How much battery does your e-bike need?

My book "DIY Lithium Batteries" on sale at amzn.to/2jbxvzS
My book "Ultimate DIY eBike Guide" on sale at: amzn.to/2BGx4Fn
My newest book "Electric Motorcycles 2019" on sale at: amzn.to/2LbJ2j0
The gear I use to make my videos:
Camera - Nikon D5300: amzn.to/2DcuVlM
Lens - Tamron 18mm - 270mm: amzn.to/2qLZlsG
Thermal camera for iPhone/Android: amzn.to/2FikWvW
Drone for "follow me" filming: amzn.to/2UFOds5
Camera for invisible selfie stick shots: amzn.to/2Vb9D0r
Here are some of the products I use:
Bafang BBS01 kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/N0sm1W1w
Bafang BBS02 kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/EcGPWXRE
Bafang BBSHD kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/MMNrZUC0
250W complete e-bike kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cQzxxhpm
500W complete e-bike kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/o6rnMv1q
1,000W complete e-bike kit: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/NGZvnq3Q
36V 15Ah Hailong (shark) battery: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/CAEvhRSY
48V 15 Ah triangle battery: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/234OZ5Kg
52V 20 Ah triangle battery: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/m0huJ2PI
All ebike batteries: goo.gl/7pAi9Z
All 18650 cells: goo.gl/hYWnwU
100W Flexible solar panel: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/DurJQaTe
100W Folding solar panel: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/C9raRNuM
Cycle Analyst: goo.gl/RsmE3N
The parts that I use for building batteries:
18650 cells: goo.gl/aEabAQ
18650 positive insulating washer: goo.gl/HBVOuc
Nickel strip: goo.gl/VIrNQq
Spot welder: goo.gl/KN3Uaw
BMSs: goo.gl/S6gSQx
Silicone wire: goo.gl/xmpbKD
Black 18650 cell spacers: goo.gl/hQxWF6
Vruzend cell spacers: goo.gl/5ReLqA
Large heat shrink tubing: goo.gl/6v1ow9
Small heat shrink tubing: goo.gl/OU3Z6u
Foam sheet for protecting battery: goo.gl/5e71tE
Kapton tape: goo.gl/D6BT57
Chargers: goo.gl/js0T0V
**Question response book giveaway rules**
When you guys asks questions in the comments of my videos, I'll try to answer them. If there are questions that I think would make a good video response, I'll choose them to do a longer segment. If I choose your question for a video response, you'll win a copy of my book The Ultimate DIY Ebike Guide (the paperback or the ebook), or my book DIY Lithium Batteries.
Here are some things that KZbin makes me say: This contest is not sponsored by KZbin and KZbin isn't affiliated with it. I'm supposed to provide a link to the community guidelines for KZbin (kzbin.infocommunity_gu.... KZbin is not a sponsor of this "contest" and by participating, you are releasing KZbin from any potential liability, whatever that might be. Privacy notice: I won't steal your info. If you do win, you can choose to send me your address so I can mail you a paperback copy of the book (or some other prize if that changes) or you can send me an email address and I'll send you a copy of the ebook. I will do everything in my power to immediately forget your personal information afterwards.
Outro Music: BenSounds

[@dag36523]

I think I did OK selecting my first E bike having not watched any technical videos prior to ordering. You videos are extremely helpful! I’m 70 why should the kids have all the fun….

[@yourfavouritescepticx8969]

😭 go grandpapa 😂

[@hayredinkrastev5102]

Bless you .

[@nigelkelly2286]

Amazing, hopefully you're still riding around at 72 now!🙏

[@adamsheldrick2474]

Just to add my experience. I have a 250w motor with pedal assist as that's the road legal standard here in UK. I consume less than 6wh per mile. This is riding at about 15 mph average on roads with only small hills putting a medium amount of effort in. I weight about 65kg.

[@edkeefe]

Great talk as always. I’m building a peddle assist bike and a electric motorcycle, your talks and books have been very helpful.

[@evevangelist5910]

Hi Micah! Great videos and information! I have your DIY Lithium Battery book and am learning a lot though it’s taking me awhile to wrap my brain around it. I hope to build my own Powerwall someday. I appreciate your enthusiasm and contribution to clean energy adoption! Keep up the good work, man!

[@thebootfitter]

Thanks, Micah. Good video. I love the way you keep things simple for relative noobs. We gotta do whatever we can to get more folks edumacated!

