Electric bike batteries don’t last forever. Over time, the performance beings to degrade. When your battery starts getting old, your e-bike’s range will decrease. Eventually, you’ll have to replace the battery. Because e-bike batteries are so expensive, many riders are concerned about their longevity. This guide answers the question, ‘How long do electric bike batteries last?’
In this guide, we’ll cover battery types, charge cycles, battery quality, battery cost, and more. We’ll talk about how long different types of batteries should last. We’ll also share a few ways to prolong the life of your e-bike battery. Hopefully, this guide helps you get the most out of your bike’s expensive battery.
Table of Contents
- How Long Do E-Bike Batteries Last?
- Charge Cycles
- How Often do E-Bike Batteries Need to Be Charged
- Types of E-Bike Batteries: Lithium, Nickel, and Lead Acid
- How Much Does it Cost to Replace an E-Bike Battery?
- When to Replace an E-Bike Battery
- 10 Ways to Extend the Life of Your E-Bike Battery
- FAQ About E-Bike Batteries
How Long Do E-Bike Batteries Last Before They Need To Be Replaced?
Generally, electric bike batteries will last for 2-5 years for an average rider. Most e-bike batteries last 500-1000 charging cycles before they need to be replaced.
Exactly how long your battery will last depends on a number of factors including the quality of the battery cells, the type of battery, your charging habits, how the battery is stored, the size of your battery, and how often you ride your bike.
Batteries made with high-quality cells from major manufacturers last longer than batteries made from lower-quality cells from no-name brands. The best ebike batteries contain cells made by Samsung, Panasonic, or LG. These are the gold standard. Most major electric bike manufacturers including Rad Power Bikes, Trek, Decathalon, Juiced, etc. use high quality cells.
The battery type also determines how long it will last. Lithium-ion batteries last far longer than nickel or lead-acid batteries. These days, most e-bikes come with lithium-ion batteries. These should last around 1000 charge cycles.
Your charging habits can also play a big role in battery longevity. If you regularly discharge your battery completely or leave it on the charger for too long, the capacity can decline.
Battery storage is also important for longevity. Storing your battery in extremely hot, extremely cold, or wet conditions can also reduce its capacity over time.
Battery size is also important. A larger battery will last longer than a smaller battery because it won’t need to be charged as frequently. For example, if you have a 300Wh battery, you might need to charge it every day. If you have a 500Wh battery, you might need to charge it every other day. You’ll use fewer charge cycles with a larger battery.
Of course, if you ride frequently, your battery will need to be replaced sooner simply because you’ll use more charge cycles. If you commute to work every day, you’ll have to charge your battery frequently. If you only ride once a week during the summer, you’ll go through fewer charge cycles and the battery will last longer.
Unfortunately, batteries degrade over time, even when they’re not used. If you store your e-bike for a year without touching it, the range will decline. Even if you properly store the battery. Batteries don’t last indefinitely.
For more info on e-bike longevity, check out my guide: How Long Do Electric Bikes Last?
Why Charge Cycles are Important for E-bikes
Thinking about your battery life in terms of years isn’t very accurate because some people ride their e-bike more than others. The most accurate way to measure how long your electric bike battery will last is through charge cycles.
Charge cycles are defined as the number of full charges that a battery can endure before it degrades to a point where it is no longer usable. The more charging cycles an electric bike battery goes through, the less capacity it will have.
It’s important to remember that a charge cycle is a full charge from 0% to 100% of your battery’s capacity. If you go for a ride and come back home with 50% battery capacity remaining then charge up to 100%, that counts as half of a charge cycle. If your battery is at 65% and you only have time to charge it up to 90%, that counts as a quarter of a charge cycle.
Most modern e-bikes come with lithium-ion batteries. An average lithium-ion e-bike battery can last for 500-1000 charge cycles before it needs to be replaced.
Other types of batteries also exist including nickel and lead-acid batteries. On average, a nickel battery can last for around 500 charge cycles. A lead-acid battery lasts for around 300 cycles. These are older battery technologies but they are still used on some e-bikes.
