Searching for an electric bike is like searching for a candy standing in a candy store. There are simply too many options. Sooner than later, you will be overwhelmed. Rather than considering every specification of an electric bike while buying one, it is a good idea to look at the battery it has on offer. The battery is the heart of the electric bike, which is why it is essential.
Primarily, you will find electric bikes offering 36V or 48V electric batteries.
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Difference Between 36V and 48V Ebikes
Today, we will compare 36V vs 48V electric bikes to help you understand which one is better.
Range
Ultimately, the battery’s job is to provide a higher range to the electric bike. That is why when you’re comparing the batteries, it is a good idea to look at the range.
In terms of range, a 48v bike is a better choice. The reason for the same is because it can provide more power to your bike. More power ensures that the bike can travel a longer distance with the same charge.
If you have to choose purely based on range, 48v electric bike should be your choice.
 | VELOWAVE Electric Bike - 26'' Fat Tire, 48V 15Ah, 750W If it is important to you to get a lot of energy out of your e-bike battery over long distances, opt for the 48-volt battery. |
Weight
The problem is, single consideration will not help you choose the right bike. While the 48V battery might offer a greater range but the weight of the battery is also on the higher side.
If you’re using the bike in completely electric mode and not paddling it at all, you won’t have to worry about putting in a lot of effort to move ahead of your bike. However, there is another way in which the weight of a bike can affect the ride quality.
Whether using the electric-assisted mode or the completely electric mode, you have to maneuver the bike. Sharp turns are a common occurrence when going on trails. This is where the weight of the bike matters.
The heavier 48 V electric bike might not offer you sharp turns. The quality of control might not be impeccable either.
This is where the 36 V electric bike shines.
 | TotGuard 26" Electric Bike - 36V 10.4Ah, 350W If your priorities are low weight, speed, and a low price, then opt for the 36-volt e-bike. |
Simply put the weight of the battery of such a bike is on the lower side. That is why controlling it is easier. Whether you face a sharp turn or want to accelerate and stop the bike frequently, the weight will not be a hindrance.
In a nutshell, control is better for a 36 V electric bike.
Terrain compatibility
Since we have mentioned trails, you cannot ignore the terrain compatibility of both bikes. Only when you’re sure about that, making the correct buying decision is easy.
On a flat road, the performance of both the bikes will be the same. There will hardly be any difference.
Even during the climb on the trails, 36V electric bike will not disappoint you. It will be able to climb the trail quite easily. However, you cannot match the speed of the 46V electric bike during the climb. Also, the battery of the 36V bike will drain out faster than the 48V electric bike.
Simply put, when you’re dealing with hilly terrain, 48V electric bike is a much better choice. The extra power its battery provides can certainly make a difference in the hilly trails.
If you often negotiate such trails or live in a hilly area, your choice should be the 48V electric bike. On the flip side, if you use your electric bike only in urban areas, you can easily go with the 36V one.
Application
A lot also depends on how you plan to use your electric bike.
You need to ask yourself a few questions to get an idea regarding your usage. These are:
- Why are you buying an electric bike?
- How often are you going to use it?
- What distance do you plan to cover in a single session?
- Which mode of the bike are you more likely to use?
The answer to each of these questions will help you understand which bike is better for you.
For example, if you’re buying a bike for occasional use within the city limits itself, going with a 36 V electric bike is not a bad idea.
On the other hand, if you plan to use your electric bike during the weekends to cover various trails, you have no other option but to go with the 48 V electric bike.
The applications with which both of these bikes are compatible are entirely different keeping this factor in mind, you have to consider your usage and choose between them after that.
Cost
While comparing the 36V vs 48V electric bike, you cannot ignore the cost of the bike.
One thing which is pretty clear is that bikes in both of these categories can be quite sturdy. The construction quality will not be a problem in either of those categories.
However, when you compare the cost you will realize the clear difference. Even if you find bikes in both categories made from the same material, the 48V electric bike will be costlier.
The difference is not minuscule.
We are speaking about at least a 15% markup on the cost of a 36V electric bike. When you take that into account, an electric bike can cost you hundreds of dollars, 15% difference can certainly matter.
The point is the 48V electric bike is certainly more expensive than the 36V. That is why. if you’re just buying a more powerful bike for the sake of it that is not a good idea. In that case, you have to respect your budget, stick to the 36V electric bike, which is cheaper.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a few differences between the 36V electric bike and the 48V one. Unfortunately, there is no clear winner.
Whether you choose the 36V one or the 48V electric bike depends on your usage as well as your budget.
However, once you go through the guide above, you will be aware of the differences between these bikes and which one you should go with.