An e-bike is a pretty big investment for most people. If you’re considering buying an e-bike, you may wonder, how long do electric bikes last? How long does an e-bike motor last? How long do e-bike batteries last?
In this guide, we explore the life expectancy of electric bikes and their individual components. We’ll cover motors, batteries, tires, chains, the frame, and more. We’ll also talk about the factors that determine e-bike longevity including the brand, quality of the components, type of terrain you ride, and how often you ride. Some types of e-bikes last longer than others.
Finally, we’ll share some tips to help you prolong your e-bike’s lifespan. A well-cared-for e-bike will last longer than one that is abused. Hopefully, this guide helps you make an informed decision about which electric bicycle to purchase.
Table of Contents
- How Long Do Ebikes Last?
- How Long Do Ebike Motors Last?
- Prolonging the Life of an Ebike Motor
- How Long Do Ebike Batteries Last?
- How to Make an Ebike Battery Last Longer
- Sensors
- Tires
- Brakes
- Chain and Sprockets
- How to Make Your Ebike Last Longer
- FAQ
How Long Do E-bikes Last?
On average, you can expect an e-bike to last around 10 years. It may last longer if it’s properly maintained or not ridden often. An abused or heavily used e-bike may not last quite that long.
The longevity really comes down to how often you ride and hofw well you care for your bike. Wear and tear is normal. Some parts last longer than others.
Over the lifespan of your e-bike, some components will need to be replaced. In the following sections, I’ll outline the longevity of various e-bike components.
How Long Do Electric Bike Motors Last?
Electric bike motors last anywhere from 3,000 to 15,000 miles before they need to be replaced. If you take good care of your electric bike and don’t ride too hard, you can expect to get around 10,000 miles out of the average motor. That’s equivalent to around 500 hours.
For most riders, an e-bike motor will last anywhere from three to ten years. The longevity of an electric bike motor can vary widely depending on the design of the motor, the quality, how the bike is ridden, and how often.
The motor is one of the longest-lasting components on an e-bike. Some electric bike motors last as long as the bike. You will need to replace the battery, tires, chain, brake pads, chainring, and cassette before the motor. Some of these components will need to be replaced multiple times.
There are three main types of e-bike motors including direct drive hub motors, geared hub motors, and mid-drive motors. In the following sections, I’ll outline each. We’ll cover how long each motor lasts and how to maximize its lifespan.
Direct Drive Hub Motor
Direct drive hub motors last the longest of any ebike motor. In fact, direct drive hub motors have been reported to last up to 5000 hours. That’s up to 10 times longer than other ebike motor types. It is possible to get up to 50,000 miles out of a driect drive hub motor.
A direct drive hub motor is mounted in either the front or rear hub. Inside a direct drive hub motor, there is a stator and a rotor. The stator is a series of tightly coiled wires. These wires are fixed to the bike’s axle.
A series of magnets are firmly attached around the inside of the hub shell, surrounding the stator. This is called the rotor.
The magnets and hub shell freely rotate around the stator with the assistance of hub bearings, which attach to the axle. When an electric current runs through the coiled wires of the stator, the magnets begin to rotate. This pushes the bike forward.
Direct drive hub motors have no moving parts other than the hub bearings. This is a major advantage for durability and longevity.
Two factors that can affect the lifespan of a direct drive hub motor include overheating and corrosion.
If you run too much power through a direct drive hub motor, the components can overheat. Excessive heat can cause the motor to wear out prematurely. If the motor gets hot enough, components can begin to melt.
As long as the motor, controller, and batter are compatible and properly calibrated, overheating shouldn’t be an issue. If you have a motor that is rated for 250W but your controller sends 1000W of power, the motor will get hot. It probably won’t last very long.
If you live in a wet climate and you regularly ride your ebike in the rain, corrosion can be an issue for direct drive hub motors. Moisture can make its way into the hub. The bearings can also fail prematurely if they get wet. When the bearings wear out, they can be replaced.
