A very common question that arises amongst e-bike users is, “how long do e-bike batteries last?”. Whether you are looking to purchase an e-bike or you’re already a user, it is an important thing to consider. The number of charge cycles is used to measure battery life. Which means the number of times the battery can fully charge (0%-100%).
Fully charging the battery reduces its effectiveness until it is no longer functional. In theory, an e-bike battery, on average, can endure couple hundred charges. But the exact number depends on the type of battery, the usage, and the care for the battery. For instance, storing your battery in a dry place and safe from temperature variations will give a longer life. Regular usage typically makes the battery less efficient in 3-5 years. For a more detailed answer to “how long do e-bike batteries last?” follow the article.
Types of batteries and How Long Do E-Bike Batteries Last?
The life span of a battery is primarily dependent on the type. The most common batteries are:
Nickel Batteries: a nickel battery has an expected span of about 500 cycles.
Lead Batteries: a lead battery would have an expected span of 300 cycles.
Lithium Batteries: a lithium battery is the most efficient out of all. It would have an expected span of about 1000 cycles. For the newest Iron Phosphate models, it could last even longer.
It is important to ensure that the supplier offers a guarantee. And the health of the battery should be kept in attention. If you notice excessive discharging during the initial months, some manufacturing faults are probable.
Typically, the cost of a battery is a huge fraction of the total cost of the e-bike. Therefore, it is important to select the right kind and care for it.
Battery idle state
It is known that a battery discharges when it is used. What you may not know is a battery discharge and wears out even when not in use for a long time. This is known as ‘self-discharging.’ The reserved energy in the battery breaks out over time. If a battery is left discharged for a very long time, it can cause irreversible damage. For further guidance on how you should store your battery, refer to the user manual of your battery. Different battery types have different recommendations.
Prolong your e-bike battery life
Here are a couple of tips to allow you to prolong your e-bike battery life:
Safe Charging: Following the charging procedures is important. For instance, using the charger provided with your e-bike. Letting your e-bike discharge too often can easily reduce its efficiency much sooner. Also, fully charge the battery before your first ride.
Avoid leaving your e-bike under direct sunlight for long periods. Also, when storing, ensure that the temperatures aren’t high around the battery. Higher temperatures discharge the battery much faster, which would require you to charge it more often.
It is commonly known that batteries must be kept dry. Humidity is also not good for batteries. Also, it is important to check the contacts of the batteries for corrosion. If you notice corrosion, you may get rid of it with an emery cloth.
If you plan on storing your e-bike for a long period, then consider the above factors. You must choose a place safe from fire hazards. Batteries generally tend to discharge faster when they’re fully charged. Mostly Lithium batteries anyway. It is not recommended to leave a battery flat or discharged for a long time either. It’s best to keep the battery charged around 50%.
Conclusion
With assistance from our article, you can be sure to increase your e-bike battery’s life by a margin. Getting a replacement can be very costly, so you want to make sure proper care for it. How long do e-bike batteries last? I guess that’s been answered now depending on the various types and the pointers mentioned about care. The size of the battery also makes a difference. Bigger batteries will generally last longer. The little effort in caring for the battery will save you plenty in the long run. The rest is all dependent on the usage. If you’re a regular rider, as recommended, you shouldn’t be driving at high speeds for long. Longer rides will require you to charge more often, which is another factor in diminishing life. However, it does not mean that you shouldn’t take it out often. Keeping in mind the points mentioned in this article, you will get a longer life span.
