All about charging capacity of electric cargo bikes
The charging capacity of electric cargo bikes depends on several factors such as battery size, weight and usage. Most modern electric cargo bikes have a battery capacity between 400-700 watt hours (Wh), but high-end models such as the STOER CargoX have a 960Wh battery that can travel 60-80 kilometers on a single charge. Charging time ranges from 3-8 hours, depending on the battery cargo bike specifications and the type of charger you use.
At STOER Bikes from Aalsmeer, we only use high-quality 48V lithium-ion batteries that perfectly suit the needs of modern families and entrepreneurs. That's why our UrbanX and CityX models have a 720Wh battery with 60-140 km range, while the CargoX is equipped with a powerful 960Wh battery especially for heavy loads.
Want to know more? Then read our blog about fatbike battery and everything you need to know for comprehensive information on battery technology and maintenance.
How many watt hours does an electric cargo bike require?
An average electric cargo bike needs a battery of 500-600 watt hours for daily use. This gives you enough energy for about 50-70 kilometers of riding under normal conditions. Smaller models often start at 400 Wh, while heavier cargo bikes can go up to 960 Wh, such as the STOER CargoX.
The watt-hour bakfiets capacity determines how much energy your battery can store. A 500 Wh battery means you can theoretically use 500 watts for one hour, or 250 watts for two hours. In practice, you use an average of 10-15 Wh per kilometer, depending on factors such as weight, wind and terrain.
For families carrying children or running errands daily, a battery of at least 500 Wh is recommended. This gives you enough reserve for unexpected detours or extra weight in the box. The STOER CargoX with 960Wh battery offers extra security at full load up to 150 kg. If you ride longer distances, consider models such as the UrbanX or CityX with 720Wh and a range of up to 140 km.
A big advantage of STOER Bikes is that all batteries are removable. This means that you can easily remove the battery from the bike to recharge indoors, which is especially convenient if you don't have an electrical outlet at your storage spot.
Laurens' tip: Smarter battery management means longer fun
Many people think they should always ride their battery completely empty before charging, but that is actually bad for its life. At STOER Bikes, we advise our customers to charge the battery regularly, preferably before it drops below 20%. Our 720Wh and 960Wh batteries are designed for optimal performance between 20% and 80% charge. Another tip: don't charge your bike immediately after a long ride in the cold. Let the battery warm up for half an hour first. And aren't going to use the bike for a month or more? Then store the battery indoors at about 50-70% charge. These simple habits can make the difference between a battery that lasts 3 years or 5+ years.
How long does it take to charge a cargo bike battery?
Fully charging a cargo bike battery takes an average of 4-6 hours with a standard 2-4 amp charger. A 500 Wh battery charges in about 4-5 hours, while a 720 Wh battery (as in the STOER UrbanX and CityX) takes about 5-6 hours. The CargoX's 960 Wh battery fully charges in 4-6 hours, which is remarkably efficient for such a large capacity.
Electric cargo bike charging time depends on three factors: battery capacity, the charging current of your charger and how much the battery is drained. A 2 amp charger is standard on most cargo bikes, but you can often upgrade to a 4 amp fast charger. Just be aware that faster charging can shorten your battery life slightly.
For best planning, allow about 1 hour of charging time per 100 Wh of battery capacity with a standard charger. Preferably charge your battery at night so you always leave in the morning with a full battery. Most modern batteries from STOER Bikes have an indicator that shows you the percentage remaining to charge.
Charging an electric cargo bike is also very cost-effective. A 500 Wh battery costs about €0.15-0.20 in electricity per full charge. The CargoX's 960Wh battery costs about €0.25-0.30, which allows you to ride 60-80 kilometers - much cheaper than car or public transportation.
Want to know more? Then read our blog about How much power does charging an e-bike consume on an annual basis? For detailed cost calculations.
What factors affect the range of your electric cargo bike?
The range of an electric cargo bike is mainly determined by weight, weather conditions and riding style. An empty cargo bike travels 20-30% farther than a fully loaded bike. Headwinds, rain and cold temperatures can reduce the range by 10-25%. Therefore, the STOER CargoX with 960Wh battery has extra capacity for these situations.
Total weight is the most important factor for your range cargo bike. Every 10 kg of extra weight costs about 5-10% battery capacity. An 80 kg adult plus two children of 40 kg together already means 120 kg extra load compared to an empty bike. Add to that groceries or school bags. The STOER CargoX can carry up to 150 kg without sacrificing range thanks to its powerful 95Nm motor and large battery.
