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Electric bikes are a lot of fun and excellent for the environment, but how long does an electric bike battery last? And what is the best way to get the most life out of the battery? Typically, if you look after the bike, the battery can last up to 8 years. With regular use and normal wear and tear, a good rule of thumb is that it will last 2 – 4 years. If the battery is stored and maintained correctly, it will have a direct effect on the lifespan.
Thinking of your bike’s battery lifespan in years is not an accurate measurement. The battery life is more accurately measured in charge cycles. In other words, this is the number of times the battery can be fully charged and then depleted before it loses its efficiency. The average e-bike can run through 500 – 1000 charge cycles, make and model dependent. If you charge your battery up to 50%, it counts as half a charge cycle.
An electric bike battery can expect to hold a full charge for between 25 and 70 miles. Most manufacturers recommend that you charge you’re e-bike battery at least once a month. This should give you four weeks’ worth of average use. Almost anyone can use this method of greener living because of more affordable devices these days. You can get one of the best electric bikes for under $500, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at their performance.
A typical rider can expect somewhere around 60 miles/100km of range on a single charge. This might be less for the smaller fold-up e-bikes that have smaller batteries. Electric mountain bikes have more powerful motors that weigh more, which means the range will be considerably less. They usually have a larger battery to combat this problem.
There are several ways to extend your battery life. Follow these charging tips to get the most out of your e-bike battery.
1. Charge your new e-bike battery for at least 12 hours: Once you get your new electric e-bike, make sure that you charge the battery for at least 12 hours before you use it. This initial charging ensures that current flows through all the cells and helps to condition the battery.
2. Charge the battery regularly: e-bikes use lithium chemistry batteries. This means that the battery should last longer with regular use and regular charging. There is no need to completely discharge the battery before charging it. Instead, you should charge it when there is between 30% and 60% of the capacity remaining.
3. Avoid extreme temperatures: Keep the battery in a moderate temperature room for optimized charging. If the room is too hot, this could cause problems. Avoid extreme temperatures when your battery is charging. Never let the room get hotter than 110°F. The optimal charging temperature is between 60 and 70°F.
4. Never overcharge the battery: Don’t just leave your e-bike battery on charge overnight, and just forget about it! The battery shouldn’t be charged for longer than is required. If you leave it on charge for too long, the battery will discharge, leaving it at about 95% capacity. The charger will then repeat this cycle, topping it off. This will result in creating a series of poor charging cycles Trusted Source The Effect of Charging and Discharging Lithium Iron Phosphate-graphite Cells at Different Temperatures on Degradation - PMC The effect of charging and discharging lithium iron phosphate-graphite cells at different temperatures on their degradation is evaluated systematically. The degradation of the cells is assessed by using 10 charging and discharging temperature permutations ranging from -20 °C to 30 °C. This allows an analysis of the effect of charge and discharge temperatures on aging, and their associations. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov . Use reminders to notify you when to check the status of the charge on the battery. Remove it from the charger once it has been completely charged.
5. Never store an empty battery: If you only ride during the warmer seasons, it’s important that you don’t store an empty battery Trusted Source Beyond Lithium-Based Batteries - PMC Magnesium-ion batteries are a promising alternative for Li-ion batteries. The formation of the passivated layer on the anode seems to be solved with magnesium-metal alloys. Their biggest drawback is their low voltage (2–3 times lower than lithium), requiring a complete overhaul of any battery carrying device. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov . The battery should be charged between 40 and 70% before being put into storage.
The most expensive part of your e-bike is the battery, so it’s important that you look after it correctly. Lithium batteries Trusted Source Lithium-Ion Battery - Clean Energy Institute A lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is an advanced battery technology that uses lithium ions as a key component of its electrochemistry. During a discharge cycle, lithium atoms in the anode are ionized and separated from their electrons. The lithium ions move from the anode and pass through the electrolyte until they reach the cathode, where they recombine with their electrons and electrically neutralize. www.cei.washington.edu are known and very popular because they charge quickly and last longer. Ride your e-bike as often as you can to keep the battery alive. If your bike comes with a smart charger, make sure that you disconnect it within 24 hours to avoid it discharging.
