Powered by rechargeable batteries, electric bikes have a motor and vary in their range and speed. Also known as e-bikes, they provide a gasoline-free method of travel through power-assisted pedaling. Lithium-ion, or li-ion, batteries are the most common type of battery in electric bikes, at time of publication. Lighter, more efficient and smaller than nickel-metal-hydride and nickel-cadmium, the one big downside of these batteries is the cost of production. These batteries power everything from laptops to cell phones and digital cameras along with electric bikes.
Output
Lithium-ion batteries operate at a higher voltage than other types of rechargeable batteries, so you don't need as many cells to generate the same amount of power. Single-cell lithium-ion batteries operate at 3.6 or 3.7 volts, outperforming most other battery types that operate at 1.2 volts. Once a lithium-ion battery is charged, it maintains its charge for longer than other types of batteries. Other batteries lose a small percentage of their charge daily, even when not in use. A lithium-ion battery in storage will retain its charge for months.
Weight
Lithium is the metal with the lowest density, making lithium-ion batteries both smaller and lighter than other types of batteries. In an electric bike, added weight slows down a bike and makes it more difficult to pedal without the electric assist. This means that bikes with lithium-ion batteries are easier to transport, work better without the power-assist and expend less energy climbing hills.
Complexity
Overcharging or undercharging the battery can damage lithium-ion batteries, which come equipped with special circuitry to protect them from damage. Specialized chargers ensure that these more fragile batteries receives the correct amount of charge. Like all rechargeable batteries, the efficiency of a lithium-ion battery reduces over time, and they often stop working after a few years. Store them at a temperate below 60 F to prolong their life.
Cost
Cost is a major disadvantage with lithium-ion batteries.Their high price tag results from a more difficult manufacturing process and the fact that they are produced in smaller batches than other types of batteries. The complex circuitry and chargers also raise costs. They don't come in standard sizes, so you must purchase a specialized charger that fits your specific battery.
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