Eco-friendly e-bikes can be used for exercise and commuting. E-bikes have a great view, are easy to park, and reduce your carbon footprint. In the city and on the trails, they’re fun.
Lithium-ion e-batteries lower the cost of electric bikes. Technology keeps improving. Quality e-bikes are cheaper than ever for all income levels.
Most electric bike makers use lithium e-bike batteries. They’re a significant improvement. Lithium bicycle batteries are small and light. Maxfoot Electric bikes are more lightweight because of that. The batteries work at different temperatures. This allows cyclists to ride their electric bikes more often.
Self-discharge is low, about 5% per month. Lithium batteries are recyclable and non-toxic. Proper maintenance can extend cycle life to 1,000 cycles.
Follow these ebike battery care and maintenance tips to prepare your bike for your next adventure. To extend your electric bicycle battery life, follow these guidelines.
E-bike batteries should be appropriately charged
Lithium batteries lose charge capacity when fully discharged. That lowers capacity. It’s best to charge a lithium battery. Even if you only rode a few miles, plug it in. Recharge a storm as soon as possible if it runs out.
Use the provided charger
Keep chargers separate. Use only the charger that came with your ebike or conversion kit. The wrong charger can explode and start a fire.
Before your first ride, fully charge your battery
Before your first ride, fully charge your new e-bike or conversion kit. The owner’s manual instructions should be followed. A full charge takes four to eight hours.
Make a secure charging station
All large lithium batteries can catch fire, as mentioned above. Designate a safe place to charge your e-bike batteries. Outside or on a garage floor are good options. Dry the location.
E-bike battery maintenance details:
Use the charger that comes with your bike battery.
Keep a battery fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
Pay attention to how long the battery is on the charger. Smart chargers stop charging when complete. If you’re not using the charger, unplug it.
Pay attention to the charging time if your charger needs to be more innovative. Unplug it once charged.
Charging the battery after each use is a good idea.
Charge the battery once a month if you store it for several months.
After using the e-bike, could you turn it off? It may die if the power switch stays on and the battery hasn’t been charged. Some battery systems have auto-shutoff features to prevent overcharging and prolong electric bike battery life.
If a battery appears damaged, don’t charge it. Never charge it unattended indoors. Charge your battery carefully and buy from a reputable vendor.
Don’t fully discharge your battery often
E-bike batteries should be discharged infrequently. Discharging lithium-ion batteries to 0% is harmful. Charge memory is absent in batteries.
Discharges and recharges should be shallow. They don’t stress the battery, so it lasts longer. Partial releases with regular top-ups extend battery life. When your battery reaches 50%, charge it.
It’s okay to discharge your battery occasionally fully. To prevent 100% discharge, charge it every few rides.
The owner’s manual should be read
Reading the owner’s manual is the best way to maintain your e-bike battery. Could you not assume you can solve it? There are risks with lithium-ion e-bike batteries. If misused or with the wrong charger, they can catch fire.
Following the manual will prolong your battery
Battery life is measured in charge cycles. The number of total charges (from zero to 100%) the battery can handle before losing effectiveness determines it.
Thirty miles is the average charge life of lithium-ion electric bike batteries. Maintaining the battery extends its lifespan to 1,000 total charges. The manufacturer sets the maximum charge cycles. It refers to a battery’s number of recharging cycles without losing efficiency.
The performance will decrease after the specified number of cycles. The battery will drain faster. You can now decide if you need a new battery. Three to five years of regular use reduces the efficiency of an electric bike battery.
Battery and charger knowledge is essential. Read your bike or battery’s owner’s manual. Ask the manufacturer or your local bike dealer if you have questions.
Make your battery’s environment ideal
Avoid high heat, sub-freezing temperatures, water, and humidity with your e-bike batteries. Shock, vibration, and punctures should be avoided. The better the environment, the longer your battery will perform at capacity.
Stay away from extreme temperatures
Extreme heat or cold will impair performance. Lithium batteries prefer cooler temps. Avoid heating your electric bicycle battery to prolong its life. Hot to the touch is wrong, but warm is fine.
Between 32°F and 77°F is ideal for battery storage. Temperatures over 104°F should be avoided. When heated, lithium powder in battery cells loses electrical resistance. Warmer temperatures accelerate battery discharge. More charging is needed.
Temperatures are better when cooler. Battery life will increase. Lithium powder increases resistance in colder conditions. Lithium camera batteries can be stored in the fridge. This prolongs battery life, according to manufacturers.
Storing an e-bike battery in the fridge is challenging. Keep it as cold as you can. Please charge the battery after warming it to room temperature. It’s dangerous to charge a frozen battery.
DRY THE BATTERY
Store your bike in a dry place. Remember humidity. Any electrical device is damaged by moisture. Check the battery contacts every couple of months. Could you make sure they’re clean and dry? Use an emery cloth to remove corrosion.
Bike battery storage for long-term
Plan to store your e-bike and batteries safely if you won’t use them for a few months. First, keep it in a fire-safe place.
Fully charged lithium batteries discharge the fastest. When almost flat, it releases more slowly. The battery loses the least capacity when partially removed over time.
It would help if you didn’t leave the battery almost dead. That’s also bad for it. Store it between 40% and 80% charged. While preserving the battery, this charge amount reduces capacity loss over time.
For storage, what does this mean? Charge to 80% with an intelligent charger. Estimate the charge if not. Ride your bike for 20% to 60% of the total charge. Then, put the battery in the fridge. Charge the battery every four to six weeks.
You can check the battery every three months if that’s more convenient. Check the charge level and recharge if necessary.
Never open a bike battery
E-bike batteries should never be opened. They shouldn’t be examined. Do not repair.
The lithium powder in lithium-ion batteries burns. Oxygen causes it to explode. You could start a fire or hurt yourself and others. Avoid it.
Contact a professional if you suspect your battery is defective. Return it so it can be tested, repaired, and replaced. Opening the battery is dangerous.
E-Battery Advice from Experts
Correct e-bike battery maintenance and storage extends the lifespan of a quality battery. Proper lithium-ion battery care extends its lifespan to three to five years. Neglected batteries last one season or less.
Read also: E-Bike Buying Guide