After a certain number of charge cycles, the battery life will degrade and you will need to replace the battery. Ebike batteries are easily replaceable but they are costly.
How Often Do Electric Bikes Need Charging?
Ideally, you should charge your e-bike when the battery has 30%-60% of its capacity remaining. It’s best to keep the battery between 20-80% of its capacity. It is also recommended that you fully discharge your battery every 30-40 charges. This means it’s a good idea to plug your e-bike in after most rides.
How often you need to charge your e-bike depends on a number of factors including how often you ride, the distances you ride, the conditions you ride in, your riding habits, the climate, and the power delivery method.
If you ride every day, you’ll have to charge more often than if you ride once a week. If you regularly ride long distances, you’ll have to keep the battery fully charged so you have enough range. When you ride uphills, into headwinds, or off-road, you’ll have to charge more frequently because this type of riding uses more power. If you like to accelerate quickly and ride fast, you’ll also have to charge more often because riding in this way is less efficient. If you ride in cold weather, you’ll also have to charge more frequently. You’ll also have to charge more often if you use throttle control instead of pedal assist.
Your battery will slowly discharge, even when it’s not used. This is called self-discharging. Self-discharging is caused by chemical reactions occurring inside the battery that reduce the stored charge.
If you allow your battery to self-discharge excessively, the total capacity will decrease. Self-discharging causes irreparable damage to your battery. You need to use and re-charge your battery regularly to achieve the maximum lifespan out of your battery.
When your electric bike battery is in storage, it’s a good idea to check the charge every month or so. If the charge falls too low, put the battery on the charger.
Electric Bike Range
Your e-bike’s range is the distance you can travel before your battery is empty. In other words, range is the distance you can ride on a full charge.
The battery will last longer in an e-bike with a longer range because you won’t need to charge it as often. You’ll use up charge cycles more slowly.
A number of factors determine range including the size of the battery, the weight of the bike and rider, the conditions you’re riding in, and your riding habits.
The best way to estimate your bike’s range is through the size of the battery. On average, an electric bike uses 10-20 watt-hours (Wh) of energy per mile. If you have a 500Wh battery and your e-bike uses 20Wh per mile, you can travel 25 miles on a full charge.
Watt hours are calculated by multiplying your battery’s voltage (V) by its Amp hours (Ah). For example, an ebike battery with 48V and 20Ah will have 960Wh (48V x 20Ah = 960Wh).
The larger your battery capacity, the more range you’ll get. A larger-capacity battery can last longer than a smaller-capacity battery. Both batteries are capable of the same number of charge cycles. The larger battery won’t need to be charged as often so it will last longer.
The weight of the bike and rider also affects your range. A heavier load requires more energy to move around. The riding conditions also affect range. You’ll get less range when climbing steep hills than when riding flat surfaces. Your riding habits also affect range. If you constantly accelerate hard, you’ll get less range than if you ride smoothly.
For more info, check out my guide to e-bike range.
Different Types of Electric Bike Batteries
The lifespan of your battery also depends on the type of battery you use. There are a number of different types of batteries used on e-bikes. Three of the most common include lithium, nickel, and lead-acid. In the following sections, I’ll outline each.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of rechargeable battery used in electric bikes. These batteries have a higher energy density than other forms of rechargeable batteries. They are also known for their light weight and low self-discharge rate.
Lithium batteries also have a longer lifespan than most other types of batteries. A quality lithium-ion battery can last for up to 1000 charge cycles. Lithium-ion batteries also recharge quickly. They also have an impressive range. Depending on the size of battery you choose, you can expect between 20 and 50 miles per charge.
Other types of lithium batteries also exist. Lithium polymer (or LiPo) batteries are becoming increasingly popular due to their lightweight and durability. Lithium polymer batteries also offer excellent energy density and performance. Other options include lithium-manganese and lithium-cobalt. A number of other lithium battery chemistries are also available. New chemistries are also in development.