If you plan on not riding the bike for a week or more, store the battery at a charge of 40 – 70%. Remember to store the battery in a cool, dry area. Check on the battery every two to three weeks to ensure that it hasn’t discharged. Make sure that when you charge the battery, the motor is powered off and that you plan to use it immediately after charging.
The more you’re able to spend, the better quality and durability you’ll get, even in terms of batteries and their charging capabilities. This is good motivation to spend a little more and get an e-bike that is under $1500—a bit more cash but lots more value.
Cleaning your e-bike is relatively easy. Simply grab your cleaning wipes and remove any visible dirt. Dry brush any debris that may be lodged in the bike must come off. For best results, use a microfiber cloth that has been soaked in a light solution of soapy water. Wring out the cloth to remove all the extra liquid and use the damp cloth to wipe down the handlebars, control levers, and the rest of the bike. Never use a pressure hose or jet-powered washer to clean your e-bike. The force of the water could cause dirt to move into sensitive areas, which could damage the bike. For one thing, using a high-power hose may also rinse away grease that is vital to prevent water and dirt from penetrating the gears and bearings.
Use a clean, dry cloth to cover the exposed battery terminals on the bike. If there is any visible dirt or mud, remove it using a stiff bristle brush. Get a small spray bottle and fill it with water and a small amount of dish soap. Warm water works best. Water and electricity don’t play well together and are not considered a good combination. Be extremely careful when cleaning the battery, and avoid getting it too wet.
If you’re looking for a water-resistant e-bike that is good quality and that you can ride, even on rainy days, then the NCHEER folding electric bike has been known to outshine its competitors. Class 2 e-bikes have a motor that helps the rider for up to 20 mph. The bikes in this selection are equipped with motors powerful enough to get you up hills and help you maintain a high speed, even on different terrains. Most models from the list boast 500W and 750W motors.
During the colder months, you may decide to store your e-bike until the weather improves and you can ride again. Winter is the ideal time to have your e-bike serviced, and there are often many specials running during this time. Before storing the e-bike, you should wipe it down, then lube the chain before storing it. The e-bike battery is not a very big fan of extreme temperatures. If you can remove the battery, rather do it before putting it in storage. The battery will need to be stored in a cool, dry place that won’t be exposed to extreme heat or cold.
The average room temperature for storage is 55 – 75°F. If your bike’s battery can’t be removed, then you must store the entire bike indoors—preferably in a climate-controlled Trusted Source Climate Control | Library Preservation and Conservation Tutorial In general, the higher the temperature the more rapidly materials will deteriorate, and the lower the temperature the longer materials will last. chinapreservationtutorial.library.cornell.edu environment. If you plan on storing the bike for 30 days or more, then the battery should be charged to between 50 – 70% capacity. Never store a fully charged battery or one that is completely empty. Make sure that you check on the battery life every month and keep the charge between 50 and 70%. If you continue to ride your e-bike all year long, ensure that you keep the battery warm (55 – 75°F) even when not in use. Do your bit for the environment and invest in an electric bike. Why not look for one that offers pedal assistance so that you can enjoy your journey? And one of the top options is this folding electric bike that has a lithium battery and offers better mileage than most other bikes in the same price range.
If you want to get more exercise and do your part to help improve the environment, then an electric bike is the ultimate fun solution that you have been looking for. After reading this guide, you should have a basic idea of how the e-battery works, how it should be stored, and how to get the best lifespan from your investment. If you follow the instructions and look after your battery, then you can make the most of this transportation method. So, how long does an electric bike battery last? If you look after the bike and follow these tips, your battery should last for 800 full charge cycles for an average of 5 years. And as e-bikes become more and more popular, there are more options available. The specs may become even more impressive, also for batteries! For one thing, the newest models offer exciting features such as pedal assist. This is a great added extra for older individuals that may need some assistance climbing very steep hills. So, buy one for yourself, the kids, your parents, or whoever wants to try out this interesting invention.