[@davidsmith3351]

I have watched your videos for about a year or so, and have learn about ebikes mostly from your channel. Thanks.

[@bradgiffen7028]

I am really enjoying your channel. As a Canadian it is always nice to hear the option you always seem to give with the metric system! Thank you for that!!

[@fintonmainz7845]

Funny how he gives his weight in Kg.

[@DavidHouck128]

Thanks Micah, looking forward to the next one, congrats on your subscribers!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Really informative video toady, Micah! Congratulations in advance for hitting 100,000 subscribers!!!

[@kyleniedermeier6651]

Always staying true to your name brand! I appreciate you.

[@zachhoy]

congrats on hitting 100k, you're way past it now as I'm commenting, very helpful videos

[@scotthaley8123]

Im planning on purchasing an ebike. You're videos have been very helpful. Thanks, and looking forward to the next one.

[@waltersmithat70]

Hello, I have a 48 volt 10 amp battery with a 500-watt Hub motor. 98% of my bike ride is done on level 2 assist about 10 miles an hour using pedaling and with the help of the motor. What I've trained myself to do over my ride, is turn the pedal assist completely off pedaling with no motor assistance. There's two benefits to this number one longer run time on the battery charge, number two or exercise. I mostly do this in the more flat sections and on slight Hills, keeping the motor assistance for steeper Hills or if I just plain feel lazy.

[@Joefrogigolo]

I do the same but just use the throttle when needed for hills. It gets me 30 miles on a charge most of the time given my Terrain

[@dantheman9369]

Early congratz on 100k! That's awesome!

[@Leonardokite]

Good to see this excellent channel growing!

[@richardtc17]

Thanks for helping me get closer to my first DIY ebike!

[@arifismail6611]

Good sharing sir. I know nothing about batteries and electrical stuff, after finish reading your DIY lithium batteries book, it helps me understand lots of things. I guess i would buy all your books collection

[@duncanswave]

Great channel I just finished 1500w mountain Bike conversion super happy with it ,and could not have done it without your channels help cheers mate !!

[@shaunmiller5170]

Is a 13amp battery ok for 1500w mountain bike ?

[@anandsingh8987]

These calculations we tries the same, thank you for supporting the calculations. Now we have only issue how to maintain speed as with battery level going down, the RPM starts degrading.

[@Baddiework]

You could use a step up converter to keep voltage constant?

[@danteadela365]

Thank you for yet another informative video!!! So grateful for this. Be safe man!

[@dansachs5816]

Thank you so much for the education. I have been so confused about batteries and information that I really appreciate your videos.

[@dougjohnson5243]

Thank you for giving these general rule of thumb estimates. I am a big guy getting my first ebike in a few weeks that is equipped with dual batteries, so this will help me estimate when I may leave the second battery at home to save a little weight.

[@lewisgreen5188]

Always interesting and informative vids. Thanks, 76 and still pedaling (with assist)

[@sandracorso]

Awesome video. Can't wait to listen to your other ones and read your books. thanks

[@jrotor3301]

That gives me a good starting point. Thanks Micah!

[@john_hawley]

Congrats on 100k mate!

[@gerrywong295]

Great video as usual thanks for this useful practical information 👍, looking forward to the next one.

[@DrowningPool10]

Well done on your subscriber count - really good channel - can't wait till next video

[@robertmccaleb9563]

I'm Learning so mutch from you.i thank you so so mutch. I'm fixing to get ME well a walmart bike. And build my very first ebike. It's you along with others I see here on KZbin that inspires me and gives me the knowledge to do. Thank you so mutch.

[@IAMSatisfied]

Thanks, Micah... this was a very informative video on the topic of battery selection.

[@Mowch]

thanks for the lesson! Nice to know about it, i just bought one e-bike...waiting it to come!

[@gloombastic]

As usual I always learn something new!

[@judegray1960]

Hey bro, love your vids, they're super helpful!

[@MotoScoutOut]

Congrats on the channel growth!

[@berg8970]

I love your videos, I'm learning so much from you.

[@hippie-io7225]

Thank you for all your awesome information! I so appreciate that you no longer use that annoying background music while you talk.

[@drakeorion94]

I always look forward to your informational videos

[@jamesquigley8628]

Thanks Micah. It was helpful for my next build. Be Well, JDQ.

[@florianm1234]

Excellent ! Thank you so much for this very important information!