The amount of charge the lithium-ion battery can store is dependent on its size, design, chemistry, temperature, and age.
Nickel Batteries
Nickle-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are another great option for powering electric bikes. These cells provide a safe and efficient source of energy. They also offer around the same energy density as lithium batteries. Nickel batteries are cheaper than lithium because they have a simpler design.
There are a number of drawbacks to consider. The main drawback of nickel batteries is that they are slow to recharge. It might take 10-12 hours to fully charge your nickel battery. These batteries also do not perform well in extremely cold or hot conditions. Nickel batteries also self-discharge faster than lithium batteries. In addition, they don’t last as long. On average, a nickel battery can survive about 500 charge cycles before it degrades to a point where it is no longer usable.
Lead Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are an affordable option for powering electric bikes. Their biggest advantage is their low cost compared to other types of batteries. This makes them ideal for those on a tight budget looking for an economical way to power their electric bikes.
Lead acid batteries are not as efficient as lithium batteries. They are much heavier due to their lower energy density and chemical composition. A lead acid battery has about 1/10 of the energy density of a lithium-ion battery. These batteries need to be much larger to hold enough power to be useful. They are also far less powerful than lithium batteries.
The heavy weight of lead acid batteries often makes them unsuitable for longer rides. Lead acid batteries also don’t last nearly as long as lithium or nickel batteries. Most can only withstand around 300 charge cycles before they need to be replaced.
Lead-acid batteries come in two main varieties: wet cell and gel type. For e-bikes, gel type batteries are better because they can withstand harsher temperatures and vibrations. They are also less prone to leakage than wet cells.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace An Ebike Battery?
Electric bike batteries are expensive. In fact, the battery is often the most expensive individual component of your e-bike. On many e-bikes, the battery accounts for around 1/3 of the value of the bike.
On average, a quality lithium-ion ebike battery costs around $500-$900 to replace. To compare, a lead-acid ebike battery replacement only costs $100-$200.
The cost of replacing an electric bike battery depends on several factors including the type of battery you choose, the brand of the cells, and the battery capacity. Lead-acid batteries are the cheapest option while lithium cells are usually more expensive. Nickel batteries are somewhere in between.
Batteries containing premium cells from Samsung, Panasonic, or LG are more expensive than batteries that contain cells from other brands. Larger batteries are more expensive than smaller batteries because they require more cells.
When Should You Replace an Ebike Battery?
If you regularly use your e-bike, you may need to replace the battery every two years or so. However, if you only use your e-bike infrequently, the battery may last much longer than that. On average, you can expect to get 3-5 years out of an e-bike battery when used normally.
There are a number of signs that a replacement battery may be needed. The biggest sign that your battery needs to be replaced is if the battery range starts to decrease and you find yourself needing to charge more frequently than before.
For example, maybe when the bike was new, you got 50 miles of range. If you’re only getting 35 miles of range now, it’s time to consider replacing the battery. Once the battery’s capacity drops below 70% of its original capacity, then a replacement battery should definitely be considered.
A decrease in performance is another indication that it’s time to replace the battery. If you notice a lack of power or if the voltage begins to fluctuate when riding your bike, then it’s time to consider replacing the battery.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the physical condition of your electric bike’s battery. If there is visible damage to the battery itself, such as corrosion or swelling, then you should replace the battery for safety reasons. A damaged battery is a fire hazard.
How to Extend the Life of Your E-Bike Battery
E-bike batteries are expensive. In fact, the battery alone often represents about a third of the cost of the entire bike. You want to take care of your battery so you can get the most out of it.
In this section, I’ll outline a few ways to extend the life of your battery. This section focuses on lithium batteries because they are by far the most common type of e-bike batteries.