If your direct drive hut motor fails and needs to be replaced, expect to spend around $60-$300 to replace it depending on the quality and size of the motor you choose. Direct drive motors tend to be the cheapest type of electric bike motors.
Geared Hub Motor
Geared hub motors do not last nearly as long as direct drive hub motors. On average, a geared hub motor lasts around 3,000-10,000 miles depending on the quality of the motor and how it’s treated. On average, geared hub motors last around 500 hours.
Gear hub motors work the same way as direct drive hub motors. The difference is that geared hub motors have a gear reduction system built into the hub.
The motor’s rotating force is transferred to the wheel through the gear system rather than directly. The gear system takes the motor’s input speed and slows it down to a lower output speed. The type of gears used are called planetary or elliptical gears. You can read more about this type of gear system here.
The benefit of this gear reduction system is that it allows the motor to spin faster. Electric motors are more efficient when they run at higher speeds. This improves range. The gears also allow the motor to create more torque. This helps with acceleration and climbing performance.
The drawback of the gear system is that it sacrifices some longevity. You may need to replace the motor 2-3 times during the bike’s lifespan. It can cost anywhere from $50-$300+ to replace a geared hub motor.
Geared hub motors don’t last as long as gearless because the gears create friction while running against one another. Over time, this friction causes wear. Eventually, the gears wear out. The gears also add complexity. They are moving parts that can fail.
The good news is that the gears in a geared hub motor can be replaced on most models. You will need to replace the gears a couple of times during the lifetime of the motor.
The gears are cheaper than a whole motor. Replacement gears for a geared hub motor cost around $45-$75. You can replace them yourself. If you have to pay a bike shop to replace them, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of labor.
If you have a lower-end or older geared hub motor, finding replacement gears can be a challenge. When you can’t find replacements, you’ll have to replace the whole motor. This is a bit more expensive.
Geared hub motors can also overheat. They don’t do as good of a job of dissipating heat as direct drive models. The motor can overheat and burn out if you’re not careful. Overheating can cause the motor to fail prematurely. It’s best not to overpower a geared hub motor.
Geared hub motors are also susceptible to moisture. Most models are sealed. Some can leak if they’re ridden in extremely wet weather. Moisture can cause metal components to corrode and the bearings can fail prematurely.
For more in-depth info, check out my guide to geared vs direct drive hub motors.
Mid-Drive Motor
A Mid-drive motor is considered to be higher-end than a hub motor. Quality mid-drive motors can last 10,000-15,000 miles if it’s taken care of.
On a mid-drive electric bike, the motor is located at the bottom bracket, between the pedals. The cranks attach directly to the motor.
A mid-drive motor provides power through the bike’s drivetrain. The motor turns the cranks and provides power to the rear wheel through the chain. Just like you do when you’re pedaling normally. The motor works the same way as a hub motor. Inside, there is a stator, a rotor, and a set of planetary gears.
One drawback to mid-drive motors is that they put more stress on the bike’s drivetrain components. The chain, chainring, cassette, and derailleur system will all wear out and need to be replaced sooner on a mid-drive electric bike. This is because the electric motor is capable of producing more power than a human.
A mid-drive motor may sustain 250-1000+ watts of power output consistently. An average human cyclist can only output 100-200 watts of power consistently. The extra power from the motor causes the chain to stretch and the gears to wear down faster than they normally would. These parts don’t last as long as they would on a non-powered bike.
To help overcome this issue, many off-the-shelf mid-drive e-bikes come with an extra-strong chain that is designed for e-bikes. Ebike conversions usually use standard chains. You will have to replace the chain every 1000-2000 miles on a mid-drive e-bike. You’ll have to replace the cassette every 2-3 chains.
Mid-drive motors are also usually geared, like geared hub motors. The power passes through a system of gears before reaching the cranks. Over time, the internal gears can wear. Eventually, they will need to be replaced.
If your mid-drive motor fails, it can be difficult to replace. Many models are proprietary. In most cases, you’ll have to have the motor replaced by a professional or you may need a new e-bike. Replacing a mid-drive motor is much more expensive than replacing a hub-drive motor. Mid-drive motors usually cost around $300-$700.
