Currently, lead-acid batteries are the most common power source for electric bicycles. The quality of the battery directly affects the normal operation of the electric bicycle, so how to choose a battery has become the most important thing for every consumer.
In the electric bicycle market, the most commonly used lead-acid maintenance-free batteries are AGM type batteries that use glass fiber separator adsorption technology. In addition, there are GEL type gel batteries that use gel electrolyte technology.
AGM batteries have the advantages of low cost and high discharge current, but they have drawbacks such as narrow operating temperature range, easy water loss and thermal runaway; while GEL batteries have high cost, but they have advantages such as stable performance, wide operating temperature range, resistance to overcharge and over-discharge, and long life.
Since electric bicycle batteries mostly involve high-current, deep-cycle discharge, gel batteries are more suitable. Gel batteries have extremely strong over-discharge resistance and excellent electrolyte retention, avoiding the effects of over-discharge on the battery and preventing thermal runaway caused by water loss.
While the charging characteristics of lead-acid batteries from various brands are basically the same, their charging voltages also vary due to differences in battery material formulations, electrolyte concentrations and contents among manufacturers. Therefore, strictly speaking, the charging voltage scheme should be determined according to the specific requirements given by each battery manufacturer; otherwise, improper use of the battery may occur.
The output power of an electric bicycle motor must match the rated power of the battery. Therefore, to extend the battery's lifespan, the motor power of the electric bicycle should be as low as possible compared to the battery's rated power, and the battery should not be operated under full load or overload conditions for extended periods.