1. Store Your Ebike Battery In a Place That Doesn’t Get Too Hot or Too Cold
To maximize the life of your ebike battery, you should store it in a cool and dry place. Ideally, you should store your battery between 40° F (5° C) and 68° F (20° C). Storing an ebike battery at any temperature above 86°F (30°C) can cause the battery to degrade faster.
Avoid storing your battery in an extremely hot or extremely cold location. For example, you shouldn’t store your battery in your car on a hot day. You also shouldn’t store your battery outside during the cold winter months. You should also never store your battery in direct sunlight.
It’s important to note that you can use your battery in extreme weather. It’s fine to ride your e-bike in below-freezing conditions or 100 degree heat. E-bikes are designed to be ridden in extreme temperatures. Your range may decrease when riding in extreme cold.
You should not store your battery in these conditions. Try to park your e-bike in the shade or indoors. If you have to park your e-bike in the sun, remove the battery. When you return home from a ride, bring your battery inside with you. If you’re riding in the winter, it’s best to bring your bike indoors with you so it doesn’t get too cold.
2. Store the E-Bike Battery Partially Charged
If you’re not going to use your e-bike for a while, try to store the battery partially charged. Ideally, the battery should be stored while charged at 40-80% of its capacity. Avoid storing the battery empty or fully charged.
Storing a fully charged battery can have an impact on its recoverable capacity. According to this interesting article, a battery stored with a 100% charge at 25℃ will have an 80% capacity after one year. A battery stored with a 40% charge at 25℃ will have 96% of its capacity after one year.
You should also avoid storing the battery for a long period while empty. This is because batteries slowly discharge over time, even when not in use. If the voltage drops below a certain level, it can cause irreparable damage to the cells. Your battery’s capacity will be decreased if this happens.
Before putting your e-bike into storage, charge the battery then take the bike for a ride so the battery is charged at 40-80% capacity. While storing the battery over the winter, it’s a good idea to check it every month or two to make sure the charge doesn’t drop too low. If the battery level has dropped too low, you can put it on the charger for a few minutes to bring it back into the 40-80% range.
3. Avoid Fully Discharging Your E-Bike Battery Regularly
Regularly discharging your battery to 0% will cause the battery to degrade faster. According to this article, if you discharge your battery 100% (from 100% to 0%), it will last around 300 charge cycles. If you only discharge your battery 40% (from 100% to 60%) it will last around 1000 charge cycles. If you discharge your battery only 20% (from 80% to 60%), it may last for up to 2000 charge cycles. Ideally, you should keep your battery within 20-80% of its capacity.
For this reason, it is recommended that you regularly top up your battery rather than waiting for it to drop to 0%. Running your battery all the way down is harmful. When you return home from a ride, throw your battery on the charger for a little while.
This doesn’t mean that you always have to charge your battery when it reaches 40-60%. You can fully discharge your battery once in a while while you’re going for a particularly long ride. In fact, it is good to fully discharge the battery every once in a while.
If you take lots of short rides, you don’t have to charge your battery after every ride. You can charge it every few rides instead. Wait for the battery to drop to the 40-60% range then charge it. This may be better for the battery because the battery will spend less time charged at 100% capacity.
It’s also important to note that lithium-ion batteries don’t have a ‘memory’ like some other battery chemistries. You can regularly top up your battery. Don’t worry about losing capacity through frequent charging. Older battery technologies, such as nickel-cadmium batteries, can develop a memory if they’re only partially discharged before recharging.
4. Don’t Leave Your Battery Plugged in For Long Periods of Time
Avoid overcharging your battery. When it reaches 100%, unplug it. Don’t leave it plugged in all the time. Overcharging can be hard on your battery. It can cause the battery to overheat. Excessive heat is bad for the battery.
Leaving the battery plugged in can also cause waste charge cycles. If you leave the battery plugged in for a long time, the battery will charge to full, then stop charging automatically. Over time, it will lose a bit of charge and then start charging again. This constant charging and discharging causes wear and tear. Leaving your battery plugged in can shorten your battery’s lifespan.
