Choosing E-bike battery: which capacity suits your use?
The e-bike battery determines how far you can ride and how long your bike will last. When buying an e-bike for business use, the battery choice is therefore one of the most important decisions. In this article, you'll read about what capacity you need, how to extend its life and what to look out for with removable versus fixed batteries.
Whether you bike to the office daily or have a cargo bike for deliveries used: with the right e-bike battery, you choose smartly for the future. That way, you'll avoid standing with a dead battery halfway through the day.
What battery capacity do you need?
The capacity of an e-bike battery is expressed in watt-hours (Wh). The higher this number, the more energy the battery can store and the further you will get per charge. But which capacity fits your situation?
Rule of thumb for range
A handy rule of thumb: per 100 Wh you can cycle an average of 10 to 20 km, depending on the assistance level and conditions. So with a 500 Wh battery, you can get about 50 to 100 km. With a 720 Wh battery, as in the STAR UrbanX, you get 80 to 100 km far.
What capacity for what use?
For daily commutes of 15 to 25 km one way, a battery of 400 to 500 Wh is usually sufficient. Do you cycle longer distances or in hilly areas? Then choose 600 Wh or more. Do you have a cargo bike with a heavy load? Then a battery of 700 Wh or more is recommended.
The CityX and UrbanX both have a 720 Wh battery. The CargoX cargo bike even has a 960 Wh battery, especially for heavy loading. With that capacity, you can cycle an entire work day without recharging.
Factors affecting your reach
Actual range depends on more than just battery capacity:
- Support level: On eco mode, you get the maximum range. Turbo mode can cut your range in half.
- Weight: Your weight plus any load makes a difference. A full cargo bike consumes up to 30% more energy.
- Site: Hills and headwinds cost extra energy. In hilly areas you sometimes consume double that amount.
- Temperature: In cold conditions below 5 degrees, the range may decrease to 30%.
- Tire pressure: Soft tires require more energy. Check the pressure regularly.
Tip: Always take 20 to 30% margin on your calculated requirement. That way you have a reserve for unexpected circumstances.
Fixed or removable: which is better?
With electric bikes, you have a choice between a fixed battery (integrated into the frame) and a removable battery. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, especially for business use.
Advantages removable battery
A removable battery offers more flexibility. You can charge the battery indoors, which is safer and protects the battery from extreme temperatures. Handy if you don't have an outlet at your bike rack. You can also purchase a second battery for extra range on long days.
All STOER Bikes models have removable batteries. The 720 Wh battery of the UrbanX and CityX is easily removed. You charge it inside and the next morning it is full again.
Fixed battery advantages
Fixed batteries are integrated into the frame and are more secure against theft. They also give the bike a sleeker look because there is no visible battery. The downside: you always have to take the whole bike to an outlet.
What suits business use?
For business bikes left outside overnight, a fixed battery is sometimes safer because of better theft protection. But do you have the option of charging the battery inside? Then a removable battery is much more convenient. You protect the battery from frost and thus extend its life.
View our electric bicycles to see what battery options are available.
How long does an e-bike battery last?
The life of an e-bike battery averages between 3 and 5 years under normal use. This equates to 500 to 1,000 charging cycles. After that period, the battery has about 70 to 80% of its original capacity left. You can still cycle with it then, but the range is less.
What affects longevity?
Temperature: Extreme cold and heat are bad for your battery. Preferably store the battery between 10 and 25 degrees. Let a cold battery warm up first before charging it.
Charging behavior: Do not drain the battery completely. Charge when 20 to 30% remains. Fully discharging is harmful to the cells.
Storage: Not using the bike for a long time? Then store the battery half charged (40 to 60%) in a cool, dry place. Check the charge every few months.
Intensity: The more often you charge, the faster the capacity decreases. You don't have to charge a larger battery as often, which extends its life.
Tip from STOER Bikes founder Joeri
"We always recommend a larger battery capacity than strictly necessary. With our 720 Wh battery you don't have to charge every day. That saves charging cycles and extends the service life. After 5 years, you'll still have a perfectly good working battery."
Practical tips for battery maintenance
With proper maintenance, you'll get more out of your e-bike battery. Here are the most important tips:
Charge regularly: Even if you don't use the bike for a while, charge the battery occasionally. Battery cells that sit idle for a long time at 0% or 100% age faster.
Avoid fast charging: Standard charging is better for longevity than fast charging. STOER Bikes' standard charger fully charges the 720 Wh battery in 6 to 8 hours.
Protect against frost: Take the battery indoors in winter. Charging in freezing temperatures permanently damages the cells. Let the battery come to room temperature before charging.
Clean the contact points: Clean the contacts of battery and bike regularly with a dry cloth. Dirt and corrosion can interfere with the connection.
