Do you think that the electric cargo bikes is worth it? If so, then this blog post will be right up your alley! We are going to talk about what an cargo ebike is and how it can help you. Then we will discuss the battery, which is one of the most important parts of this cargo e-bike. So if you want to find out more about these two things, keep reading!
It’s now possible to have almost anything delivered to our doorstep. This increasing demand results in more delivery vehicles on the road, worsening traffic congestion and, depending on the type of vehicle, negatively impacting air quality and noise pollution.
Bicycles, and in particular cargo and e cargo bikes, are a great alternative to petrol and diesel transportation, and one that is increasingly being used by both individuals and commercial organizations. A cargo e-bike is not a normal bike but electric bikes that have been specifically designed to carry a load, and an e-cargo bike is simply a cargo bike with the addition of an electric motor.
Most importantly, best electric cargo bikes have zero tail pipe emissions. This means when conventional petrol and diesel vehicles are replaced with bicycles, cargo bike and e bike, there is no negative contribution to air pollution.
When looking at cost, e bike can also make good financial sense. There is a significantly lower upfront cost compared to conventional bike, cars and vans, and as electricity is cheaper to buy than petrol and diesel, cargo e-bikes have far lower running costs too. Insurance, maintenance and repair costs also all come up significantly cheaper.
Cargo and cargo ebikes also take up less road space than conventional vans and other cargo bikes which eases congestion while increasing their efficiency and cargo capacity. They can take shorter, faster routes by using cycle and bus lanes, being wheeled through pedestrianized areas, or moving through standstill traffic integrated lights. Additionally, their small size and carrying heavy loads means that they can be parked closer to destinations so deliveries can be made more quickly.
Finally, the use of bunch bikes and e-cargo bikes can contribute to a healthier, happier workforce. The physical activity of using a bike is beneficial for rider health, with some companies even reporting that their e-cargo box bike riders take less sick leave than other drivers.
What’s an e-cargo bike?
An e-cargo bike (also known as an electric cargo bike) is an electrically assisted bicycle, tricycle or quadricycle with a purpose-built cargo carrying capacity with rear racks. The bikes come in many different shapes and storage space and can be used to transport a variety of heavy loads such as food, parcels or heavy goods.
Why choose an e-cargo bike?
e-Cargo bikes are an efficient method for transporting cargo and making last-mile deliveries in a smooth ride manner. There are numerous advantages to making the switch, including lower upfront costs, reduced congestion, bike balanced, a happier workforce and cleaner, healthier air.
Benefits of using an e-cargo bike?
There are many advantages to using an e-cargo bike when compared to conventional petrol or diesel car or van. These include:
- zero emissions
- reduced congestion
- faster deliveries
- lower running costs
- lower purchase costs
- exemption from low emission zone and clear air zone charges
- a healthier and happier workforce
How much money can I save by using an e-cargo bike?
E-cargo bikes have low running costs and can be much cheaper to run in comparison to vans. The average annual running cost of a small diesel van is £6,169, whereas the average annual running cost for e-cargo bikes is only £295.[1]
For fleets, e-cargo bikes may be a very economically efficient solution. For instance, a simulation of DHL deliveries in Berlin using e-cargo bikes showed a potential cost reduction of 29% and an emissions reduction of 22% reduction in emissions.[2]
Note that the actual amount you may save using an e-cargo bike will depend on multiple factors, such as your average mileage and frequency of use.
How many types of e-cargo bikes are there?
There are a huge variety of e-cargo bike models. These can broadly be grouped into three main categories:
- two-wheel bicycles
- three-wheel tricycles
- four-wheel quadricycles
- Additionally, there are also electrically assisted trailers which can be attached to standard bikes or e-cargo bikes.
How much can an e-cargo bike carry?
Two-wheel models are typically able to transport up to 100kg. Three or four wheeled models are typically able to transport up to 250kg.[1] This is the equivalent of roughly 80 bottles of wine for the two-wheel models and up to 200 bottles of wine for the three or four-wheel models.
Detailed information (such as volume capacity) can usually be found on the manufacturer’s websites.
What can e-cargo bikes be used for ?
E-cargo bikes can be employed for a wide variety of uses, such as: delivering packages, street cleaning, park maintenance, courier services, food deliveries, trade waste collection and in last mile hubs.
In the UK, some local authorities have already begun to use e-cargo bikes for internal mail distribution, transferring books between council-run libraries, delivering parking permits and as a mobile information point.
What is a last mile hub?