Your driving style also greatly affects electric cargo bike performance. Slow acceleration and anticipating traffic lights saves a lot of energy. The STOER CargoX has 5 support levels, where using the highest mode consumes 2-3 times more power than eco mode. The automatic 2-speed gearing on our models helps you ride more efficiently by always choosing the optimal gear.
Tire pressure is also important - softly inflated tires cost up to 15% extra energy. Weather conditions play a big role. At temperatures below 5°C, your battery 10-20% performs less well. Headwinds of 20 km/h can cut your range in half, while headwinds actually 20-30% extra mileage.
Battery types: why STOER Bikes chooses lithium-ion
Most electric cargo bikes use lithium-ion batteries because of their light weight and long life. Lithium-polymer batteries are lighter but more expensive, while older nickel-metal hydride batteries are heavier and have less capacity per kilogram. At STOER Bikes, we use only high-quality 48V lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium-ion is the standard for modern cargo bikes because these batteries last 500-1000 charge cycles and are relatively light. A 720 Wh lithium-ion battery weighs about 3-4 kg, while the 960Wh CargoX battery weighs about 4-5 kg. They retain their capacity well and can be partially charged without memory problems, which is ideal for everyday use.
Lithium-polymer batteries are the latest technology and 10-20% lighter than lithium-ion. They can be made in different shapes, giving more design freedom. The disadvantage is the higher price and slightly shorter life span with intensive use. For electric cargo bikes, lithium-ion remains the best balance between price, performance and durability.
Older battery types such as nickel-metal hydride can still be found in cheaper models, but these are heavier and don't last as long. They also suffer from the memory effect, where the battery gets less capacity if you don't ride it completely empty before charging. STOER Bikes therefore does not use this technology.
When choosing an electric cargo bike, one of the most important considerations is the battery. The combination of sufficient capacity (720-960Wh at STOER Bikes), reliable lithium-ion technology and a good warranty ensures that you will enjoy your investment for years to come. Discover our CargoX, UrbanX and CityX with their superior battery specifications.
How do I know when my cargo bike battery needs replacement?
A bakfiets battery should be replaced when its capacity drops below 70-80% of its original value. You'll notice this because your range decreases markedly despite fully charging. Most lithium-ion batteries from STOER Bikes last 3-5 years with normal use, which equates to about 500-800 charge cycles. With proper battery care as Laurens recommends, you can extend this to 5+ years.
Can I leave my cargo bike battery outside during the winter?
It is not recommended to leave your battery in the cold for long periods of time. Temperatures below 0°C can cause permanent damage to lithium-ion cells. Preferably store your battery indoors at room temperature and charge it to 50-70% if you do not use the cargo bike for a long time. The great advantage of STOER Bikes is that all batteries are removable, so you can easily take them indoors.
What should I do if my cargo bike battery stops charging?
First check that the charger is connected properly and that the outlet is working. Try disconnecting and reconnecting the battery. If this does not help, the battery may be in "sleep mode" after long periods of non-use. Contact STOER Bikes or your dealer - often this can be solved by 'waking up' the battery with special equipment. Our customer service team will be happy to help.
Is it safe to charge my cargo bike battery indoors?
Yes, modern lithium-ion batteries such as those from STOER Bikes are safe to charge indoors thanks to built-in protections against overheating and overcharging. Always use the original charger and charge in a well-ventilated place, not in direct sunlight. Check regularly to make sure the battery and charger are not damaged. STOER Bikes' removable batteries make indoor charging extra easy.
Can I put a stronger battery on my cargo bike for more range?
It depends on your cargo bike model and system compatibility. STOER Bikes models are specifically designed for their batteries: 720Wh for UrbanX/CityX and 960Wh for CargoX. Note voltage (STOER Bikes uses 48V) and physical dimensions. An incorrect battery can cause damage to the bike or electronics. Always consult STOER Bikes before installing another battery.
How much does it cost to charge my cargo bike battery each time?
Charging a 500 Wh battery costs about €0.15-0.20 in electricity (at a rate of €0.30-0.40 per kWh). The 720 Wh battery of the UrbanX and CityX costs about €0.20-0.25 per full charge. The 960 Wh battery of the CargoX costs about €0.25-0.30 per charge. This means you can ride 60-140 kilometers for less than 30 cents, which is very cost-effective compared to car or public transportation.
What is the best way to extend the life of my cargo bike battery?
Charge your battery regularly but avoid draining it completely (below 20%). Keep it on 50-70% charge if you do not use the cargo bike for weeks. Avoid extreme temperatures and preferably use eco mode for daily use. Clean the contact points monthly and have the battery checked annually at STOER Bikes or your dealer for optimal performance. STOER Bikes' removable batteries make optimal maintenance extra easy.