e-Bike Batteries: which one to choose and how to care for it
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Nothing beats a great ride. With an e-bike, the fun in your day can last a lot longer than with pedalling alone. And nothing hurts more than finding your battery is dead as soon as the fun starts.
How can you keep this from happening? What battery is best to get, anyway?
First, we have a ready reckoner to help you choose a battery, and then we share a few tips to extend the life of your e-bike battery and protect this very valuable part of your investment.
What size e-Bike battery to Choose?
This graph gives a rule-of-thumb view of battery range in the first few months of the life of a new battery, when riding on level, sealed pathways. Please note: the range is totally variable and is dependent on operator use, battery age, battery storage, and battery care. The reckoner does not take into account riding steep inclines in hilly areas.
Tips for taking care of e-Bike batteries
We used PERPLEXITY in writing this part of the blog.
Taking care of e-bike batteries is essential to ensure their longevity and optimal performance.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is to avoid exposing the battery to extreme temperatures [1] [4] [5]. It is best to store the battery in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight [1]. During winter, it is recommended to charge and store the battery at room temperature and re-insert the battery into the bike immediately before riding [1]. It is also important to avoid charging the battery in very cold or very hot temperatures [4].
Regular maintenance of the battery is also crucial. It is recommended to check the battery terminals regularly and clean them with a damp cloth and brush any dirt off the connections with a dry brush[3]. It is also important to inspect and maintain the electrical contacts between the battery and the controller on a regular basis [2] [3]. Make sure the prongs aren't bent, and if the interface becomes contaminated with grit or mud, clean it with a dry brush[2].
Another important tip is to avoid discharging the battery down to zero and charging it up to 100% all the time [5]. It is best to keep the battery's energy percentage above 75% [2]. Also, avoid letting a lithium-ion battery sit at 100% or 0% state of charge for prolonged periods[5]. It is recommended to remove the battery from the bike frame when storing it for a prolonged period of time and store it separately [2].
In summary, taking care of e-bike batteries involves avoiding extreme temperatures, doing regular maintenance of the battery terminals and electrical contacts, and avoiding discharging the battery down to zero and charging it up to 100% all the time. By following these tips, e-bike owners can ensure their batteries' longevity and optimal performance.
How often should you charge an e-Bike battery?
The frequency of charging an e-bike battery depends on the usage and the type of battery [2][3].
Generally, it is recommended to charge a new e-bike battery for around 8 to 12 hours before using it for the first time[1][5]. This helps condition the battery and ensures that the current is flowing throughout all the cells of the battery[1].
It is also important to avoid fully discharging the battery[1][2][5].To prolong the lifespan of an e-bike battery, it is best to keep the battery charge between 20% and 80% [2][5]. Charging the battery too often or leaving it charging for too long can damage its overall battery life[2]. Ideally, an e-bike battery should be charged for a few hours once every few rides[2].
Some battery experts suggest an occasional full discharge, perhaps once every 30 to 40 charges, to balance the cells and avoid degradation[3][5]. Different types of e-bike batteries have different charging times and requirements[3][4]. Most brand-new electric bikes have a charging time between 6 to 12 hours, from flat to full charge[3].
Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in e-bikes, should not sit fully charged for hours[4]. Charging the battery to only 80% can double the cycle life of the battery[4].
It is important to refer to the e-bike manual or consult with the dealer to determine the best charging practices for a specific e-bike battery[4].
How to store e-Bike batteries when not in use
To store e-bike batteries when not in use, it is recommended to keep the battery charged between 40% and 80% [1] [2]. Store the battery in a dry location with normal room temperatures, such as an insulated garage or in your home[1][3]. It is important to check the charge level on a monthly basis. [2]. Additionally, it is recommended to store all e-bike batteries in a fire-resistant cabinet until needed [4].
What are the signs that an e-Bike battery needs to be replaced?
E-bike batteries have a limited lifespan and will eventually need to be replaced. There are several signs that an e-bike battery needs to be replaced [1][2][3][4][5].
One of the most common signs is a decrease in performance, such as a lack of power or a decrease in range[3][4]. If the battery does not charge or the bike stops running, it is another indicator that the battery needs to be changed[2].
Swelling and bulging are also common among bad lithium batteries, so if you notice either phenomenon happening, you'll want to switch the battery[1].
Other signs that an e-bike battery needs to be replaced include corrosion of the battery terminals, which can happen due to overcharging or undercharging[2]. If the battery produces smoke or the bike acts differently, it may be time to replace it [2].
If the battery has been used for more than three years, it is definitely time to change the battery[2].
To extend the life of an e-bike battery, it is important to store it in a cool and dry place[3]. Lithium-ion batteries, which are the standard for most e-bikes today, must be well-maintained and are more sensitive to high and low temperatures than other types of batteries[3]. Proper care and maintenance can help extend the life of an e-bike battery[5].