Ebike batteries take a long time to charge. Most take 4-6 hours to charge from 0% to 100%. You might want to charge overnight. This is not ideal but it is okay.
If you want to charge your battery overnight, plug it in right before you go to bed then take it off the charger first thing when you wake up. This way, it will only be on the charger for an extra hour or so. You should only charge overnight if your battery was completely drained. If it just needs to be topped up, you shouldn’t leave it on overnight.
If you accidentally leave your ebike battery plugged in for a few hours too long, it’s usually not a big deal. Most modern chargers are programmed to stop charging when the battery reaches 100%. Some don’t.
If you’re worried about overcharging your battery, you can use a power strip with an automatic timer that can shut the charger off after a certain amount of time.
5. Always Use a Manufacturer-Approved Charger
Different e-bike batteries require different chargers. Oftentimes, the charger is proprietary. You have to buy it from the e-bike manufacturer.
Using a non-approved charger can damage your battery. It could deliver too much power and cause overheating, which can reduce your battery’s lifespan. It could also cause a short circuit. In a worst-case scenario, using the wrong charger could cause your battery to catch fire. Using the wrong charger is a fire hazard.
You should also never use a fast charger to charge your e-bike battery, even if it is approved by the manufacturer. Fast chargers will reduce the charge time. The problem is that they put unnecessary wear and tear on the battery. If you fast charge, your battery won’t last as long. Fast charging can also overheat the battery. It can be a fire hazard.
6. Avoid Charging the Battery When It’s Too Hot or Too cold
After riding your e-bike in below-freezing temperatures, bring the battery inside and let it warm up to room temperature before you charge it. Charging your battery while it’s below freezing can damage the cells and reduce the lifespan of your battery.
It is fine to ride your e-bike in below-freezing temperatures. This does not harm the battery. You will notice a drop in battery range and power when you ride your e-bike in extremely cold conditions. This is expected. You can reduce the impact of cold weather by storing your battery inside while you’re not riding. Install the battery right before you’re ready to ride. The battery will stay warm while it’s in use. This will give you a bit more power and range while riding in cold weather.
You should also avoid charging your battery when it’s extremely hot. It is not safe to charge your e-bike in temperatures above 113°F (45°C). In fact, it’s best not to even ride your e-bike in these extreme temperatures. You should also never charge your battery in direct sunlight. The battery can overheat and potentially catch fire. If your battery is too hot move it into the shade or bring it indoors to cool down before you charge it.
7. Avoid Getting Your Battery Wet
Ebike batteries are water-resistant. They are not waterproof. You need to be careful when riding your electric bike in wet conditions. Even electric mountain bikes are not waterproof.
If your battery gets wet, it can fail. Excessive moisture could cause your battery to short-circuit. Moisture can also cause your battery to corrode. This can cause the battery to fail prematurely.
Most e-bikes are designed to be ridden in the rain. If some water splashes on your e-bike battery, it will be okay. You should never submerge your e-bike battery in water. This means no stream crossings.
You should also be careful when cleaning your electric bike. Never hose off an e-bike. Pressure from the hose can push water into the battery and other electronic components and cause damage. To wash your battery, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Some e-bikes are more water-resistant than others. Before riding your e-bike in wet conditions, check the IP rating. This will tell you how water-resistant your bike is.
For more info, check out my guide to riding an electric bike in the rain.
8. Ride Efficiently
Riding efficiently can prolong the life of your battery. If you ride smoothly, use the lower levels of pedal assist, and carry as little weight as possible, you’ll achieve more range. The more range you get, the less often you’ll have to charge your e-bike’s battery. When you charge less frequently, the battery will last longer because you won’t use up as many charge cycles. Riding smoothly also creates less heat. The battery won’t suffer as much wear and tear.
If you ride inefficiently and have to charge your bike’s battery every day, it might only last a year and a half. If you ride efficiently and only have to charge it every other day, it might last 3 years.