You may or may not have to replace your motor over the course of your ebike’s life. Some will last the life of the bike. Others will not.
There are benefits to mid-drive motors. Because the power is supplied through the drivetrain, you can use the mechanical advantage of the bike’s gears. This can help with climbing, acceleration, top speed, and range. You can shift to keep the motor running at its optimal RPM. Having the weight of the motor in the center of the bike also improves handling. The bike feels more balanced.
Mid-drive motors are also susceptible to water damage. Most are sealed. If you ride in a heavy storm, the case could leak. Moisture can cause damage to the motor. Some are sealed better than others. Most come with an IP rating.
Electric Bike Motor Maintenance
E-bike motors require very little maintenance. The maintenance you have to perform depends on the type of e-bike motor you have.
If you ride an ebike with a direct drive hub motor, the only maintenance you’ll have to do is replace your hub bearings when they wear out. Cartridge hub bearings can last around 10,000 miles as long as they don’t get wet. It’s a good idea to inspect the bearings once per year. This is maintenance you need to do on all e-bikes.
If you ride an electric bike with a mid-drive motor or a geared hub motor, you will need to replace the internal planetary gears when they wear out. In most cases, you will need to replace the gears 1-3 times during the lifetime of the motor.
Replacing the gears involves removing the motor and opening up the shell to access the gears. It’s relatively easy to do this yourself or you could take the bike to a bike shop to have the work done for you. For more info on the process, check out this great step-by-step guide.
It’s also a good idea to clean and dry your electric bike’s motor after you ride. If the motor gets wet in the rain, use a cloth to dry it off when you get home. This reduces the likelihood of moisture making its way into the motor’s case and causing damage.
If the motor gets muddy or sandy, use a rag to wash the dirt away. Keeping the motor clean reduces the likelihood of contaminants making their way into the motor’s case.
How To Make An Electric Bike Motor Last Longer
There are a few ways to make your electric bike’s motor last longer. Most importantly, you should run the motor at the recommended wattage. If your motor is rated for 250W, program your controller to supply a maximum of 250W of power to the motor. If you buy an off-the-shelf e-bike, you won’t have to worry about this. The controller will already be programmed to supply the correct amount of power for your motor.
Most electric bike motors are capable of handling more power than they’re rated for. You can overpower a 250W motor to 500W if you want. If you choose to do this, keep in mind that the motor may not last as long. The reason is that more heat will build up in the motor when it’s run at a higher wattage. This could cause the motor to fail prematurely.
Another way to make the motor last longer is to ride the bike smoothly and gently. Instead of cranking down on the pedals or using full throttle, ride the bike in eco mode. Use pedal assist instead of the throttle. Accelerate slowly. Avoid climbing extremely steep hills.
Riding the bike gently will prolong the life of the internal planetary gears. Your drivetrain components will last longer as well. If you’re constantly doing wheelies, riding at full throttle, or powering up steep hills, the motor will wear out sooner.
You can also prolong the life of the motor by keeping the motor clean and dry. Regularly cleaning the motor will keep it free of contamination. If moisture or debris makes its way into the motor’s shell, it can cause corrosion and abrasion, which makes the motor wear out faster. Try to clean and dry your motor after every ride.
It’s also important to keep the moving parts well-lubricated. When the chain, gears, and bearings are well lubricated, there is less resistance for the motor to overcome. It won’t have to work as hard. The motor will last longer as a result.
It’s also a good idea to avoid riding your electric bike in extremely hot weather. If it’s 100 degrees Fahrenheit out, your motor could easily overheat if it’s used for a prolonged period of time. If you must ride in hot weather, stop every 10-15 minutes to let the motor cool down.
You should also avoid riding your electric bicycle in wet conditions. Most e-bike motors are not designed to be ridden in heavy rain or through streams. E-bike motors aren’t water-proof. They are only water-resistant. If water makes its way into the motor, it can short out. You can ride your e-bike in light rain.
How Long Do Electric Bike Batteries Last?
