An e-bike (electric bike) is first and foremost a bicycle. It is just like a regular bicycle, but with a little difference which brings about the name electric bike. It uses the same components, geometrics, and designs like any other bike. However, unlike your generic bicycles, it includes an electric motor. This type of bike also has a rechargeable battery that provides additional power to the bike.
As an e-bike user, you may be wondering how possible it is to extend your bike’s battery life. Most e-bike users worry a lot about their battery lifespan. We are sure that you are not an exception. As the only power source for an electric bike, it’s evident that a good battery is essential for your e-bike. In this article, we will explain in detail how you can prolong the lifespan of your e-bike battery. That way, you can enjoy using your bike for many long years.
A quick look at your e-bike battery
Most e-bikes use long-life lithium batteries directly from the manufacturers. Over the years, lithium batteries turn out to be better than other types of batteries. They are lightweight and compact (i.e., your electric bikes won’t weigh much). Also, the batteries can work effectively in any kind of temperature. This gives you an edge to enjoy your bike in different conditions throughout the season.
With a lithium battery, self-discharge is low (often about 5% monthly). They are easily rechargeable and non-toxic. Most importantly, with proper care, you can prolong your e-bike battery lifespan to as many as 1000 charging cycles. Follow the instructions and guidelines below to prolong your e-bike’s running time and lifespan.
The lifespan of your e-bike is a function of the total number of charge cycles. It is dependent on the total number of full charges (0-100%) the battery undergoes. This will determine how long it lasts before losing effectiveness. On average, lithium e-bike batteries can work an average of 30 miles with every full charge. With proper usage, your lithium battery lifespan is capable of reaching 1000 full charges.
Every electric bike possesses a total number of maximum charge cycles. This is the total amount of recharging cycles your battery can withstand before losing its capacity. The total number of cycles is written in your user manual. Once it crosses the maximum recharging cycles, expect a drop in performance. The battery will not be able to hold electric charges adequately anymore.
Get familiar with your owner’s manual
An important concept that you need to take into account is your owner’s manual. To prolong the lifespan of your battery, it is important that you make your owner’s manual your friend.
Before your first ride, make sure to read your e-bike manual. Even if you are a cycling expert, don’t assume you can figure it all out yourself. Most batteries are dangerous to your health if handled poorly.
An electric bike battery often becomes less effective after 3 to 4 years of regular usage. You need to understand your e-bike’s charging and usage instructions. The only way to understand these instructions is by reading your manual. Read the owner’s manual properly before taking your first ride and stick to its battery maintenance tips.
Maintaining your e-bike with proper charging practices
Charging is the only way to use your e-bike and its battery. However, there are ways you can do this without affecting the lifespan of your battery. Here are some tips to make sure you charge and use your battery effectively:
Charge your battery fully before taking your first ride
Before going on your first ride with your new electric bike, make sure to charge the battery fully. Charging the battery for the first time can take up to 4-7 hours, but the wait is worth it. This will ensure that its lifespan is prolonged.
Don’t wait until your battery is dead before charging it
Do not wait until your e-bike battery is dead before recharging it. Waiting until your battery is dead before charging it reduces its charge holding capacity. It is always better to keep your bike’s battery fully charged. Even after a short ride, plug it in. However, if somehow you empty your battery, recharge it as soon as possible.
Always use the original charger
Do not match and mix chargers. Every charger has a specific capacity (input and output). Also, using a wrong charger for your e-bike can cause potential fire and explosions. Therefore, always endeavour to use your electric bike’s original charger.
Create a dry and safe station for charging
Recall that e-bike batteries can be dangerous if mishandled. A good way to prolong the battery life of your e-bike is to designate a dry and safe place (station) for charging your electric bike battery. A good option is to empty some space in the garage. Alternatively, if possible, you can charge your bike in an enclosed space outside your house. Always make sure your charging space is dry and safe.
Try Charging your battery slowly
Everyone loves a swift charge. The concept of charging your bike battery quickly may be appealing. Nonetheless, electric bike batteries are more effective and last longer with a slow charge. As much as possible, charge only with your recommended chargers.
Although, if you have to buy a new charger, do not purchase one with the high amperage ratings. Buy a charger with low amperage (about 2 to 4 amps). Better still, you can buy a smart charger that can switch between charging fast and slow charge effectively.
Get familiar with your battery’s low voltage cut-off limit
Understanding your battery’s low voltage cut-off is vital. It will help you to better understand your electric bike battery’ behaviour. Most importantly, it will help you to prolong your e-bike battery lifespan. Often, low voltage cut-offs vary depending on the type of battery cells. Be sure to find out the recommended low voltage cutoff for your bike.
Understand your battery’s high voltage cut-off limit
Make sure your charger’s maximum voltage is the same with the maximum recommended voltage for your battery. If you do not know the maximum voltage charge for your batteries, check the battery owner’s manual. Using a charger that is over the recommended limit can potentially lead to an explosion. In case of emergencies, always have a fire extinguisher that works on battery fires around your charging station.
Do not match and mix chargers. Every charger has a specific capacity (input and output). Also, using a wrong charger for your e-bike can cause potential fire and explosions. Therefore, always endeavour to use your electric bike’s original charger.
Create a dry and safe station for charging
Recall that e-bike batteries can be dangerous if mishandled. A good way to prolong the battery life of your e-bike is to designate a dry and safe place (station) for charging your electric bike battery. A good option is to empty some space in the garage. Alternatively, if possible, you can charge your bike in an enclosed space outside your house. Always make sure your charging space is dry and safe.
Try Charging your battery slowly
Everyone loves a swift charge. The concept of charging your bike battery quickly may be appealing. Nonetheless, electric bike batteries are more effective and last longer with a slow charge. As much as possible, charge only with your recommended chargers.
Although, if you have to buy a new charger, do not purchase one with the high amperage ratings. Buy a charger with low amperage (about 2 to 4 amps). Better still, you can buy a smart charger that can switch between charging fast and slow charge effectively.
Get familiar with your battery’s low voltage cut-off limit
Understanding your battery’s low voltage cut-off is vital. It will help you to better understand your electric bike battery’ behaviour. Most importantly, it will help you to prolong your e-bike battery lifespan. Often, low voltage cut-offs vary depending on the type of battery cells. Be sure to find out the recommended low voltage cutoff for your bike.
Understand your battery’s high voltage cut-off limit
Make sure your charger’s maximum voltage is the same with the maximum recommended voltage for your battery. If you do not know the maximum voltage charge for your batteries, check the battery owner’s manual. Using a charger that is over the recommended limit can potentially lead to an explosion. In case of emergencies, always have a fire extinguisher that works on battery fires around your charging station.
More charging tips that can improve the lifespan of your battery include:
- Always check your battery periodically while charging it
- Avoid going to the charging station with water or other liquids.
- Always check the humidity level in the charging station. High humidity is not suitable for electrical devices.
- Check the battery contact monthly and make sure to keep them clean.
- Always remove corrosion around the battery contacts and clean appropriately.
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