What Is The Capacity Of Battery Used In Electric Bikes?

One of the first questions new e-bike owners ask is, “How far can I ride between charges?” While calculating battery capacity can give you a rough idea of how many miles you can go before needing to recharge, it’s by far not the only factor in determining your bike’s range. While having a high-quality battery is important for an optimal ride, how you use your battery is just as crucial as its size.

In other words, a bigger battery isn’t always the best choice.

If you're confused about battery terminology, don't worry—you're not alone. Below, we break down the basics of measuring battery capacity and explain what these numbers really mean for your daily rides.

What Kind Of Batteries Do E-Bikes Use?

Over the years, e-bike battery technology has advanced significantly. This has led to more efficient, longer-lasting bikes that are becoming a popular, eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered vehicles.

The vast majority of e-bikes today use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, including those from Story Bikes. These batteries have largely replaced older options like lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride due to their lightweight design, long lifespan, and compatibility with modern e-bike systems. Li-ion batteries can also be compactly integrated into the frame of the bike, making them both practical and efficient.

Story Bikes use 36V 7AH Samsung Lithium Ion batteries, which charge fully in just 3 hours using the included charging unit and A/C adapter.

What Do These Terms Mean?

Now that you know the type of batteries used, you might wonder what terms like V and AH stand for and how they affect performance.

Battery power is measured in volts (V), amps (A), and watts (W). Think of electricity like water flowing through a pipe—amps represent the volume of water, while volts represent the pressure. When combined, they determine the total power, or watts.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

V (Volts) – Volts measure the electrical pressure of the battery. Higher voltage typically means more power, but other factors also play a role.

AH (Amp Hours) – Amp hours indicate how much energy the battery can store, similar to a car's gas tank.

Watt Hours (Wh) – Watt hours tell you how much energy the battery holds. To calculate this, multiply volts by amp hours. For example, a 36V 7AH battery gives 252Wh.

While these numbers give a general sense of battery power, they don’t tell the whole story. Real-world performance depends on many factors, including the bike’s build and your riding style.

What Else Affects Battery Capacity?

Your riding habits directly impact how long your battery lasts. Riding uphill or using higher pedal assist levels will drain the battery faster than riding on flat terrain at a lower assist level.

The type of pedal assist system (PAS) also plays a big role. There are two main types: cadence sensing and torque sensing. Cadence sensing activates based on how fast you pedal, while torque sensing detects the force you apply to the pedals.

Torque sensing is more responsive and efficient. It provides assistance based on your effort, meaning the motor doesn’t waste power when you’re slowing down or going downhill. This makes torque sensing ideal for hilly areas and can extend your range even with a smaller battery.

We use torque sensing on all our e-bikes, which offers a smoother, more natural ride and better battery efficiency. With torque sensing, a Story Bike can travel up to 45 miles depending on the assist level used.

Conclusion

Battery capacity is more complex than just looking at numbers. While voltage and amp hours give a general idea of power, the bike’s design and your riding habits ultimately determine how far you can go.

How you use your battery is just as important as its size. A well-built e-bike with a mid-sized battery can still offer excellent range and performance.

If you're considering an e-bike, Story Bikes has a variety of models to suit different needs, from step-through designs to road and commuter bikes. Plus, for every bike we sell, we donate one to a student in Zimbabwe.

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