Count the pouches in a ping pack for the answer. 36v 15 ah has 3 x12 cells, 3p-12s. 36 pouches A 48v 15 ah is 3p 16s. 12 pouches more for a total 48 pouches. Obviously the 36 cell pack has less total capacity than a 48 cell pack.
For use with 20-25 amp controllers typical in motor kits, the 36v 20 ah and 48v 15 ah are the ideal sizes in pingbatteries. both the same number of pouches, they weigh about 15 pounds and typically can fit in many rear carrier bags or boxes, or toolboxes. The 36v 20 ah will theoretically last longer, since it can provide 20 amps at a lower c rate than a 15 ah battery. The 48v 20 ah size sounds good, but the extra 5 pounds seems to cross a threshold for carrying on a rear rack without making handling more difficult, and handy boxes or bags to carry it get harder to find.
In identical capacity batteries, the 36v version would have better range than the 48v if each was ridden full throttle. Both would theoretically have identical range if each was ridden the same speed. The lower c rate of the discharge on the 36v may give it a slight advantage, but I doubt it would ammount to much difference really. You oughta be buying enough battery to have a 20-30% reserve at the end of the typical ride anyway, just to be kind to the battery and have enough for those days when you have the pack a bit out of balance. So any small difference in range would be tiny compared to the reserve you should be designing into your battery.
Out on the road though, the 48v battery will have a definite advantage over the 36v when it's time to climb a hill, or go a bit faster to get across a busy street. If it's practical to on your route, the faster speed will get you there faster.