by Jonathon Monk
Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly common in most countries worldwide. Here are some tips to extend the life of your lithium battery.
With more and more people choosing to take to two wheels, these bikes offer the perfect opportunity to enhance fitness while playing an essential role in helping to reduce the carbon emissions generated by other forms of transport. These bikes are helping to persuade many non-cyclists to start pedaling. However, it is essential to understand that purchasing a new e-Bike or tool with a lithium battery is just the first step.
Extend the life of your Lithium battery
Once you have bought your e-bike or light, you must take the necessary steps to ensure that it continues to run at its optimum level. Few aspects of an e-bike are more critical than its battery.
Enhanced technology has enabled many electric bike manufacturers to leverage the benefits of long-life lithium batteries. While these batteries offer a significant upgrade over their predecessors, specific guidelines are still essential to maximize the batteries’ lifespan and run time.
5 Lithium battery life tips
Below, I have outlined several e-bike battery care tips to help.
1. Owner’s Manual – Read and follow the manual and warning stickers that accompany your bike. If you have any questions, call your bike dealer or the company directly and ask.
2. The Charger – Only use the charger supplied with your electric bike or light. Using a different charger can be extremely hazardous, potentially resulting in fire and/or explosion. So, use the charger that came with the item you purchased.
3. Fully Charge – When you receive a new e-battery, fully charge it according to the instructions before riding the bike.
4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Excessive heat or cold can negatively impact the battery’s performance and reduce its lifespan. Avoid storing and charging your battery in a garage or shed that could be subject to really hot or cold temperatures. Instead, charge and store your battery in a moderate-temperature area. (Recommended storage temperatures are 32°F – 77°F. Avoid exposing the battery to extreme heat (104°F+) for long periods.
5. Storing a Lithium Battery – If you won’t be riding your electric bike for an extended period, it’s a good idea to store your lithium battery with a full charge. At the three-month point, check the state of charge and recharge if necessary to top it off.
Two more bonus tips!
6. Charging Location—When charging your bike or battery, do so in a dry location where a hot battery or charger (in the event of a malfunction) will not cause a damaging fire.
7. Avoid Humidity—Store your bike, battery, and charger in a dry location. Water and humidity are unsuitable for electrical devices.
See more helpful e-bike tips here.