Use the original charger: Charge only with the charger provided. Other chargers may overcharge or damage the battery.
When should you replace the battery?
An e-bike battery does not last forever. These are the signs that replacement is needed:
- The range decreased by more than 30%
- The battery no longer fully charges to 100%
- The charging time is much longer than normal
- Battery fails unexpectedly while driving
- The battery gets hot while charging
- There are physical damages such as cracks or corrosion
A new battery costs between €400 and €800, depending on its capacity. At STOER Bikes, you can order original replacement batteries that fit your bike exactly. Take contact at for more information.
Why belt drive saves your battery
One particular advantage of belt drive bikes: the belt requires less energy than a traditional chain. The Gates CDX belt drive used by STOER Bikes has a higher efficiency. That means more energy from the battery actually goes to the wheels.
The difference seems small, but it adds up in the long run. Your battery lasts longer per trip AND overall life increases because you don't have to recharge as often. Together with the lower maintenance costs of the belt itself, this is a smart advantage for business use.
Want to know more about belt drives? Check out our blogs on maintenance and technology.
In conclusion
Choosing the right e-bike battery is a matter of smart arithmetic. First, determine how many miles you cycle daily and take a 20 to 30% margin. Choose a removable battery if you can charge it indoors. And invest in sufficient capacity: a larger battery you don't have to charge as often, which extends its life.
At STOER Bikes, all models have spacious batteries of 720 Wh (fatbikes) or 960 Wh (CargoX cargo bike). Combined with the efficient belt drive, you get the most out of every charge. Want to know which bike suits your situation? Schedule a test ride or contact our dealers.
[seoaic_faq][{“id”:0,”title”:”Hoe weet ik wanneer mijn e-bike accu aan vervanging toe is?”,”content”:”Je merkt dat vervanging nodig is wanneer het bereik met meer dan 30% is afgenomen, de accu niet meer volledig oplaadt of onverwacht uitvalt tijdens het rijden. Ook als de oplaadtijd veel langer is dan normaal of de batterij warm wordt tijdens laden, is het tijd voor een nieuwe accu.”},{“id”:1,”title”:”Hoeveel kost een nieuwe fietsaccu?”,”content”:”Een nieuwe lithium-ion accu kost tussen €400 en €800, afhankelijk van de capaciteit en het merk. Een 500 Wh accu zit aan de onderkant van die range, een 700+ Wh accu aan de bovenkant. Veel dealers bieden inruil van je oude accu voor €50 tot €100 korting.”},{“id”:2,”title”:”Kan ik een accu met hogere capaciteit op mijn fiets zetten?”,”content”:”Dat hangt af van het batterijmanagementsysteem van je fiets en de fysieke ruimte. Veel moderne fietsen accepteren accu’s binnen een bepaalde range. Raadpleeg altijd je dealer voordat je upgradet om compatibiliteitsproblemen en garantieverlies te voorkomen.”},{“id”:3,”title”:”Hoe lang duurt het opladen van een e-bike accu?”,”content”:”Een standaard oplaadbeurt duurt 3 tot 6 uur, afhankelijk van de capaciteit en de oplader. De 720 Wh accu van STOER Bikes laadt in 6 tot 8 uur volledig op. Snelladen is mogelijk maar minder goed voor de levensduur van de batterij.”},{“id”:4,”title”:”Hoe bereid ik mijn e-bike accu voor op de winter?”,”content”:”Bewaar de accu bij kamertemperatuur en laad hem maandelijks op tot 40 tot 60% als je niet fietst. Bij dagelijks gebruik: warm de accu eerst op voordat je vertrekt en laad niet direct na een koude rit. Laat de batterij eerst op kamertemperatuur komen.”},{“id”:5,”title”:”Mag ik mijn e-bike accu in het vliegtuig meenemen?”,”content”:”Nee, grote e-bike accu’s zijn niet toegestaan als handbagage of ruimbagage in vliegtuigen. De capaciteit overschrijdt de limieten die luchtvaartmaatschappijen stellen. Neem je fiets mee per auto of trein, of huur een fiets op je bestemming.”},{“id”:6,”title”:”Hoe voorkom ik accudiefstal?”,”content”:”Gebruik altijd het meegeleverde slot voor uitneembare accu’s en neem de accu mee naar binnen wanneer mogelijk. Parkeer op goed verlichte, drukke plekken. STOER Bikes hebben een ingebouwde startonderbreking met PIN-code, zodat de fiets zonder code waardeloos is voor dieven.”}][/seoaic_faq]
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E-bike battery selection: ✓ What capacity do you need? Tips on maintenance and longevity. All about Wh, range and charging. Make the right choice!
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E-bike battery choice: capacity, range and maintenance
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IMPROVEMENTS OVER ORIGINAL:
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7. Advantage belt drive for battery saving explained
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