One of the first questions new e-bike owners ask is, “How far can I ride between charges?†While calculating battery capacity can give you a rough idea of how many miles you can go before needing to recharge, it’s by far not the only factor in determining your bike’s range. While having a high-quality battery is important for an optimal ride, how you use your battery is just as crucial as its size.
In other words, a bigger battery isn’t always the best choice.
If you're confused by battery terminology, don't worry—you're not alone. Below, we break down what battery capacity means and how it affects your real-world riding experience.
What Kind Of Batteries Do E-Bikes Use?
Over the years, e-bike battery technology has advanced significantly, making electric bikes more efficient and practical as a sustainable alternative to gas-powered vehicles.
The most common type of e-bike battery today is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. These batteries are lightweight, long-lasting, and highly efficient—perfect for electric bicycles. They’ve largely replaced older options like lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride batteries due to their superior performance and versatility.
At Story Bikes, we use 36V 7AH Samsung Lithium Ion batteries. Our bikes come with charging units and A/C adapters that plug directly into the bike, and they charge fully in just 3 hours.
What Do These Terms Mean?
Now that you know the type of battery used, you might be wondering what terms like V and AH mean. Let's break them down:
Battery power is measured in volts (V), amps (A), and watts (W). Think of electricity like water flowing through a pipe: volts represent the pressure, amps represent the flow, and watts are the total power, calculated by multiplying volts by amps.
V (Volts) – Volts measure the electrical pressure. Higher voltage generally means more power, but it also depends on other factors.
AH (Amp Hours) – Amp hours indicate how much energy a battery can store. It's like the gas tank in a car—it tells you how long the battery can last before needing a recharge.
Wh (Watt Hours) – Watt hours are used to estimate battery life. To calculate this, multiply volts by amp hours. For example, a 36V 7AH battery equals 252Wh.
While these numbers are useful, they don’t tell the whole story. Battery life also depends on the bike’s design and how you ride it.
What Else Affects Battery Capacity?
Your riding style plays a big role in how long your battery lasts. Riding uphill, going at high speeds, or using maximum pedal assist will drain the battery faster than riding on flat ground at a steady pace.
Another key factor is the type of pedal assist system (PAS) your bike uses. There are two main types: cadence sensing and torque sensing. Each affects battery efficiency differently.
Cadence sensing systems detect when you’re pedaling and provide assistance based on your speed. However, they are less responsive and can waste energy when you stop or slow down.
Torque sensing systems, on the other hand, measure the force you apply to the pedals. If you push harder, the motor gives more assistance. This makes for a smoother, more efficient ride and helps conserve battery life, even on hilly terrain.
We use torque sensing technology on our e-bikes, which offers a more natural and responsive ride. With this system, you can get up to 45 miles on a single charge, depending on the PAS level you choose.
Conclusion
Battery capacity is more than just numbers on a label. While volts and amp hours give a general idea of power, the actual range depends on many factors, including the bike’s build and how you ride it.
How you use your battery is just as important as its size. A well-designed e-bike with a mid-sized battery can still offer great range and performance.
If you're considering an e-bike, check out Story Bikes. We offer a variety of models, from step-through to road and commuter bikes, all at great prices. Plus, for every bike we sell, we donate one to a student in Zimbabwe.
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