Battery longevity is usually measured in charge cycles. Charge cycles are the number of full charges that a battery can endure before it degrades to a point where it is no longer usable. Once a battery drops below 80% of its original capacity, it is considered degraded. At this point, it should be replaced.
These days, the majority of e-bikes come with lithium batteries. A modern lithium e-bike battery can last for 500-1000 charge cycles. For the average rider, an electric bike battery lasts between 3 and 5 years if it’s ridden regularly and properly maintained.
The number of charge cycles an e-bike battery can last depends largely on the quality of the battery cells that are used. Premium cells from major manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, or Panasonic last much longer than knockoff cells from a no-name manufacturer. These three brands are considered the best cell manufacturers.
Other types of batteries also exist. If your bike doesn’t have a lithium-ion battery, it most likely has a nickel or lead battery. On average, a nickel battery can last for around 500 charge cycles. A lead battery may only last for 300 cycles.
A number of other factors determine the life of the battery. For example, the way you charge the battery can play a role in how long it will last. If you regularly run your battery all the way down to 0%, it won’t last as long. How you store your battery can also affect its longevity. Excessive heat can reduce a battery’s lifespan.
Unfortunately, lithium-ion batteries that are used in e-bikes degrade over time, even when they’re not used. If you store your bike for a year, the range will decline, even if you never ride it.
For more in-depth info, check out my guide: How Long Do Electric Bike Batteries Last?
Ebike Battery Care: How to Make Ebike Batteries Last Longer
It’s important to take good care of your bike’s battery. The battery is, by far, the most expensive individual component of your bike. A new e-bike battery can cost $500-$900. You want it to last as long as possible.
A few ways to prolong the life of your electric bike battery include:
Don’t store your battery somewhere that’s too hot or cold- To maximize the life of your e-bike’s battery, store it in a cool, dry place when not in use. Ideally, it should be stored between 59° F and 68° F (15° C and 20° C). Don’t store the battery in an extremely hot or cold location. During the winter, keep the battery inside your home. Don’t leave it near a window in direct sunlight.
Store your battery partially charged- If you’re not going to use your e-bike for a while, try not to store the battery empty or fully charged. Store it while charged at 40%-80% of its capacity.
Don’t use fast charging- Most e-bike batteries take 4-6 hours to fully charge. Fast chargers are available that can speed up the charging time. The problem is that fast charging puts additional stress on your bike’s battery, causing it to wear out faster. To get the maximum amount of life out of your e-bike, use the charger that is recommended by the manufacturer.
Avoid fully discharging your battery- Instead of riding your electric bicycle until the battery runs to 0%, do partial recharges. Charging this way puts less stress on the battery. Ideally, you should charge your battery when it reaches 20% and charge it to 80%. If you come home and your battery is at 50%, throw it on the charger for a couple of hours so it’s ready to ride next time.
Ride efficiently- 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 battery. When you charge less frequently, the battery will last longer because you won’t use up as many charge cycles. For example, if you charge your bike’s battery every day, it might only last two years. If ride efficiently and only charge your battery five times per week, it might last 3 years.
Avoid riding your bike in extreme temperatures- If the weather is over 100 degrees or below freezing, limit using your e-bike for prolonged periods of time. The extreme heat or cold can affect your battery’s longevity.
For more info, check out this guide to extending the life of a lithium-ion battery.
How Long Do Ebike Sensors Last?
Electric bikes come with pedal assist sensors. E-bikes have either torque sensors or cadence sensors or both. The bike’s pedal assist system uses these sensors to determine when to engage and disengage the motor.
Generally, the lifespan of an electric bike sensor is 5-10 years. However, this can vary depending on usage and the type of components used in its construction.
It’s important to take proper care of your eBike’s sensors by ensuring they are kept clean and free from any dust or moisture. If you keep the sensors clean and dry, they should last the life of the bike. If a sensor gets broken or stops working, it will need to be replaced.
For more info on e-bike sensors, check out my guide to torque sensors vs cadence sensors.
