If you’ve been looking at the Ridstar Q20, chances are one question keeps popping up: “How long does the battery actually last?” We get it—range anxiety is real. Nobody wants to run out of juice halfway to work or in the middle of a weekend trail ride. So let’s talk honestly about what you can expect from the Q20’s 48V 20Ah pack, and more importantly, how to take care of it so it keeps serving you ride after ride.

The Real-World Numbers

On paper, Ridstar lists the Q20 battery at about 50–60 km (31–37 miles) on throttle and 90–100 km (56–62 miles) with pedal assist. In real life, it depends a lot on how you ride:

• Stick to flat city streets with pedal assist on level 2 or 3 → you’ll often see 45–60 miles.
• Push the throttle hard on every hill → expect closer to 30–35 miles.
• Winter mornings? Cold eats battery fast, sometimes cutting range by 20–30%.

So the short answer: for most riders commuting 10–15 miles a day, you’ll comfortably go a few days between charges.

What Really Drains Your Battery

We’ve noticed riders sometimes blame the bike when it’s really the conditions. A few things to keep in mind:

🚴 Speed & mode – Cruising at 25mph on throttle burns through power much faster than cruising at 15mph with pedal assist.
⛰️ Terrain – Hills and stop-and-go traffic are battery killers.
🧳 Weight – Rider + cargo adds strain, especially at starts.
🌡️ Temperature – Lithium cells don’t love cold; keep the pack warm before heading out.
🔧 Bike health – A clean chain and good tire pressure can give you a few “free miles.”

Charging Habits That Make a Difference

The Q20 battery comes with a solid Ridstar charger and a built-in BMS (battery management system). That means you don’t have to babysit it, but your habits still matter:

• Don’t run it all the way down to 0% every time—lithium packs prefer staying between 20–85% for daily use.
• Before a long weekend ride, top it off to 100%—just don’t leave it sitting there for days.
• If you’re not riding for a while, store it around half-charge (50–70%) and keep it somewhere cool and dry.
• And yes, unplug it once it’s done. The BMS helps, but heat is still the #1 battery killer.

When to Think About a Replacement

Every battery has a lifespan. The Q20’s pack is good for roughly 800 charge cycles, which usually means 3–5 years for an average rider. Signs it might be time to swap:

• Your usual commute suddenly takes half the battery instead of a quarter.
• The bike feels weaker on hills, even at mid-charge.
• It refuses to reach a full charge, even with the official charger.

When that day comes, stick with the official Ridstar replacement battery. It’s built to fit perfectly and comes with the right protections.

Final Thoughts

The battery is the heart of your Q20, and with a little care, it will last you years of commutes, adventures, and weekend escapes. Keep it charged smartly, ride smoothly, and treat it like the powerhouse it is.

👉 Want to explore more? Check out the Ridstar accessories collection, or see all our e-bikes here.