Complete E-Cycle Battery Guide, Everything You Need to Know About Electric Cycle Batteries

Wouldn’t you opt for an option that involved less work if you knew it would achieve the same outcome?

It’s why electric cycles (or e-cycles, as they are also known) have taken the world by storm, and India is rapidly following.

People are fascinated by this new-age, sustainable commute solution.

Most of us today are driven by the need for efficiency, the same is true for our commute - we want to get from point A to point B in the least time possible, economically and without increasing our carbon footprint by too much -  and e-cycles fit the bill perfectly.

In order to evaluate whether an electric cycle will suit YOUR intended use/purpose, it is essential to understand what makes them tick.

We’ve already spoken about the components that go into an e-cycle here, so be sure to check out that as well for better clarity.

In this one, we’re going to dive deep into the most important component that often affects buying decisions - the battery and its placement on an e-cycle and basic electric cycle battery terminologies that you might not be familiar with. 

Electric cycle battery size is around 17 inches long or a little shorter than your forearm and weighs not more than 1.5kgs, making it convenient to carry and easy to detach and charge.  

It’s a commonly known thumb rule that the bigger the battery capacity, the more the range. 

Battery packs are made up of individual battery "cells". Generally, cells are classified into cylindrical cells (like AA and AAA that go into your remotes) and prismatic cells.

Cylindrical cells have myriad uses and are best suited for general purposes. Prismatic cells are more often harnessed by the smartphone industry.

Each class of battery is manufactured in a variety of sizes or form factors. For example, one of the most popular form-factors of cells utilised in an EV battery pack is the 18650. It’s extensively used by the EV industry as well.

If we were to go into cell chemistry, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are preferred for e-cycles.

Why?

Simple - to save weight.

Lead-acid batteries are much cheaper, but they're three times as heavy as their Li-ion equivalents, which would mean significantly lower range and much more pedalling effort, which kind of defeats the purpose of opting for an electric cycle in the first place.⁠

The range generally depends on the energy density of the battery (the amount of energy packed in it), which is measured in Watt-Hours (Wh).

Watt-hours are calculated by multiplying the battery capacity, in Amp-hours, by the battery Voltage, in Volts.

The higher the voltage capacity, the more the range available to users. For example, Emotorad’s X2 uses a 36V, 7.65 Ah battery to provide a 40+km range.

Bear in mind that the range your electric cycle offers also varies greatly based on factors such as the weight of the rider, ambient temperature, age of the battery and the amount of pedalling.

If the phrase “age of the battery” caught your attention, it should.

As experts put it, “In the charged state, batteries decay as a function of time”, meaning as your battery gets older, its capacity to retain charge gradually declines, just like your smartphone batteries. 

Temperature, for one. Leaving your charged battery at high ambient temperatures can quickly affect its performance.

On a hot day, it's preferable to take your electric cycle or at least its removable battery indoors where the ambient temperature is lower.

It’s also a good idea to charge your battery at room temperature whenever possible, preferably when charge levels are between 30-60%, to ensure optimum battery life.

If your electric cycle comes with a removable battery, disconnect the battery and store it indoors, in a dry location, at room temperature to prevent corrosion and build-up on the connectors.

Also, before storing your electric cycle, it’s advisable to keep the battery charged to 70-90% rather than fully charged.

Try to avoid overnight charging or charging after using just 5-10% of the capacity on short rides, mainly because overcharging the battery will negatively affect its lifespan over time.

Also, once every few months, make sure to allow your battery to fully deplete and charge from 0% to fully charged to extend its service life.

A classic case of choosing between form and function. There are two broad categories-  

• Integrated batteries are mounted within the frame, leading to sleek designs, which could even be confused for a regular cycle.
• Removable batteries are usually clearly mounted onto the frame, either along the down tube or the seat post or under the carrier - each has its own unique pros and cons. 

While an electric bicycle with an integrated battery looks sleek and stylish, this integration may also be seen by some as a disadvantage.

Why?

Well, even though you won’t need to worry about replacing the typical electric bicycle battery for at least 3 to 5 years, replacing a defective internal battery is relatively time-consuming, which can be a deciding factor for some.

In such cases, an electric cycle with an external removable battery is much simpler to work with. It all boils down to what you prefer. 

On the other hand, the risk of battery theft is much lower in the case of an electric cycle with an integrated battery because, in comparison, an external battery is much easier to remove.

Also, when an e-cycle battery sits inside the frame, it is also better protected against damage from factors like dirt and moisture. Then there’s the charging aspect. Removable batteries can easily be taken indoors and charged, just like you would charge a smartphone, making them a great option for multi-storey apartment life. In the case of integrated batteries, you’ll have to locate a charge point in the basement of your building, or garage, or wherever you choose to park every day - or you’ll have to take your electric bicycle with you to your apartment, which can sometimes be a little awkward in a crowded lift.

An electric battery can last anywhere between 3 to 9 years, but multiple factors come into play when it comes to the longevity of your battery.

The make and manufacturing process is a key determinant for the life of your electric battery; however, the usage and maintenance can also reduce or increase the span.

Make sure to avoid overcharging or deep discharging the battery and store it in a cool and dry place. These battery care tips will help keep your battery fit and fine for a long time.  

Electric e-cycle batteries might vary in cost depending on the make and manufacturing process. The price point starts from Rs. 7,000, depending on the model and the voltage. 

The semi-integrated electric cycle battery. It is integrated into the frame design, but it is also easy to remove.

Batteries like this are better protected against external factors, but without affecting the sleek design.

You could even choose to take an additional battery with you to ensure that you have much more range; how convenient is that?

In conclusion, the choice of what electric bicycle to go for is yours to make, depending on what design appeals to you most, what kind of battery aspect you would prioritise, and what budget you’re shopping with, the main goal is to have fun.