Tires
Tires on electric bikes tend to wear out faster than tires on non-powered bikes. This is because e-bikes are ridden at higher speeds than regular bikes. Most people also cover more distance on their e-bike than they would on a regular bike. As a result, the tires don’t last as long. E-bikes are hard on tires.
The lifespan of bike tires varies greatly. On an average electric bike, the tires last anywhere from 1000 to 3000 miles. A set of heavy-duty touring tires might last 2500-4000 miles.
Exactly how long the tires last depends on how fast you ride, your braking habits, and the surfaces you ride. If you accelerate hard, ride fast, brake hard, and ride on rugged terrain, your tires might not last as long.
When buying tires for an electric bicycle, it’s important to buy a quality set. Make sure the tires are rated for e-bikes. Some lower-end tires are not designed to handle the high speeds that e-bikes can reach. Ebike tires are designed to be ridden at speeds of up to 50 km/h. They are also a bit more durable than average bike tires.
When buying tires for your e-bike, also consider buying puncture-resistant tires. These have a thick layer of synthetic material under the tread. Kevlar is often used. This material resists punctures. Puncture resistance is important because the weight of a hub motor makes it difficult to repair a flat on an e-bike.
It’s also important to make sure your bike tires are properly inflated. Check the tire pressure after every couple of rides and add air as necessary. Properly inflated tires last longer and run more efficiently.
Brakes
Brake pads on electric bikes tend to wear out faster than brake pads on non-powered bikes. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, e-bikes are ridden at higher speeds. E-bikes are also heavier than standard bikes due to the additional weight of the motor and battery.
Slowing down from higher speeds requires more braking force. It also takes more braking force to slow down a heavier bike. The extra braking force creates more friction. This creates more heat and abrasion on your brake pads. As a result, the pads wear down faster. You’ll have to change the pads more often when you ride an e-bike. It’s also best to use higher-end brake pads on an e-bike.
On average, a quality set of brake pads will last anywhere from 500-1200 miles. High-quality sintered rim brake pads last the longest. Organic and semi-metal pads don’t last quite as long.
Exactly how long your brake pads on your e-bike will last depends on a number of factors including the weather conditions you ride in, how fast you ride, your braking habits, the weight of the bike and rider, the quality of the gear that you use, and how well you maintain your bike.
If you like to ride fast, your brake pads probably won’t last as long. Your brake pads will also wear out faster if you regularly ride on sandy or muddy trails. If you ride a particularly heavy e-bike with a direct drive motor and large battery or if you carry cargo, your brake pads might also wear out faster.
Some hub motor electric bikes feature regenerative braking. A regenerative braking system creates resistance with the motor to slow you down. This system creates energy that can be used to recharge your battery. You use the brakes less often with regenerative braking so they last longer. You’ll get more range as well. Only some hub drive e-bikes offer regenerative braking.
It’s a good idea to use high-quality brake pads on an e-bike. You need as much stopping power as you can get to slow down a fast and heavy bike. High-quality pads can stop you faster and more reliably. They’ll also last longer.
You will also need to replace brake cables occasionally. On average, brake cables last 5,000-6,000 miles. If your bike has hydraulic disc brakes, you’ll have to bleed your brakes and replace the fluid once per year. If you don’t ride frequently, you may only need to bleed the brakes once every other year. Brake rotors and calipers can last for the life of the bike if they’re taken care of.
Chain and Sprockets
Chains, chainrings, and cassettes usually don’t last as long on e-bikes as they do on regular bikes. This is because e-bikes are usually ridden longer distances and at higher speeds.
On an e-bike, expect to replace your chain around every 2000 miles. Sometimes you might only get 1000 miles out of a chain. To compare, you can usually get around 2000-3000 miles out of a chain on a non-powered bike. Some riders can get as much as 5000 miles out of a chain.
On average, rear sprockets last 2-3 times longer than the chain. In other words, you’ll have to replace the chain 2 or 3 times before you have to replace the rear sprockets. A chainring usually lasts about 5-6 times longer than a chain.
