How To Make An Ebike Battery Last Longer
Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular choice for e-bikes, which typically last around 5 years. Increasing the longevity of your ebike battery will depend on various factors, including maintenance, charging frequency, usage, and environmental conditions.
With ebike batteries costing anywhere upto £1000, it’s important to maintain your battery to make the most out of its lifecycle. Electric bike sales are consistently on the rise (around 50,000 – 60,000 are sold each year in the UK compared to overall UK bike sales of over 3 million).
In this article, we will discuss how you can make your ebike battery last longer and what impacts its efficiency.
7 Ways To Make Your Ebike Battery Last Longer
Keep The Charge Above 10%
Avoid letting your battery fully deplete whenever possible. Keeping the charge above 10% helps prevent excessive strain on the battery, which can lead to early degradation. Lithium-ion batteries perform better and last longer when maintained above a minimal charge level, so try to charge it before it hits low levels.
Ensure The Battery Is Frequently Fully Charged
To keep your battery cells balanced, it’s a good idea to fully charge your ebike battery every few weeks. Doing so ensures that all cells are evenly charged, which can extend battery health and maintain capacity over time. However, for day-to-day use, partial charging is fine and can even reduce wear on the battery.
Store A Battery Partially Charged
If you are not using your electric bike for longer than a few weeks, store the bike at between 40 and 80% charge. Storing the battery at this level reduces stress on the cells, preventing both over-discharge and overcharge states that can decrease its lifespan over time.
Keep The Battery Away From Cold Conditions When Storing
Extreme temperatures, especially cold, can negatively impact lithium-ion batteries. If you’re storing your bike for an extended period, keep it in a dry, room-temperature environment. Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency and, if exposed for too long, permanently reduce its capacity, so avoid storing your ebike outside in winter.
Wash Your Bike Carefully
While cleaning your ebike, be mindful of the battery. Avoid using high-pressure water directly on the battery or battery terminals, as water can damage the cells or internal components. Instead, use a damp cloth to clean the battery casing and ensure the battery is fully dry before recharging.
Remove Unnecessary Weight On The Bike
Excess weight on your ebike can increase the energy demand on the battery, leading to faster depletion. Reducing unnecessary accessories or gear can help you get more range out of each charge and reduce long-term strain on the battery, ultimately extending its life.
Use The Correct Tyres
Using the correct tyres, particularly low-resistance tyres designed for ebikes, can enhance battery efficiency. Properly inflated tyres reduce friction and energy consumption, allowing you to cover more distance on a single charge. Additionally, ensure the tyres are suitable for the terrain you’ll be riding on to prevent overuse of battery power.
Ride Smoothly
Sudden starts, stops, and rapid acceleration place more stress on the battery, which reduces its efficiency and lifespan. Adopting a smooth, steady riding style helps conserve energy and extends battery range. Aim to ride at a consistent pace and avoid excessive throttle use, especially on inclines.
How To Dispose Of Your Ebikes Battery
When the time comes to dispose of your ebike battery, get in touch with our specialist team. We collect and recycle lithium ebike batteries for businesses across the UK. This ensures easy access to safe, compliant battery disposal services that increases recycling rates and reduces environmental harm. With our help, businesses can have peace of mind that their batteries are handled professionally and in line with regulations.
