How long does it take to charge an e-fat bike?
Do you want to know how long it takes to charge your e-fat bike? Because the average charging time is between 4 and 8 hours, depending on your battery capacity and charger type. That may sound long, but with the right approach, you can plan this effortlessly into your daily routine. In this article you'll read exactly what factors determine charging time, how to charge faster, and what you need to know for business use. This will help you get the most out of your electric fatbike.
What determines the charging time of your e-fat bike?
The charging time of your e-fat bike depends on several factors. First, battery capacity plays a big role. A smaller battery of 400-500Wh will charge faster than a larger one of 720-960Wh. This makes sense, as a larger tank simply takes longer to fill.
The type of charger also makes a lot of difference. Standard chargers usually deliver 2 amps, while fast chargers can deliver up to 4 amps or more. The higher the amperage, the faster your battery will be full. Note, however, that not every battery is suitable for fast charging. So always check your bike's specifications first.
In addition, temperature affects the charging process. In cold temperatures (below 10°C), your battery charges up to 30% slower. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. So in winter, take your battery inside before charging.
Finally, the age of your battery plays a role. Older batteries charge more slowly and gradually lose capacity. After about 500-800 charging cycles, you'll notice your battery's lifespan decreasing. Fortunately, brands like STOER Bikes offer a 2-year warranty on their batteries.
Charging times per battery capacity
To give you a better idea, we list the average charging times. These times are for charging an (almost) empty battery to 100% with a standard 2 amp charger:
| Battery capacity | Charging time to 80% | Charging time to 100% |
|---|---|---|
| 400Wh | 2.5-3 hours | 3.5-4 hours |
| 500Wh | 3-3.5 hours | 4-5 hours |
| 720Wh | 4-5 hours | 6-8 hours |
| 960Wh | 5-6 hours | 7-9 p.m. |
The STOER UrbanX for example, has a 720Wh battery with a charging time of 6-8 hours. With the CargoX cargo bike sits a 960Wh battery, which fully charges in 4-6 hours thanks to a more powerful charger. With a fast charger, you often halve these times.
Can you charge your e-fat bike faster?
Yes, you certainly can. A fast charger is the most obvious option. Fast chargers deliver more amps, filling up your battery in less time. A 4-amp charger cuts charging time in half compared to a 2-amp version.
Yet fast charging is not always the best choice. In fact, regular fast charging can shorten the life of your battery. Lithium-ion cells prefer to charge slowly and evenly. Therefore, use fast charging only when it is really necessary, such as when you need to get back on the road quickly.
Another tip: charge your battery to 80% instead of 100%. This is because it is much faster. The latter 20% takes proportionately longer because the charging process slows down to protect the battery cells. For everyday use, 80% is usually more than sufficient.
Practical tips for faster charging
Want to reduce charging time without buying a new charger? Then follow these tips:
- Charge at room temperature (10-20°C) for best performance
- Start charging before the battery falls below the 20%
- Always use the manufacturer's original charger
- Take the battery out of the bike and charge it inside in the winter
- Charge up to 80% if you are in a hurry, saving an hour or more
Is it safe to charge your e-fat bike at night?
Many riders wonder if they can safely charge their bikes at night. The short answer: yes, you can. In fact, modern e-fat bikes have built-in protection circuits that prevent overcharging. Once the battery is full, the charging process stops automatically.
Still, there are some safety rules to observe. Charge your battery in a well-ventilated area, preferably not in your bedroom. Place the charger and battery away from flammable materials. Check regularly to make sure your charger is not overheating. Is your charger getting so hot you can't touch it? Then it's time for a new one.
The ANWB advises Not to leave your battery on the charger for more than 24 hours. So unplug it as soon as the battery is full. This is better for its life span and safer.
E-fatbike charging for business use
Do you use an e-fatbike for business trips? Then a good charging strategy is essential. After all, you don't want to run out of power halfway through a delivery route. Fortunately, with some planning, you can easily avoid this problem.
Make charging a daily routine. Plug in your bike every night, regardless of charge level. That way you start each workday with a full battery. A 720Wh battery gives you 80-100 kilometers of range, which is more than enough for most city riding.
For companies with multiple e-fatbikes, a charging schedule is helpful. Make a schedule so that all bikes are ready on time. Keep in mind the charging time of 6-8 hours per bike. You can also invest in fast chargers to reduce turnaround time.
What if you don't fully charge?
Don't worry, partial charging is fine for modern lithium-ion batteries. This is because there is no memory effect as with older battery types. You can safely top up your battery from 50% to 80% without causing damage.
In fact, for longevity, it is better to keep your battery between 20% and 80%. Regularly fully discharging or fully charging wears out the battery cells faster. Do adjust your expected range: at 60% charge, you will have about 60% of your normal range.
Do avoid draining your battery completely. Deep discharge (below the 10%) can cause permanent damage. Therefore, start charging as soon as you go below the 20%. This will keep your battery in top condition for years to come.
How much does it cost to charge an e-fat bike?
The cost of charging your e-fat bike is not too bad. At an average electricity price of €0.27 per kWh, you pay between €0.15 and €0.26 per full charge, depending on your battery capacity.
A 720Wh battery costs about €0.19 to charge. So with a range of 80-100 kilometers, you end up with less than half a cent per kilometer. By comparison, a car quickly costs 10-15 cents per kilometer in fuel. This makes your e-fatbike one of the cheapest forms of transportation.