Exactly how long your chain and sprockets will last depends on the type of e-bike you ride, your riding habits, how well you maintain your bike, the weight of the bike, the terrain you ride, and more.
Mid-drive electric bikes are particularly hard on drivetrain components. This is because the motor provides power through the drivetrain. The motor helps turn the cranks. Power is transferred to the rear wheel through the chain. A mid-drive motor can produce much more power than human legs. An elite cyclist might be able to produce 250-300 watts of power. A powerful mid-drive e-bike motor can output 750-1000 watts all day long. This puts some serious stress on your bike’s drivetrain. If you ride an e-bike with a mid-drive motor, you will wear through chains, chainrings, and cassettes faster than you might expect.
The way you ride can also affect your chain and sprocket longevity. If you accelerate hard and shift frequently, you will wear through these components faster.
Maintenance also plays a big role in drivetrain longevity. If you don’t regularly clean and lube your chain, your drivetrain components also won’t last as long. Dirt, sand, and other contaminants can create additional friction and abrasion that causes your chain and gears to wear out faster.
When you ride an ebike, it’s a good idea to use a chain checker to check for wear on your chain. This Chain Wear Indicator from Park Tool would work well. When your chain is worn out, replace it. This will help prolong the life of your gears.
When buying a new chain for your mid-drive ebike, try to choose a chain that is designed for ebikes. These chains are designed to put up with the stress. They last longer than standard chains.
How Long Do Electric Bikes Last
A quality e-bike should last around 10 years if it’s properly maintained. If you don’t ride frequently, it may last longer. If you’re hard on your e-bike and you don’t keep up on maintenance, you may only get 5 years out of it.
During the life of your e-bike, you may need to replace the battery 2-4 times. You may need to replace the motor 1 or 2 times. If your e-bike has a geared motor, you may need to replace the gears once every 2 or 3 years.
You’ll also need to regularly replace wearable parts including the tires, chain, brake pads, and cables as they wear out. These parts are expected to wear out and be replaced regularly on any bike.
Other parts can also wear out and break over time. At some point, you may need to replace your handlebar grips, saddle, and pedals. You will probably have to replace the wheels at some point. You may need to replace your derailleur or a lever if the original breaks. Anything that breaks or wears out can be replaced, except for the frame. If the frame fails, you’re probably better off replacing the bike.
Exactly how long your electric bicycle will last depends on a number of factors including the quality of the components, the terrain you ride, how well you maintain your bike, how you ride, your weight, and more.
A high-end e-bike will outlast an entry-level model. If you only ride on-road, your bike may last longer than if you ride off-road. A well-maintained bike will outlast a poorly-maintained bike. Riding smoothly and efficiently can also increase the longevity of your bike.
If you leave your ebike out in the rain, it probably won’t last 10 years. If you neglect maintenance on your ebike, it won’t last as long. Riding your ebike hard may also shorten its lifespan.
How To Make Your E-Bike Last Longer
The best way to prolong the life of your e-bike is to keep on top of maintenance. Replace components as they wear out. When your chain starts to stretch, install a new one. If the gears in your geared motor start to wear out, replace them.
It’s also important to keep your bike clean and dry. Clean and lube the chain and cogs to keep the bike running smoothly. Wash any dirt and sand off of your motor to avoid contamination. Avoid riding in the rain or through puddles. Keep the bike as clean and dry as possible. When washing your e-bike, never use a hose or any type of pressurized water. Simply use a sponge or damp cloth and wipe it down.
You can also prolong the life of your e-bike by adjusting your riding habits. Use a lower pedal assist mode, such as eco mode to improve your battery life. Instead of accelerating quickly, accelerate slowly and gently. Try to ride smoothly and efficiently. This puts less stress on your motor and battery. They’ll last longer as a result.
Your e-bike will also last longer if you store it properly. Never leave your e-bike out in the rain. Instead, store it in a covered area, such as a garage or carport. Better yet, store it indoors. If you don’t have access to a covered space, buy a cover for your e-bike. Keeping your bike out of the elements will prevent parts from corroding. Rust can reduce the lifespan of your e-bike.