Of course, you won’t always want to ride efficiently. Sometimes you’ll want to accelerate fast, use the maximum level of pedal assist, and carry some luggage. This is fine. Just keep in mind that your battery won’t last quite as long if you ride this way.
9. Remove the Battery When Transporting Your Ebike
Transporting an electric bike can cause some harsh shocks and vibrations. A hard hit could damage the battery. If it rains, the battery could also get wet while you’re transporting the bike.
To be safe, it’s best to remove the battery during transit. As an added benefit, the bike will be lighter and easier to move around when the battery is not in it.
When you remove the battery, it’s a good idea to cover the pins. This way, they won’t get wet and corrode. They also won’t get contaminated. You can buy purpose made battery terminal covers or make your own.
10. Check Your Battery’s Warranty
Many e-bike batteries come with a 2 year warranty from the manufacturer. If the battery starts discharging faster than expected or if it malfunctions in some way, you can get a replacement for free during the warranty period.
If your current battery stops working, check to see if you have a warranty before buying a replacement. This can save you a lot of money.
FAQ About Ebike Batteries
In this section, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions about electric bike batteries.
How Many Hours Does a Battery Last on an Electric Bike?
A battery on an electric bike can last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on factors such as the battery size, the terrain you’re riding on, the rider weight, your speed, the outside temperature, and the level of pedal assist you’re using.
While riding on flat terrain at low speeds in eco mode, a battery may last 8 hours or more. While riding steep hills, at higher speeds, in cold weather, or with a heavy load, the battery’s life will diminish rapidly. You may only get a couple of hours of ride time from a full charge.
If an electric bike battery is capable of 500-1000 charge cycles and you get an average of 4 hours of riding per charge, that means you’ll get 2000-4000 hours of riding out of a battery. This is just a rough estimate.
Ebike battery longevity is usually not measured in hours because the hours you get out of each charge will vary greatly. Instead, it is more accurate to measure electric bike longevity in charge cycles.
How Many Miles Does an Electric Bike Battery Last?
If an electric bike battery is capable of 500-1000 charge cycles and you achieve an average range of 50 miles per charge, that means you’ll get 25,000-50,000 miles out of a battery before it needs to be replaced.
Of course, this is under ideal conditions. In real life, you probably won’t get this many miles out of a battery. This is because batteries begin to degrade as they age. When your battery reaches the end of its useful life, it may only have 60-70% of its original capacity. You may only get 25-30 miles of range out of a single charge instead of the 50 miles you got when the battery was new.
You also won’t get the maximum range out of every charge. The range of an electric bike battery varies greatly based on multiple factors such as battery size, battery type, terrain, rider weight, wind speed, speed, temperature, and the level of pedal assist you use. A fully charged electric bike battery can take you anywhere from 20 to 100 miles or more depending on these factors.
While traveling on flat terrain with little wind resistance you may achieve 50 miles on a single charge. On the other hand, if you are riding the same electric bike in hilly terrain and going uphill, you may get closer to 30 miles per charge. Some charges will take you further than others.
In real-world conditions, you can expect to get around 15,000 miles out of a quality battery. Some batteries might last 20,000 or more miles.
Ebike battery longevity is usually not measured in mileage because the range varies greatly depending on the riding conditions. It’s more accurate to measure battery longevity in charge cycles.
Should I Charge My Ebike After Every Ride?
Whether or not you should charge your electric bike after every ride depends on how much range you need for your rides. If you’re riding short distances and don’t need to travel far, then you may not have to charge your electric bike after every ride. For example, maybe you’re only riding 2 miles to the grocery store and back. You can make that ride multiple times on a single charge.
However, if you cover longer distances or if you plan to be out for a longer period of time, it’s best to charge your e-bike after each ride in order to ensure that your battery has enough capacity for the next one. You don’t want to run out of battery because you didn’t charge when you had the chance.
Remember, it’s also better for your electric bike’s battery if you charge it before fully depleting it. If your battery is at around 50-60% capacity after returning home, you should charge it so it’s ready to ride the next time. If your bike is at 80-90% capacity after returning home, it may not be necessary to charge after every ride.
