If you're considering buying an electric bike , you already know that the battery is one of the most important criteria to consider. Choosing the right battery capacity is crucial because it directly determines the range and performance of your bike on a daily basis. At Batoo Bike, we help you make the best possible choice based on your usage.
Understanding Battery Power, Capacity, and Energy
Volts (V), Ampere-hours (Ah) and Watt-hours (Wh)
Electric bike batteries are typically rated in Watt-hours (Wh), a unit obtained by multiplying voltage (V) by capacity in Ampere-hours (Ah). Simply put, the higher the Wh, the greater the range your bike will have.
Power vs Capacity
A battery's power represents the instantaneous energy supplied to the motor, while capacity indicates the total amount of energy available. For example, the Bosch CompactTube 400 Wh battery is particularly light (2 kg), ideal for short and regular urban journeys.
What factors influence the required capacity?
Journey profile
A longer or hilly journey naturally requires a more powerful battery.
Total weight
The greater the combined weight of the rider, bike and cargo, the more stress there will be on the battery.
Assistance level and motor mode
Maximum assistance consumes more energy.
Temperature and driving style
Low temperatures or dynamic driving increase energy consumption.
Rule of thumb: about 1 Ah corresponds to 4 km of autonomy in mixed conditions.
What battery capacity should you choose depending on your usage?
| Capacity (Wh) | Typical autonomy | Recommended use | Battery example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300–400 Wh | 40–65 km | Urban, short daily trips | PowerPack 400 |
| 500 Wh | 70–90 km | Hiking or regular journeys >15 km | PowerPack 500, PowerTube 500 |
| 625–750 Wh | 90–120 km | Electric mountain bikes, loaded hikes | PowerTube 625 |
| 1,000–1,250 Wh (Dual) | 150–190 km | Long trips, professional cargo use | DualBattery 1250 Wh |
Simply estimate your autonomy
An easy method is to divide the capacity in Wh by 10. So, a 500 Wh battery allows about 50 km on moderate terrain.
Charging time and charger power
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Standard charger (100 W) : a 500 Wh battery charges in approximately 5 hours.
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Fast charger (200 W) : approximately 2 hours 30 minutes for the same battery.
Maintenance Tip: Keep your battery between 30% and 60% during periods of prolonged inactivity to preserve its lifespan.
Checklist for choosing the right battery
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Check the compatibility between the motor and the battery.
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Consider the weight (about 300g per additional 100Wh).
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Consider your budget: a 625 Wh battery costs about 25% more than a 500 Wh one.
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Check the warranty and choose reliable cells (Panasonic, LG, Samsung).
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Anticipate possible scalability (DualBattery).
Batteries for electric cargo bikes
For electric cargo bikes, the range and power requirements are naturally higher. These bikes require high-capacity batteries, typically between 625 Wh and 1,250 Wh (DualBattery), to support the additional weight and long distances.
At Batoo Bike, we offer a battery specifically designed to meet these requirements. Discover our additional battery for electric cargo bikes , ideal for maximizing your range and performance on a daily basis.
Conclusion
Choosing the right battery power for your electric bike is all about finding the right balance between your usage profile (journey, terrain, weight) and your budget. While a 400 Wh battery is ideal for most city dwellers, adventurers or cargo bike users should aim for capacities above 500 Wh.
Need personalized advice? The Batoo Bike team is available to help you make your choice.
FAQ
What is the right power for an electric bike?
In Switzerland, motor power is limited to 250 W. However, a 400 to 500 Wh battery meets most daily needs.
What battery power should I choose for an electric bike?
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Less than 40 km/day: 400 Wh.
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Between 40 and 70 km/day: 500 Wh.
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More than 70 km or cargo use: 625 Wh or DualBattery.
Which battery should I choose between 400 Wh and 500 Wh?
The 500 Wh battery offers approximately 20% more battery life than the 400 Wh battery, for a slight additional cost. It is recommended if you are often at the limit of a 400 Wh battery's capacity.
How much power does it take to charge an electric bike?
A standard charger (100W) will charge a 500Wh battery in about 5 hours, while a fast charger (200W) will do it in 2.5 hours.