For business users, the cost is even lower if you have solar panels. Do you charge on your own power during the day? Then you ride virtually for free. That makes an e-fatbike an interesting option for sustainable business mobility.
The right way to charge your e-fat bike
Charging your e-fat bike is not complicated, but there are some important steps. Follow this roadmap for a safe and efficient charging process:
- Turn off your bike completely and remove the key from the ignition
- Connect the charger to the battery first, then to the outlet
- Check the indicator light: red means charging, green means full
- Disconnect the charger as soon as the battery is full (or after a maximum of 24 hours)
- Store the charger in a dry, cool place
Always use the original charger that came with your bike. Other chargers may have the wrong voltage and damage your battery. At STOER Bikes you can order a replacement charger If your original one is broken.
Where can you charge your e-fat bike?
Charging at home is most practical. You plug in your bike at the end of the day and it's ready the next morning. Most chargers work on a standard 230V outlet, so you don't need any special installation.
Want to charge on the go? Then there are more and more public charging stations available. You can find charging stations for electric bikes at train stations, at supermarkets and in parking garages. The Fietsersbond has a overview of charging points in the Netherlands.
Charging at the office is also an option. Ask your employer if you can charge the battery. Many companies facilitate this because they want to encourage sustainable commuting. A grounded outlet is sufficient.
When is your battery due for replacement?
Over time, every battery loses capacity. This is normal and unavoidable. But when should you replace your battery? There are some obvious signs.
Notice that your range has decreased significantly? A new battery that reached 100 kilometers but now only lasts 60 kilometers is at the end of its life. The same is true if the charging time has increased dramatically (more than 10-12 hours for a full charge).
Other signs are visible housing damage, swelling, or overheating during charging. In these cases, replace the battery immediately to avoid safety risks. Contact your dealer for a replacement battery.
In normal use, a lithium-ion battery lasts 500-1000 charge cycles. That equates to 3-5 years with daily use. STOER Bikes offers a 2-year warranty on their batteries, assuring you of quality.
Tips for longer battery life
With proper care, your battery will last longer. Here are key tips from our experts:
Store your battery at the proper temperature. Lithium-ion cells do not like extreme cold or heat. Store your battery at room temperature (15-20°C). In winter, take your battery indoors. In summer, don't park your bike in full sun.
Charge regularly, even when not driving. Don't store your bike for a while? Then charge the battery to 50-60% and recharge monthly. A completely dead battery left for a long time can be permanently damaged.
Avoid extreme load levels. As mentioned earlier, it is better to keep your battery between 20% and 80%. Fully discharging or fully charging wears out the cells faster. With this approach, you extend the life by 30-50%.
Use the right charger. The wrong charger can damage your battery. Always use the original charger or a manufacturer-approved alternative. Cheap universal chargers are often not suitable.
Why choose a STOER e-fat bike?
At STOER Bikes, we understand that a reliable battery is essential. That's why we only use high-quality lithium-ion batteries ranging from 720Wh to 960Wh. These batteries offer a range of 80-100 kilometers on a single charge.
Our UrbanX was voted best fatbike of 2024 by the AD Bicycle Test with a score of 8.5. The removable 720Wh battery fully charges in 6-8 hours. You can charge the battery inside the bike or take it out to charge inside.
For business users, the CargoX cargo bike an excellent choice. This German Design Award 2025 winner has a powerful 960Wh battery that charges in 4-6 hours. With 92Nm of torque and a 150kg payload, it is perfect for delivery services and families.
"At STOER Bikes, we develop bikes that are made for everyday use," says co-founder Thomas. "Our Gates CDX belt drive is virtually maintenance-free and lasts 20,000-30,000 kilometers. Combined with our reliable batteries, you have a bike that lasts for years."
Want to experience for yourself how nicely our e-fatbikes ride? Then schedule a test drive at one of our dealers. That way you'll immediately notice how smoothly the pedal assistance works and how comfortable the thick tires are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my e-fatbike battery needs replacement?
Your battery is due for replacement if the range is less than 70% of its original capacity. Also, if the charging time exceeds 10-12 hours, this is a clear sign. Visible damage, swelling or overheating while charging are reason to replace immediately.
Can I charge my e-fatbike at different outlets?
Yes, all standard grounded 230V outlets are suitable. At the office, with friends or on vacation, you can simply charge your bike. Just make sure the outlet works properly and is not overloaded by other devices.
What should I do if my battery stops charging?
First check that the charger is connected properly and the outlet is working. Remove the battery from the bike and reinsert it. Still not working? Then try another charger. If the problem persists, contact your dealer for a diagnosis.
Is it safe to charge my e-fat bike at night?
Yes, modern e-fatbikes have protection circuits against overcharging. Do ensure good ventilation around the charger, charge at room temperature and always use the original charger. Check regularly that the charger does not overheat.
How much does it cost to fully charge an e-fatbike battery?
It costs between €0.15 and €0.26 per full charge, depending on your battery capacity and power price. A 720Wh battery costs about €0.19 to charge at a power price of €0.27 per kWh. That makes electric biking very inexpensive.
Can I bring the battery of my e-fat bike inside?
Yes, most e-fatbike batteries are removable and you can charge separately inside. This is useful in winter or if you don't have a power outlet near your bike. Be careful when lifting as the battery usually weighs 3-4 kg.