More Products:
Table of Contents
The maximum range of electric bicycle using 48V battery
Electric bicycles due to the requirements of the standard, the speed of this type of vehicle should not exceed 25 km/h. However, the range of endurance cannot be underestimated. Although the standard limits the speed, it does not limit the range of endurance. Nowadays, many simplified electric bicycles have a longer range of endurance than electric motorcycles or light electric motorcycles, even though their speed is not as fast. This makes many people wonder why electric bicycles, which are small in size, can run so far. Today, through actual tests, we will see how far a 48V electric bicycle can really run.
If a few years ago, everyone would think that the range of electric bicycles is not as good as electric motorcycles, after all, the batteries installed in electric motorcycles are much larger. However, with the continuous improvement of battery technology, the increase in battery capacity, and the development of lithium-ion batteries, the range of electric vehicles has also greatly improved. Now many manufacturers claim that their electric bicycles can run 100 kilometers or even up to 200 kilometers at maximum. Is this really the case?
1.Theoretical endurance values differ from actual riding
I think the manufacturer’s publicity must be higher than the actual range. For example, the manufacturer claims that after the car is fully charged, it can run 150 kilometers, but in fact, it may only run 120 kilometers, or even less than 100 kilometers, because the manufacturer’s test may not be under heavy load conditions, or consider the slope and temperature.
For example, an electric bicycle is in a light load riding state, such as when an 80-pound girl maintains a speed of 20 kilometers per hour and the road conditions are always relatively flat. Moreover, it is summer and the battery is a new battery. Then, the range is certainly far, and we can calculate it according to 100 kilometers of range.
But if a 180-pound man carries an 80-pound 11-year-old child to ride together, maintains a speed of 23-25 kilometers, often has a slope during riding, and is in winter, it may only run 50-60 kilometers, even though it is a new battery. Therefore, to calculate the actual range of endurance, we must consider speed, load, temperature, and road conditions, and cannot generalize.
2.Electric bicycle standard requirements
The standard for electric bicycles requires that the voltage of the battery should not exceed 48V, the total weight of the vehicle should not exceed 55 kilograms, and the speed should not exceed 25 kilometers per hour. Moreover, the width of the vehicle body should not exceed 0.45 meters. Therefore, if you want to install a lead-acid battery, you cannot install a large-capacity battery, such as a 48V 32A battery. Although the range of endurance is far, it cannot be installed at all due to the limitation of the standard electric vehicle body. Even if it is installed, the weight of the vehicle itself will be increased, which naturally does not meet the regulations.
Therefore, many manufacturers now use lithium-ion batteries, which are lightweight and small in size. Even if a 48V 20A lithium-ion battery is installed, its weight and volume are not large. However, the range of endurance with a 48V 20A lithium-ion battery may reach 70-80 kilometers. The maximum range of endurance for an electric bicycle equipped with a 48V 26A lithium-ion battery may reach 100-120 kilometers.
3.What is the value of increasing the range of an electric scooter?
So, is it necessary to develop larger capacity lithium batteries to increase the range of electric scooters? In fact, it is not necessary. For example, if a lithium battery is made to 48 volts and 32 ampere-hours or even larger, such as 48 volts and 50 ampere-hours, can the range reach 200 kilometers?
Through testing, our experts have found that while manufacturers may claim a range of 150 kilometers after a full charge, the actual range may be closer to 120 or even less, depending on factors such as weight, slope, and temperature.
For example, an electric scooter ridden by a 80-pound girl at a constant speed of 20 kilometers per hour on a relatively flat road in the summer with a new battery can easily reach a range of 100 kilometers.
However, if a 180-pound man and an 11-year-old child weighing 80 pounds ride together at a speed of 23-25 kilometers per hour with frequent slopes and in winter with a new battery, they may only be able to travel 50-60 kilometers. Therefore, to calculate the actual range, factors such as speed, load, temperature, and road conditions must be considered and not simply generalized.
4.Actual riding experience is more practical
However, theory is only theory. With such a small vehicle body, it is not feasible to run such a long distance, and the rider may not be able to handle it. The electric scooter itself has a small body and a relatively small seat. If the riding time is too long, such as a range exceeding 30 kilometers, the riding experience may become uncomfortable and even unsafe. Therefore, in my opinion, an electric scooter with a range of 30-50 kilometers is more suitable. If the range is too long, the cost will increase. It is possible that an electric scooter with a lithium battery installed may be more expensive than an electric motorcycle with a 60-volt battery. Moreover, a too-long range may lead to discomfort during riding, as the riding experience of an electric scooter is not as comfortable as an electric motorcycle or an electric lightweight motorcycle.
5.In conclusion
In the near future, electric vehicles with a range of 500 kilometers per charge may be manufactured due to the continuous advancement of battery technology. However, how many people would actually use electric vehicles with a range exceeding 200 kilometers? In reality, besides delivery personnel and a few people who work far away from home, most people only need a range of 30-60 kilometers. Regardless of the type of electric vehicle we choose, we must pay attention to riding safety, wear helmets, and abide by traffic rules, making riding a joyful experience.