[@ajithpremasiri8097]

Very informative in selecting battery strength. I enjoy your videos.

[@bradleymorgan8223]

I'm building my own battery, thanks to your guides 😉 i've prioritized power delivery and reasonable weight. I have 80 samsung 30T cells, in a 20s4p configuration. Up to 140A continuous, 72V nominal, 12,000mAh. Not the greatest range, i'm expecting 12 miles or so, but the bike will be very fast.

[@onetailgunner]

Good luck with that battery caps are stainless . Solder won't stick with a solder iron . Learn how to weld !

[@bradleymorgan8223]

@@onetailgunner all the cells are spot welded, yes.

[@peterbahor3066]

Thank you you video was very helpful giving some parameters for looking for battery selection!

[@rfwillett2424]

I have a small 384 Wh RC lipo pack I use when I'm trail riding in the hills, or when I go shopping etc, it's light and compact enough that I carry it in a small backpack. I have another 1000 Wh pack I mount on the bike for long rides, mostly I use he small pack.

[@STIZEN9]

you speak very well, and your a great teacher..your so easy to understand, thanks bro.

[@badgeofhonour]

Thanks for the calculations, keep safe..

[@ahsimiksnabac6576]

well done mate, good info, excellent delivery, keep up the good werk!

[@duaneeickhoff288]

Very helpful, clear explanations, thanks!

[@tonywest1486]

I would love one of your books . Love the channel ! Your awesome 😎

[@proteored1]

Hi Micah - Thanks for this video, very useful to help figure out the battery size needed. Did you ever get those parts for your budget $182 project? Looking forward to that one.

[@dimamanzano]

My new battery is unitpackpower triangle 52v 28ah samsung 35e cell and it's amazing. With bafang bbshd and 3 inch tyre I get around 45 miles with full throttle. I wouldn't consider a smaller battery unless I have to fit it in a dual suspension bike frame.

[@rossconverse9067]

Thanks! This information was just what I was looking for, subscribed. Ross

[@jaynonymous7475]

Hi Micah, just wanted to say that I've been watching your videos for years and I appreciate you so much. Have you ever covered sizing spoke lenghts? I'm trying to build a Schwinn Stingray with a hub motor and I have no clue how to start with the 20" wheel

[@EDBPVIDEO]

Great info for the new eBike buyer who wants to know whether they may need a spare battery

[@david-johnmonney5230]

You don't want to discharge your battery too low so you should add a margin. Usually the ESC's already include a small margin to prevent battery life.

[@bradleywahl6821]

I got the e version of your battery book, it's been very helpful. You could have more illustrations for clarity though.

[@ts8538]

Thanks for all the helpful information.

[@DanEDragons]

These are very instructive love the information I am in the process of creating a fat tire 48/ 1500 AWD ebike. Thanks for all the great knowledge.

[@eBikeaholic]

Nice, sounds like a fun build!

[@v4v777]

Same here... waiting for the stuff now to arrive from Ali-express.

[@bijikuriakose8441]

Nice video. You are a really a good Ebike teacher.

[@frogmandave1]

Great video! Very helpful information.

[@johnmccay6691]

Well I just purchased a battery that's way to big but I already knew that. Great info this question always comes up in the group's

[@remixread]

I run a 26 inch fat tire bike with 2 hub motors and 2 batteries 36v 12 ah. I run pedal assist all the way cranking out pretty fast except for throttling down hill. I am 6ft 250lbs and get a really good 10 mile round trip work out with both batteries at about 40% full when I return. I can’t imagine ever going back to a regular mountain bike again. BTW; The DIY lithium battery book is worth getting just for the diagrams. Thanks

[@tisdlanor]

Great info, thank you!

[@Mr406Galaxie]

I always watch your videos to the end :-)

[@clerissonmesquita]

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.

[@davidpeters5134]

Thanks Micah. Great information.

[@johnburrows7938]

Very clear, nice presentation, a plus for you...

[@davidburke7240]

I appreciate these baseline numbers to understand kw/hr usage. Do they change significantly from a R&M Supercharger vs Specialized Como 5.0-or trail vs commuter bike?

[@sagardeswal6465]

Thanks a lot man! I'm planning a long range ebike, with like 150km range or so, on throttle at 40kmph , these calculations will definitely help me a lot! I'll be making a custom battery with 500 18650 cells 20s25p rated at 2900mah each. :) I plan on doing long road trips with it to hill stations around 300km away from where I live. Batteries are rated 3C, so even a 1C charging should charge it within an hour, when we stop for food or something

[@Tomas-ml9nv]

Post a video of it when your done. Would like to see.

