Choosing the Right Battery for Your E-Bike

An e-bike battery is measured in watt-hours, abbreviated as Wh. This figure indicates how much energy the battery can store and therefore gives an approximate idea of how far you can ride. As a general rule, a 400 Wh battery provides a range of around 40 to 70 km, a 500 to 630 Wh battery around 60 to 100 km, and a 710 Wh battery up to 150 km per charge. Most commuters will manage perfectly well with a 500 Wh battery. If you regularly ride long distances, live in a hilly area, or prefer to charge less often, 710 Wh is the better choice.

Battery capacity is sometimes stated in amp-hours, abbreviated as Ah, instead. Our Gen4 battery, the Power Pack 710, operates at 36.9 V and 19.2 Ah, which equals 710 Wh. Multiplying volts by amp-hours gives watt-hours, so the two measurements describe the same thing.

One important point to remember is that the stated range is a maximum, not a guarantee. We specify a range of up to 150 km for our Gen4 e-bikes, measured at the lowest assistance level in temperatures above 15°C. Cold weather, wind, hills and higher assistance levels will all reduce the actual range.

It is also worth noting that battery capacity does not affect how the e-bike is legally classified. The motor does. According to the Swedish Transport Agency, an electric bike is classified as a standard bicycle as long as the motor only assists while you are pedalling, stops providing assistance at 25 km/h, and has a continuous rated power output of no more than 250 watts. All our models are built within these limits, regardless of battery size.

Because the stated range is only a guideline, independent tests are valuable. Elcyklist rode our Ambassador 4 until the battery was fully depleted and measured a range of 132 km at the lowest assistance level, with a 92 kg rider and an air temperature of 15°C. A range of 150 km is achievable with a lighter rider, warmer weather and better road conditions.

This shows how e-bike range specifications should be interpreted. Your weight, the load you carry, tyre pressure and how hard you pedal can affect the result just as much as the battery itself. A larger battery gives you extra capacity, which is useful on days when you face headwinds, cold weather, hills or heavier loads.

In busy city traffic with frequent stops and starts, such as central Stockholm, an e-bike uses more energy than it does on a smooth, level country road. Hills have the same effect. Anyone commuting through the hillier parts of Gothenburg will quickly notice that climbs use more battery power.

That does not mean you automatically need the largest battery simply because you live in a hilly city. It means you should realistically assess the distance and terrain before choosing. An eight-kilometre commute on flat ground places very different demands on the battery than an eighteen-kilometre route with significant elevation. To get a better feel for what suits you, you can visit one of our retailers in Stockholm or Gothenburg. We always recommend taking a test ride before making your decision.

A battery should last for several years, not just one summer. Our Gen4 batteries are designed for around 800 charging cycles, although the number of cycles you get depends on how you charge and store the battery.

A few simple habits can make a noticeable difference. Charge the battery at room temperature rather than in the cold. Avoid leaving it fully discharged for long periods. If the e-bike is not being used during winter, store the battery somewhere cool but protected from frost. It takes four to six hours to charge from a standard wall socket, and you do not need to wait until the battery is completely empty before plugging it in.

The battery is integrated into the frame and can be locked using the same key as the frame lock. You can charge it directly on the bike or remove it and take it indoors. On Gen4 models, the smart locking mechanism allows you to release the battery in under five seconds, making it easy to carry up to your flat on a cold winter evening. Its low, central position in the frame also contributes to a stable and balanced ride.

The same Power Pack 710 battery is used across several of our models, including the Ambassador 4, Tripper 4 and Loader. It is compatible with both our own drive system and Shimano’s e-bike system. For anyone considering an upgrade, or planning to add a spare battery for longer rides in the future, this means you are not tied to a single model or narrowly defined product range.

Keep in mind that heavy loads also reduce range. With our AVS system, you can attach a basket, bag or child seat without tools and remove it just as quickly, both at the front and rear. You can ride light and efficiently to work, then click on a fully loaded basket for the weekly shop, all on the same e-bike.

If you are unsure which battery capacity is right for you, you are welcome to test ride one of our e-bikes in store. The difference between 500 and 710 Wh is often easier to feel on the bike than to understand from the specifications alone.