When in doubt, go ahead and throw your e-bike on the charger. As long as you don’t overcharge it, it can’t hurt to have a full battery waiting for you.
Do Electric Bikes Charge When You Pedal?
No. Most electric bikes do not charge when you pedal. You must plug the battery into an electrical outlet to charge it.
Some electric bikes charge while you brake. This is done through a process known as regenerative braking. Regenerative braking converts kinetic energy from the motion of the bike into stored electricity in the battery.
To do this, the motor creates resistance to slow you down. At the same time, the motor works as a generator while you’re braking. This energy generated by the motor recharges the battery. Regenerative braking also has the added benefits of helping you slow down and reduce wear on your brakes. You can use the energy created through regenerative braking to extend your range. This can often extend your range by around 5%. Generally, only direct-drive hub motor e-bikes are capable of regenerative braking.
There are bikes available that can power a motor through pedaling. These are known as digital drive or chainless bikes. You generate electricity by pedaling. This electricity powers the motor. These systems are pretty inefficient at this time. Only a handful of digital drive bikes are available. For more info, check out this cool article.
Is it Okay to Let My Ebike Charge Overnight?
Yes. It is generally okay to charge your electric bike overnight, as long as you ensure that the charger is correctly connected and functioning properly and that your battery is in good condition. You must also be sure to use the correct charger for your battery.
It’s best to avoid leaving your electric bike plugged in for an extended period of time since charging batteries at full capacity can reduce their lifespan. You can charge your e-bike overnight once in a while but it’s best not to do it every night.
When you charge your e-bike overnight, try to plug it in right before bed then unplug it first thing in the morning. This way, it’s not sitting on the charger for hours at 100%.
Some chargers stop charging once the battery reaches 100%. If your charger works this way, you can safely charge overnight without damaging the battery.
It’s important to note that ebike batteries can be a fire hazard. You can’t keep an eye on your battery while you’re sleeping. If you plan to charge your battery overnight, it’s a good idea to place the battery in a fireproof bag. This Flasld Lipo Battery Safe Bag would work well. This way, if there is an issue, the bag will contain the fire.
How Often Do Ebikes Need to Be Charged?
How often you need to charge depends on a number of factors including the distance traveled, the terrain, your battery size, rider weight, the weather, etc. Electric bikes typically need to be charged after every ride. If your battery is under 50% capacity when you return home, you should charge it.
On average, an electric bike’s battery should provide enough power for rides between 20-50 miles before needing a recharge. However, if you are using the motor on steep terrain, at higher speeds, or in cold weather, your battery will discharge much faster. It’s a good idea to always be prepared with a fully charged battery in case of unexpected trips or longer distances. Most riders should charge their e-bike after every ride.
Tip: Consider Buying a Spare Battery
Properly caring for your battery is the best way to extend its life. If you regularly ride your e-bike long distances or tour with your e-bike, consider buying a spare battery. When one runs out, you can simply swap out for the spare and continue riding. You can also charge one battery when the other is in use. This way, you can always use your electric bike. You never have to wait for the battery to charge.
Final Thoughts About Ebike Battery Longevity
Electric bike batteries are reliable and long-lasting. With proper care and regular charging, most batteries last anywhere from three to five years depending on usage.
However, battery life can vary greatly depending on the terrain, weight of the rider, quality of your battery, and other factors. Some electric bike batteries only last a couple of years. With heavy use or improper care, your battery might not even last that long.
To ensure that you get the most out of your electric bike battery, it’s important to follow the instructions from your manufacturer. Use the proper charger. Avoid allowing your battery to get too hot or cold while it’s being stored. Don’t run your battery down to zero percent. If you take good care of your electric bike’s battery, it will last for many thousands of miles.
Do you ride an electric bicycle? Share your experience with ebike batteries in the comments below!
More from Where The Road Forks