with care, whichever method you select. Invest in high-quality waterproof solutions. Even though e-bike batteries are built to last, you don’t want a hole in your safety net if you can help it.

Theft prevention should also be considered when thinking about storage and handling. Some of the spare-carrying alternatives can be removed and accessed with ease.

As a result, both you and the rest of the world will have a lot of fun using it. Be cautious about accounting for this when purchasing some of these options. Think about how you’ll transport the extra, whether you’ll bring it inside with you, and so on.

E-bikes with dual batteries are they possible?

 

You may be wondering if there are twin battery e-bikes on the market, given all the buzz about batteries. The good news is that there are dual-battery electric bikes available for purchase. 

If you’ve never seen anything like the Super Monarch 700 Watt Bike, you’re missing out. In terms of price, you should expect to pay somewhere between $3,000 and $4,000.

The Super Monarch has 1512 Watts of power thanks to its dual batteries. The bike’s advertised range is considerably over 80 miles with pedal support. A bold claim like this is bound to have a wide range of results. All customer feedback is positive, indicating that the purchase was a success.

The Super Monarch’s price tag is reasonable compared to other dual-battery bikes. A wide range of electric bicycles is on the market, ranging from comprehensive budget alternatives in the $800 to $10,000 range.

Many ready-to-ride bikes will cost between $1,000 and $2,000. The price of the Super Monarch isn’t excessive when you consider the additional battery and possible aftermarket upgrades.

For an additional battery, you can do so, but the process can be time-consuming and complicated. Every options have their own advantages and disadvantages that must be carefully considered before making a final decision.

If you have to choose between a single large battery, two smaller cells, or even a dual battery bike, here are some things to consider. It will then be a matter of taste, finances, and how you intend to use the bike.

 

In what ways can you carry a spare battery for your bike?

 

In the middle of the day, when you chose to go for a bike ride in the forests or mountains, you were astonished to find that the battery was nearly empty!

We’ve all been there, especially if we’re making sprints with a group of friends or exercising on a hot day.

Consider purchasing an extra battery for your electric bike in the event of any of these scenarios!

eBikes have a massive advantage over traditional bicycles in that you can control how much effort you put into your ride. In the morning, you may don’t want to show up to work looking like you’ve just undertaken a mountain hike in Europe. It’s also convenient to pedal whenever you want and meet your daily workout goals.

Battery life is a common issue for cyclists. In addition to their shorter range and higher weight than regular cycles, eBikes can quickly lose their allure when the battery runs out.

Having an additional battery is helpful in many situations. Having a backup battery is essential for safety and peace of mind when it comes to long-distance mountain biking or road cycling.

 

How Many Batteries Do you Need?

 

This solution is better than buying a second battery because it doesn’t necessitate the purchase of a new one. There are some factors to consider before looking at the most OK e-bike batteries.

When a battery is charged too many times, it loses the ability to hold its charge. After 500 recharges, many manufactures claim that 60% of the battery’s capacity remains. Alternating between two batteries can double the life of your device. If there were only one, this would not be the case.

If one of your batteries fails, you’ll always have a backup. Additionally, you may simultaneously recharge two separate batteries. Alternatively, one can be left at a different location, like a friend’s house or an office.

It can take about 5 to 8 hours to completely charge an e-bike battery. In most circumstances, the problem is that you can refill them within a few hours. You could recharge your battery at coffee shops if you only had a single battery.