The ‘last mile’ refers to the movement of goods from a supplier or an out-of-town warehouse to the final delivery address, such as offices and homes. A ‘last mile hub’ is a hub located outside a city centre where heavy goods vehicles (such as lorries) deposit cargo. This is then transferred to smaller vehicles (such as e-cargo bikes) which deliver the cargo to the final destination.
Which e-cargo bike should I get?
The best e-cargo bike model for you depends on your needs and what the intended use of the bike is. You will need to consider what cargo you would be carrying as well as the environment the bike would be used in. Speaking to an e-cargo bike retailer, manufacturer or importer could help you to identify the right bike for your requirements.
How do you charge an e-cargo bike?
E-cargo bike batteries are detachable and come with a charger which can be plugged into the mains electricity network via a typical three-pin socket.
The time it takes for a battery to charge depends on the size and type of battery, but typically can take between 3.5 to 5 hours to charge fully. A single charge can typically allow for up to 50 miles of travel.
Batteries are generally small and can easily be changed out. Therefore, carrying spare batteries can allow a bike to travel longer distances than a single battery would allow.
Things to look out for before choosing a Lithium-ion Battery for your e-cargo bikes
In choosing a lithium battery for your electric cargo bike, you need to consider the voltage and ampere ratings. This is important as it determines the range, durability, and power input of your battery.
Volts and amperes ratings are the two major talking points when choosing the right battery for your electric cargo bike. You should know that selecting the wrong voltage/ampere rating can damage your e-cargo bike or cause a fire outburst.
Voltage
Every electric cargo bike has a unique input volt range. This means you can only power your electric bike with the exact voltage required to power it. You should not power your electric cargo bike with a battery with a voltage that is more or less than the recommended range. This is necessary to avoid complications.
Using a battery with lesser voltage means you will not have enough motor power to significantly run your ecargo bike’s hub motor system. However, using a higher voltage can damage the sensitive electrical parts of the hub motor system. Most electric cargo big bike accept nominal voltages – 36 volts or 48 volts. Generally, electric cargo bikes come outfitted with a 18650 cell.
Lithium cobalt battery cells can hold up to 4.3v with a full charge and about 3.1v after discharging.
For example; if your e-cargo bike has a lithium manganese cell, with a rating of 49volts and 13 cell clusters. Each cluster has an average voltage of 3.8v.
Here is how to calculate the average voltage of your battery;
3.8volts x 13 cells = 49.4volts or 49V average.
However, after a full charge; this “49v” average battery will hold 4.3v * 13 cells = 55.9volts.
As you discharge the battery, it will reduce every cell to 3.1v from 4.3v – minimum volts of 3.1v * 13 = 40.3v.
This average voltage range will help you determine if this battery is compatible with your e-cargo bike. Voltages are converted to speed on your electric cargo bike. If you choose a battery with higher voltage ratings within the motor limit, all things being equal, you’ll reach new top speeds.
Amperes
Amperes are virtually the measure of the flow of current at a specific voltage. In reality, the amperes are a measure of your e-cargo bike’s torque. With more available amperes for your electric cargo bike’s motor system, one thing is sure, more torque.
So, with your 49v 13Ah battery, your electric bike can peak at 68A with a continuous draw of 45A.
However, most motor systems can only pull as much current as they need. Therefore, choosing a battery with a high current output will not damage your electric bike’s motor.
This means if volts are the “speed” in your e-cargo bike, amperes are how fast your electric cargo bike’s battery can deliver this speed. More volts naturally give more speed. Also, a higher amperage rating means more speed per second or hour. This means the power you get from your electric cargo bike battery will determine your torque.
To sum it all
Choosing the best type of Lithium-ion battery for your electric cargo bike can be complicated. However, lithium cobalt is outstanding, and it offers higher energy density than others. This doesn’t mean other types of Li-ion batteries are bad for your electric cargo bike.
Lithium manganese batteries are more ecologically friendly and safer. Lithium manganese also offers a higher cell voltage than lithium cobalt batteries. However, the energy density of lithium manganese is 20% less than that of lithium cobalt batteries.
Finally, lithium manganese also has extra advantages in terms of lithium-ion chemistry – including higher temperature performance and lower cost. Also, your budget is a big determinant of the kind of Li-ion battery you will buy.
Choosing the best type of battery for your e-cargo bike is essential. It’s the only way that you will be able to enjoy using your e-cargo bike without any hiccups. We are available to answer any questions that you may have about electric bike batteries. contact us if you have any doubts.
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