It’s also best to store your e-bike in a temperature-controlled area so it doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Extreme temperatures can reduce the lifespan of the battery.
When you have to store your electric bicycle for the winter, store the battery partially charged at 40-80%. never store your battery empty or fully charged. It will last longer this way.
You can also increase your e-bike’s longevity by avoiding riding in extremely hot and extremely cold temperatures. If you must ride in extremely hot weather, let your battery and motor cool down once in a while. If you must ride in extremely cold weather, take your battery inside with you so it doesn’t get too cold.
To get the most out of your e-bike, it’s also important to buy an e-bike that is designed for the type of riding that you plan to do. For example, if you plan on riding your e-bike off-road, consider an electric mountain bike. It will better hold up to the rugged terrain.
FAQ About Electric Bike Longevity
In this section, I’ll answer a few frequently asked questions about how long electric bikes last.
How Many Miles Will an E-bike Last?
The lifespan of an electric bike depends on its use and care. If treated properly and maintained regularly, an e-bike will last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles. To achieve this type of mileage, you will probably have to replace the battery 2-4 times and the motor a couple of times. You’ll also have to replace wearable parts as they wear out. A quality frame can last for tens of thousands of miles.
Most people put less than 1000 miles per year on their e-bike. Casual riders won’t ride their e-bike until it completely wears out.
How Many Hours Can an Electric Bike Last?
Electric bike usage usually isn’t measured in hours. On average, a mid-drive motor or geared hub motor will last around 500 hours. A direct drive hub motor can last up to 5000 hours.
The motor can be replaced when it wears out. If your motor dies, it doesn’t mean that the bike can no longer be used. A motor replacement on an electric bike can cost as little as $50 for a cheap hub motor to $1000 for a high-end mid-drive motor. If a motor wears out, it
How Many Years Will an Ebike Last?
The life expectancy of an electric bicycle can vary widely depending on its use and care. However, a good quality e-bike that is properly maintained should be able to last an average of around 10 years.
Factors such as how often the bike is used, the type of terrain it’s ridden on, and how well the battery and other parts are taken care of all influence its longevity. If you rarely ride your e-bike, you might get 15+ years out of it. If you commute on your e-bike daily and ride it year-round through wet and snowy conditions, it might only last 5-7 years.
How Many Years do E-Bike Batteries Last?
The lifespan of an e-bike battery depends on several factors. Generally speaking, most e-bike batteries will last between two to five years before needing to be replaced. Battery life expectancy can also vary depending on how frequently the bike is used, temperature exposure, battery type, and charging habits.
Can You Replace the Motor on an Ebike?
Yes. you can replace the motor on an e-bike. On average, a new e-bike motor costs $150-$200. Higher-end models can cost up to around $800. If your bike uses a hub motor, the new motor will need to be laced into the wheel.
Before you replace your bike’s motor, check your e-bike’s warranty. Some manufacturers guarantee the motor for a certain length of time. If it fails, you may be able to get it replaced for free.
Can You Ride an Electric Bike if the Battery Runs Out?
Yes. You can still ride your electric bicycle if the bike’s battery runs out. Simply pedal the bike like you would a non-powered bike. If the bike has a direct drive motor, there will be some additional resistance from the bike’s motor. Geared and mid drive motors have a freewheel mechanism that reduces the resistance when the motor is not in use. You will also have to overcome the weight of the motor and battery.
Final Thoughts About the Longevity of E-Bikes
Electric bikes are a great way to get around with little effort and low maintenance costs. With proper care and regular maintenance, your electric bike should last around 10 years. During that time, you will have to replace some components including the ebike’s battery and possibly the motor. Wearable parts such as the tires, chain, cassette, brake pads, cables, etc. will also need to be replaced multiple times.
There are many preventative measures you can take to ensure your e-bike lasts as long as possible. With regular maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth ride for years to come! Hopefully, this guide helps you get the most life out of your e-bike.
Do you ride an e-bike? Share your experience in the comments below!
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