[@DavidWischnewski]

Good information. Thank you for the great video.

[@JohnnyRocketEUC]

Great, helpful info!

[@bobbyfinn5406]

Always worth my time! Keep it up.

[@dustman96]

Great overview. My experience has been similar, my numbers are in agreement. A few things to add about battery size, or more specifically why I believe it is important to oversize your battery: -Range anxiety... Range anxiety is a very real thing with electric vehicles, it really takes away from the very enjoyable experience of whizzing about on your ebike. Getting stuck far away from your destination without power sucks donkeys, trust me. -You don't have to recharge every day, or after every ride. Even though it is simple to hook up your charger it can become annoying to do all the time. -You never have to pedal to get somewhere if you don't feel like it. You don't have to worry about riding efficiently, you can haul ass. Nice to be able to do that if you are late for work for instance. -Life expectancy of your battery. The more power you pull from your battery relative to it's output capability the more stress you put on it, reducing it's overall lifetime. A larger battery also allows you to not fully charge or discharge your battery(very important for li-ion batteries), which could potentially more than double the life expectancy. -Higher power output for longer periods of time. Your battery voltage drops as the battery discharges, with a larger battery you can spend longer in the higher voltage range(haul ass for longer). This is also better for the motor, motors heat up more at low voltages at a given power output. -Less voltage drop. Voltage drop sucks. -You can upgrade to a more powerful motor without having to upgrade your battery(assuming the new motor operates at a similar voltage). This all adds up to more enjoyment and pretty significant long term savings. The only downsides are greater up front cost and added weight. But even if you double the battery weight it's a pretty insignificant increase in overall weight compared to the weight of the bike and rider. Let's say you got from a 48 volt 10 amp hour battery to a 48 volt 20 amp hour battery, double the range with about a 6 lb increase in weight, low and centered on the bike, barely noticeable. Let's say the rider and bike weigh 200 lbs, a 6 lb increase would be 3%. I'm sure I missed a couple points, but do I even need to go on?

[@thebootfitter]

Good comments! I agree that bigger is always better (Unless space and weight are a concern).

[@eBikeaholic]

Agreed! I think we're going to start seeing more dual pack setups with one large integrated and a removable smaller one. The main reason for a larger pack for me is their ability to better handle the higher voltage sag when pulling 1500+ watts, but too large and you're just carrying dead weight.

[@dustman96]

I almost forgot the most important point. If you plan for a certain mileage capability then over time the capacity of the battery will drop off. It will drop to 80% more or less after 500 to 1000 full cycles, depending on how you treat it. If you oversize your battery it will do what you need it to do for WAY longer. If you double your battery capacity it could maintain a usable capacity practically forever. That's assuming a quality pack. And for the uninitiated, lead acid batteries are a horrible choice for ebikes. My first one was with 4 lead acid and they didn't last long and was dangerously heavy.

[@michaelpicozzi3910]

Really good comment

[@bimble4715]

Range anxiety is a thing and I experienced it quite a bit in my first EV but my eBike has pedals so at least I can still keep going :)

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

Based on the Grintech ebike simulator, and some nominal values, I was able to get a VERY GENERALIZED NOT ENTIRELY ACCURATE, but general battery energy usage per mile estimation for Hub Motor ebikes. Without throttle assist, on FLAT GROUND, meaning no inclines or declines, in no traffic: 25wh per mile at 20mph, 32wh per mile at 25mph, 45wh per mile at 30mph, and 60wh per mile at 35miles an hour.

[@MrTimmmers]

Interesting, I'm thinking of swapping the 500w hub motor for a 750w of same hub. Working out the pros and cons.

[@microdocs8989]

Last few lines were lovely

[@yunangwong9889]

Thanks for your presentation

[@Random_How-tos]

Thanks for the video it helped me a lot.

[@elliottlabonte3631]

Second on the motorcycle conversion question. Any new news? Thanks for the info. Love the DIY lithium battery book.

[@FilterYT]

Great advice, thank you.

[@M.A.R.S.]

Bro we share the same name and this is exactly what kind of video I needed. Thanks so much!

