Have you ever been impressed by an electric bike boasting a “100 km range”? Or thought that a 72V battery must be more powerful than a 48V one, or that a 20Ah battery definitely lasts longer than a 12Ah? But when it comes to the actual range or why the power feels stronger, you might not know the reasons behind it. You're not alone—many people don't understand what battery specs like voltage, Ah, and Wh really mean for an electric bike. This article will clear up those questions for you.
What Do V, Ah, and Wh Mean for Electric Bike Batteries
Let's start with some basic concepts so you can better understand how these parameters relate to each other.
Voltage (V) is like the “pressure” the battery delivers to the motor. Simply put, the higher the voltage, the stronger the motor's push, making pedaling easier, and giving you quicker starts and acceleration. For example, on the same 10-degree hill, riding a 36V e-bike might require 50% more effort compared to a 48V one. But remember, higher voltage doesn't always mean longer range.
Amp Hours (Ah) refers to the battery's ability to store electric charge. Ah stands for ampere-hours, which indicates how many amps (A) the battery can supply over a certain number of hours (h). For example, a 20Ah battery can deliver 20 amps for 1 hour, or 1 amp for 20 hours. The current output depends on the motor's power demand and how intensely you're riding. If you're riding on flat terrain with low assistance, the motor might only draw about 5 amps, meaning a 20Ah battery could theoretically last around 4 hours. But if you’re climbing hills or riding at high speed, the motor might pull 20 amps, reducing your range to about 1 hour.
Watt-Hours (Wh) combines voltage and capacity to tell you the total usable energy in the battery. It's the product of volts and amp-hours, representing the total watt-hours the battery can release. Think of voltage as water pressure and capacity as the size of the tank. A bigger tank with higher pressure means more water flow, just like higher Wh means more energy and longer riding distance.
Voltage (V) is like the pressure pushing power to the motor—higher voltage means stronger motor power and easier pedaling. Amp Hours (Ah) measure how much electricity the battery can store, indicating how long it can supply current depending on riding conditions. Watt-Hours (Wh) combine voltage and capacity to show the total energy available, which ultimately determines how far you can ride on a full charge.
What do these parameters together determine
What controls quicker starts and acceleration? The strength of the power mainly depends on voltage. The higher the voltage, the stronger the motor's push, making starts and acceleration feel more powerful. As we mentioned earlier, a 72V battery delivers stronger torque and makes climbing hills easier, while a 48V system provides less push, meaning you'll need to pedal harder. Capacity affects range but has little impact on immediate power output.
What determines the riding range? Range mainly depends on the battery's total energy (Wh), which is a combination of voltage and capacity. A higher capacity means the battery can store more energy; a higher voltage means each amp of current carries more power. Together, these factors determine how far you can ride on a full charge. Of course, the actual range also varies with riding style, terrain, and assist level.
How do they work together? Voltage and capacity don't work in isolation—only by combining both can you get a true picture of battery performance. High voltage provides strong power, high capacity delivers longer range, and watt-hours (Wh) act as the “report card” that reflects the battery's total energy storage.
How to Choose the Right Electric Bike Based on Battery Specs
When buying an electric bike, now that you understand the meaning of these battery parameters, it can help you not feel confused when making a choice, but first, ask yourself: What is your main riding need? And choose according to your riding habits and the comprehensive performance of the electric bike to find a bike that is really suitable for you.
For short trips and mostly flat roads Fiido offers several city electric bikes designed for light, urban riding. The Fiido C11 Pro city e-bike is a great option, featuring a sturdy aluminum frame and an efficient front hydraulic suspension for a comfortable, stable ride. Its 48V battery provides enough power to make starts and acceleration smooth, with noticeable pedal assist—perfect for flat urban commutes. With a 499.2Wh battery capacity and efficient motor use, it can support up to about 104 km of range, enough for daily commuting and short trips without frequent charging.
Fiido C11 Pro City E-bike
A powerhouse with a 400 km range and 4-piston brakes, ideal for hunting and fishing trips.
Reminder: Prices are subject to the product detail page ,some earlier card details may have been updated.
For long-distance commuting The Fiido L3 mini electric bike targets those needing long-range and portability. It combines a durable aluminum frame with front suspension for a balance of comfort and lightness. Equipped with a 48V battery and a high capacity of 1113.6Wh, this bike has ample energy storage. Its electric assist range can reach up to around 200 km—well beyond typical city bikes—making it suitable for longer rides or riders wanting to minimize charging stops.
Fiido L3 Long Range Electric Bike
Longest Range Folding Electric Bike under €1000
Reminder: Prices are subject to the product detail page ,some earlier card details may have been updated.
For frequent hill climbing or heavy loads The Fiido Titan Robust Cargo e-bike is built for all-terrain and off-road use, featuring wide 26” x 4.0” fat tires and a robust aluminum frame to ensure stability and durability on rough surfaces. Its front hydraulic suspension fork with 60mm travel smooths out bumps, improving off-road comfort.The Titan comes equipped with a 48V, 696Wh battery, offering a range of up to 115 km on a single charge. It also supports up to three batteries, extending the pedal-assist range to an impressive 347 km. With a payload capacity of up to 200 kg, it's an ideal choice for long-distance touring, multi-day rides, or tackling demanding routes.
Fiido Titan Robust Cargo Electric Bike
A powerhouse with a 347 km range and 4-piston brakes, ideal for hunting and fishing trips.
Reminder: Prices are subject to the product detail page ,some earlier card details may have been updated.
Summary
By understanding the relationship between voltage, capacity, and watt-hours, you can evaluate electric bike batteries more rationally. Voltage determines power strength, capacity affects range, and their product—watt-hours—reflects total energy stored. Knowing this helps you avoid getting confused by multiple specs and choose a bike that truly meets your needs.
If you want to learn more about battery lifespan and maintenance tips, check out our guide: “The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Electric Bike Battery” to help you extend battery life and keep it performing at its best.
