Having a fully charged battery is essential to an electric bike. The most expensive components are the battery and the motor. Today, most ready-to-go e-bikes use a lithium-ion battery pack, and the size of the bike’s battery makes a difference in the price you will pay.
These lithium-ion batteries are now used in all types of applications. So it’s no surprise to find them powering electric bikes. You will discover that more expensive e-bikes have lighter, higher-tech batteries that charge quickly and last longer. But remember, batteries degrade over time, holding less charge as they age.
The quality of an electric bike battery makes a difference
A better battery will help you maximize the distance (range) you expect to achieve, so look for a reputable battery manufacturer. Then, ensure the warranty covers the battery for at least two years. Conservatively, lithium-ion batteries are typically said to last for 1,000 complete charge cycles. That’s about three years of daily use with five to seven weekly charging periods. The battery can survive longer with careful use so you can double its life with half-charge cycles. In practice, a battery life of several years is relatively easy to achieve, depending on how often you charge and store the battery.
To maximize the life of your electric bike battery
- Ride your bike a lot and charge it often
- If your bike comes with a smart charger, faithfully disconnect the charger within 24 hours
- When not in use for a week or more, please charge the battery to only 40% to 70% of its capacity
- Then, store the battery or bike and battery in a cool, dry place above freezing. Check the charge every two to three weeks to keep it in that range.