[@KjellKarlsson1]

Hi! Really good channel! I saw that you used the Swytch-kit on you bike in the video. I was thinking of getting that but I have between 11-13km single way to work. Can't decide between the ECO (180wh) or Pro (250wh) or maybe something else, it seems that if I get a conversion kit and fix it myself I will get a bigger battery that is cheaper but it's easier to take the Swytch kit with you if you pop into a store. How would you rate the Swytch? Great video, thanks! Edit: Would you say 35 km is correct? With you calculations is more like 20km

[@twokosher]

Thanks, I am learning a lot,

[@dshieh4vids]

It would be helpful to share with us how you determine your 25Wh/mi and 15Wh/mi numbers. That way we can do that for ourselves and be more accurate in determining our own battery capacity needs.

[@PNWeBike]

What I've done is have my bike display battery voltage instead of percentage (which can be horribly inaccurate). I record my starting voltage, and my ending voltage after the ride. I then use a voltage chart for my battery type (52v) to determine the amount of charge consumed on the ride, then knowing the capacity of the battery (17Ah in my case) I can take 52v x 17Ah to arrive at 884Wh potential. Using the starting and ending voltages I can determine what percentage of that was used, lets say 17%, and knowing the distance I rode, lets say 10 miles, I can determine that 17% of 884Wh = 150Wh and 150Wh / 10 Miles = 15Wh/mile.

[@e-bikerbulgaria]

Never enough battery if are a leisure rider. I regular ride 100km+ all on throttle and love my DIY 21s 18p or 60+Ah. Thanks to DIY Lithium Batteries, that was able to build that monster pack. Thanks again Micah.

[@ATARI-DAVE-73]

21s ? is that 76v? dam, what was the weight of it?

[@e-bikerbulgaria]

FatAss David Yeah 75.6v=3.6 x18. I’ve never put pack on the scales does what I want it to do, go far and at reasonable speed.

[@troybird6298]

Thanks love the video. Very informative

[@momcl8276]

Great info. Thank you

[@biscuitsalive]

I’m finding a 500wh batt is fine for me, I ride for fun around steep hills and muddy UK conditions. And often ride around 20miles for about 2 hours (or a bit less). I do get a work out with those numbers (due to more extreme off road conditions I ride) So I would deff want a bigger batt if I wanted a lazy day.

[@dreamkiss4u]

would love to see you build a belt driven ebike.

[@johnlewis6880]

Helpful video, thanks. It would also be helpful to know what percentage of discharge optimizes the number of watt hours someone could get out of a battery its lifetime. On my sailboat the sweet spot for AGM batteries turned out to be between 50 and 80% of the capacity of the bank. discharging the batteries below 50% lowered the number of watt hours ovee the life of the battery. over 80% got into the realm of diminishing returns on the charging system (diesel engine). But ebike batteries my not behave the same way. Would it be better to have a much larger batter and discharge it less between charges? Would that be more economical in the long run?

[@crisdeancnoc2969]

Hi Micah, any chance you could do a piece on connecting 2 batteries in parallel using a setup to balance the batteries. Presumably the batteries would need to be the same voltage but this setup would allow different AmpHrs to be connected, remain balanced and improve capacity. Many thanks.

[@jeffholmes9483]

Very good information! I have a 14 Ah battery and it works well for me. I normally ride about 20 miles at a time and have some good sized hills. My voltage drops from 42 volts to about 37 volts by the end of the ride. I'm not sure is that is typical or not.

[@Nitecrow314]

That is about right.

[@davidhodgson977]

14S/5p with a 50amp bms and LG MJ1 cells is fine for me will have to work out the watt hours.

[@harmonic75]

I would love to check out the books. Have you done a video on how to get into the hobby for the beginner that doesn't know where to start?

[@MLFranklin]

Very logical. Thanks for doing this.

[@bikecultureletusride]

Good info, keep it up!

[@orgillmathew]

Love your vlogs 🇦🇺

[@edwardmaney6995]

Good info as usual. Thanks.

[@johnzudans7724]

Good video I’m 250 lbs, riding on flat ground, over the first 300 miles I have averaged 3o miles per charge. I have not tried throttle only on my Lectric xp, but based on your video I should expect to get 15 miles on throttle only. I’m also doing mostly pas 2 with some minor pas 3. Does that sound right to you?

[@WheelOpinions]

Cool channel, looking forward to more great videos

[@p_tatt_datdude201]

You are a big help im learning alot from you