How to choose the right battery capacity for e-MTBs?

The name e-MTBs refers to electric mountain bikes, making the presence of electronic mechanisms in the products crystal clear. For any electronic vehicle, the essential part is the energy medium. Batteries are always in-demand and seen as an investment. The better the battery quality, the longer the run time, durability, and performance. 

There are several factors any e-biker needs to address while involving batteries, like the run-time with every recharge, the battery life, weight, voltage, dimensions, etc. Pro riders often give more importance to the batteries than any other part of the e-bike. Keeping that in mind, several types of batteries are available in the market. Some of the most popular ones in the e-biking sector are Li-ion , NiCd, LCo, LiFePo4 , LiMg204, Li-Po, and so on.

Why are batteries needed for e-MTBs?

As any electronic device needs the power to work, some require to be plugged with a cord while some require rechargeable batteries. In the case of an e-MTB, the rechargeable batteries provide them with motor assistance when pedalling. That is the only way any e-MTB can differ from a normal bike with pedals; no battery means no power, output, or assistance while riding. Acknowledging the importance of batteries is the first key to understanding your e-MTB battery capacity.

Importance of battery capacity for e-MTBs

The term battery capacity refers to the total amount of power generated by electrochemical reactions and is calculated in ampere-hours; Charge Capacity (Ah) = Current (A) x time (h). Every battery has a certain capacity; some boast longer run-time and stronger power, while some are built to serve smaller purposes. 

For e-MTBs the battery capacity is of great importance; it is the main factor that determines the travel route and the distance one can travel, especially on rural trails.

Choosing the right battery capacity for e-MTBs

Consider your typical riding conditions and habits.

One has to consider their riding preferences to choose the right battery capacity for e-MTBs. Most of it varies in your daily riding conditions, if the trail is elevated, windy, off-road, or the motor of your bike, and more. The batteries also are heavily influenced by the mode you use in your ride; most e-MBTs come with several moves like Eco, Tour, Sport, Active, and so on. These are the level of motor assistance while pedalling and directly link to your battery usage. 

Riders that constantly use higher levels of assistance will need high-capacity batteries and vice versa. One must analyse their e-bike’s motor and trail environment, like headstrong winds, punchy climbs, speed, etc., along with rider weight, cargo load, or backpack weight before considering the right battery capacity for e-MTB.

Personal preference and budget

One can also measure e-bike battery capacity following their personal preference and budget. A wide range of options is available in the market, depending on the power range and cost.

If your riding trail is easy-going and you only ride your e-bike for shorter distances, you won’t require high-budget powerful batteries and vice versa.

Look at the range and battery life specifications of different e-MTBs

Research is the most important part of selecting a battery. You can also dive into several other e-MTBs specifications and understand the battery’s range and standpoint. Riders are advised to search and find information on other e-bikes and thoroughly investigate the run-time of their batteries. 

Consult with a bike shop or manufacturer representative

For a clear understanding of the battery’s dynamics and the Dos and Don’ts, one can consult with the manufacturer’s customer service or the shop or wholesaler’s representative. Since they have access to the needed information, they can thoroughly guide the rider through the queries and confusion.

Factors affecting battery capacity needs 

The total amount of power generated by electrochemical reactions is known as battery capacity. It depends on the amount of active material that can trigger chemical reactions, which generate charge or electricity. However, these active materials are affected by several factors, thus resulting in fewer chemical reactions and less electricity. It is how the capacity of the battery decreases with time. The right battery capacity for e-MTBs revolves around the factors mentioned below:

Riding style and terrain

Battery capacity is vulnerable to several factors; a few of the most influencing factors are the biker’s riding style and the terrain of the trail. If the trail is off-road and highly elevated, the motors will require more power outages than usual. Also, the riding style will continuously consume battery power if you prefer being assisted by the e-bike’s motors. Doing so will drain your battery rapidly, resulting in the degradation of the battery’s overall capacity with time.

Rider weight and cargo

The heavier the load, the more power is required. Every e-MTB has its weight capacity; exceeding that will directly affect the needed power to push it. E bike battery power is mainly drained when carrying heavy weight during rides or if the rider’s weight is more than recommended.

Motor type and power output

Motor types heavily influence the battery capacity; powerful motors take away most of the battery’s charge. The power generated by the motor is directly proportional to the battery’s power output. Higher power drains out the battery continuously and faster, affecting the battery’s capacity.

Duration of rides

It is important to note that ride durations are directly proportional to battery use. Longer rides cost more battery life, whereas shorter rides result in less battery usage. The more battery one uses, the more frequently it will need to be recharged. Since the battery’s life is finite, this will age the battery and affect its capacity over time.

Factors That Impact Battery Range

Along with the right battery capacity for e-MTBs, the right battery range also matters as much. Battery range generally means the total time a battery can produce sufficient power. On e-MTB, this could be calculated by evaluating the total distance you can cover on a single charge. That being said, any battery’s range depends upon several factors, such as the type of e-MTB, the battery capacity, riding terrain and conditions, and many more. 

Temperature and weather conditions

Batteries are directly affected by weather conditions and temperatures. Cold weather can reduce the e-Mtb battery range significantly. It can happen due to the disturbances of the chemical reactions inside the battery as the cold temperature tends to slow the battery’s chemical and physical reactions that produce energy. 

The conductivity and diffusivity of the battery get drastically affected by the cold weather, resulting in increased charging time, decreased capacity and range.

Age of the battery

The older the battery gets, the more it loses its maximum range. The power output of batteries often degrades if they are used less and are older. Batteries have a finite lifespan, and the continuous cycles of charge and discharge over the years directly age the battery. As a result, it can significantly decrease the amount of charge any battery can hold or supply.

Proper battery care and maintenance

Caring for and maintaining your ride’s battery matters the most; one has to go through their condition regularly. The first thing is to keep it clean and dry and carefully inspect for loose connections, unseen damage and breakage of other individual parts. 

• One can coat the battery’s cable connections with a thin layer of temperature-tolerant grease. 
• Regularly check to ensure that the battery’s body isn’t warped; this will happen if it’s overcharged or overheated. 
• Riders can also look after the battery’s electrolyte levels and fill it up if needed.

Conclusion

Batteries are the heart of an e-MTB, and every rider must acknowledge this before hopping on their ride. Choosing the right capacity for your e-bike battery is highly beneficial for the bike’s longevity; one has to ensure the battery complements the motor and other components of the e-bike. Please do so to avoid major errors and problems.

Researching or consulting with a knowledgeable enthusiast will help you choose the right battery capacity. And the needed information might come from a fellow e-biker, a manufacturer’s customer service, a technician, a mechanic, or even the shop or wholesaler’s representative. We at Green Speed are on a mission to provide you with the best guidance possible for your e-MTB queries, contact us for any questions or suggestions.