Electric bikes are a great way to get from point A to point B while staying in good physical condition. Whether you want one for commuting, exercise, or just plain enjoyment, there is no shortage of electric bikes and trikes out on the market. Depending on your needs and budget, you can easily find an e-bike that suits you.
One thing to consider when choosing an electric bike or electric cargo tricycle is the voltage of the battery. The standard voltage for an electric bike is 36V, but there are also bikes with a 48V battery. In this article, we will compare the pros and cons of 36V and 48V electric bikes to help you make the best decision for you.
Differences Between 36v And 48v Electric Bikes
1. Range – A 36V battery can provide about 25% less range than a 48V battery.
2. Power – A 36V motor will have 10-15% lower power than a 48V motor.
3. Voltage Sag – Voltage sag is the decreased amount of voltage under load, and it is much worse on a 36V system compared to a 48V system.
4. Voltage Drop – This is the decrease of voltage from the battery to the motor, and it is much worse with a 36V system compared to a 48V system.
5. Max Amps – The max amps will be about 10% lower on a 36V system compared to a 48V system.
6. Peak Amps – Peak amps are the max amount of amps that can be pulled from a battery. and it is about 5% lower on a 36V system compared to a 48V system.
7. Continuous Amps – The continuous amp rating is the most important amp rating because this is the size wire you want to use for wiring your e-bike. The continuous amps on a 36V system are about 5% lower than a 48V system.
8. Charger – Chargers for 36V systems cost about 10% less than chargers for 48V systems.
9. Thermal Heat Dissipation – A bigger voltage will dissipate heat better, but this isn’t too big of an issue for the average person.
10. Controller Heat Dissipation – A bigger voltage will dissipate heat better, but this isn’t too big of an issue for the average person. Six extra volts are a lot more than four extra volts!
11. Top Speed – 36V systems have about 10% less top speed than 48V systems.
12. Torque – 36V systems have about 10% less torque than 48V systems.
13. Noise Level – Electric bikes or trikes with 36V are a little bit noisier compared to electric bikes with 48V.
14. Price – Electric bike power systems cost more money when they have a higher voltage. For example, a 36V system will cost about 10% more than a 48V system.
15. Weight – A 36V battery will be about 1 -2 lbs heavier than a 48V battery.
16. Frame Size – A 36V system is better for smaller frames. and a 48V system is better for bigger frames.
17. Battery Size – A 36V battery will be about 1 /2 the size of a 48V battery.
18. Throttle Response – The throttle response on a 36V system is a little bit slower than the throttle response on a 48V system.
19. Braking – The regenerative braking on a 36V system is a little bit less than the braking on a 48V system.
20. Motor Efficiency – A 36V motor generates more heat than a 48V motor. and this will impact its efficiency. It’s not as big of an issue as many people would have you believe because there are several different types of 36V & 48V motor designs.
21. Cycle Life – The cycle life of a 36V battery will be about 25% less than the cycle life of a 48V battery.
22. Max Discharge Rate – The max discharge rate for a 36V battery will be about 25% less than the max discharge rate for a 48V battery.
23. Charge Rate – A 36V battery can be charged about 10% more quickly than a 48V battery.
24. Charge Time – A 36V battery will take about 10% more time to charge than a 48V battery.
25. Charger Efficiency – Electric bike chargers are about 5-10% less efficient on a 36V system.
26. Fuse Size – A 36V system will need a slightly smaller fuse than a 48V system.
27. Weight – The total weight of an electric bike with a 36V system will be about 5-10% less than the weight of an ebike or etrike with a 48V system.
28. Range – The range on a 36V system will be about 10-25% less than the range on a 48V system.
29. Hill Climbing Ability – A 36V system is not as good as a 48V system for hill climbing ability.
30. Riding Comfort – A 36V system is not as good as a 48V system for riding comfort.
31. Operating Temperature – A 36V system operates at a slightly higher temperature than a 48V system.
32. E-bike Longevity – A 36V system will have a shorter lifespan than a 48V system.
33. Warranty – The warranty on a 36V system will be about 25% less than the warranty on a 48V system.
34. Cost – A 36V system costs about 10-25% less than a 48V system.
35. Spare Parts Availability – The availability of spare parts for 36V systems is better than the availability of spare parts for 48V systems.
36. E-bike Classes – Many e-bike classes such as European. EPA and CARB only allow up to 36V because of the current limits of lead-acid batteries. If you use a 48V system, it must be for off-road use only.
37. Throttle Type – The best throttle type for a 36V system is a pedal throttle. The best throttle type for a 48 V system is a -twist-grip” throttle.
38. Throttle Lever Sensitivity – A 36V system requires a more sensitive throttle than a 48V system to get the same amount of acceleration.
39. Max Speed – A 36V system is limited to a top speed of about 20 mph. while a 48V system can reach speeds of up to 28 mph.
40. Weight Capacity – A 36V system is limited to a weight capacity of about 250 lbs. while a 48V system can handle weights up to 350 lbs.
Pros & Cons of 36V Electric Bike
Pros & Cons of 48V Electric Bike
Conclusion
If you are the power-hungry, speed & hill climbing type of rider, then 48V electric bikes are for you. If you are looking for economy and practicality over all else, 36V electric bikes are a great option.