By Emma Lewis
Electric bikes are a means of transportation that are becoming more popular with time. The many benefits are contributing to this rise in popularity.
Among the usual questions about electric bikes, many people frequently ask about the voltage of electric bike batteries.
To understand how e-bike batteries are rated, you need to know the concepts of power, including volts.
Image: uveX/ Pixabay
Now, if you are deciding to purchase an electric bike but still confused about various things, you should check out the best value electric bike for a buying guide. Let’s proceed with the topic.
Volts (V) = Horsepower
Electric bikes usually come with 24V, 36V, 48V, and 72V batteries. It has been said that power is like water. Imagine the power moving through the wires (tubes). Higher voltage implies that the power (energy) moves quickly, and through a little cylinder.
In simple words, voltage is that how fast or quickly electrons move. The average battery is 36V on most e-bikes, while some are 24V and others even at 48V or 72V. The electric bicycle makers specialize in these few voltages because they give a decent capacity to cost proportion.
The Voltage of Electric Bikes
There is a simple saying that the higher the voltage, the higher the bike power will be. Now the question arises – How much electric bike power do you need? The answer depends on your body size, weight, and the area where you are going to ride your bike. If you are heavyweight or if you are going to cover very hilly areas, then you would need a higher voltage e-bike.
Let me cover this article by mentioning all the details about 24V and 36V:
24 Volt Battery
Let’s start with the 24-volt electric bike. Let me explain to you by citing an example so that you can better understand it. For instance, I live in a city, and my weight is not more than 50 kg. Using a 24v battery will be sufficient for me because these two things matter most whenever you need to select the appropriate voltage for an electric bike.
If you are lightweight and don’t live in hilly areas, then I recommend you use a 24v bike. While the 24v tends to be low in power, it should not be challenging to ride in flat terrain if you are slim to medium-built.
36 Volt Battery
On the other hand, if you are heavyweight or if you need to ride your bike in mountainous areas, then you should go for a higher voltage bike. For instance, if you weigh 100 kg (220 pounds) and above, your power requirements would go up.
Before selecting an electric bike, have a test ride on roads and hilly areas to know what works best for you.
Electric Bike 24v or 36v – What Voltage To Get?
Now that I have mentioned both voltages above, you might still be confused about which one to choose. Let’s make it simple for you. Whenever you are about to test the bike, try to ride a 24V electric bike in hilly areas. If you feel that the bike is sluggish, you should look into another e-bike with a voltage of 36V or higher.
There is no significant difference between both voltages. The thing that you need to know is that all bikes are made for a purpose, and you need to decide which is best for you. The selection depends on your requirements.
Conclusion
I think I have made it quite easy for you to understand the difference between both these options. Now that you know what it means by voltage, you should be able to make an informed decision. Don’t forget to have a safe test ride before purchasing any specific bike from the store.
I have likewise mentioned the factors that matter in selecting an electric bike. You need to understand all the complexities of this bike before purchasing it. I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Do consider getting an electric bike for your commute and enjoy riding it with ease and comfort!