E-Bikes & Bikes Customised to You
Electric bikes continue to gain popularity. More and more people are realizing how practical and useful an electric bike can be. Of course, ebike battery life is a concern for many people. They worry that they will find themselves stuck with a dead battery on a long trip. This guide will help you make the most of your electric bike battery life and maintain good charging practices.
Starting With the Right Battery
If you want to get strong battery life from your bike, you need to choose a bike with a good battery system. Some bikes have larger, more durable batteries than others. Naturally, if you opt for the least expensive ebike possible, it is likely to have less-than-ideal battery life. Even a modest upgrade can help you find a much better-quality battery.
However, the electric bike with the longest battery life doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive. Many brands offer excellent batteries at reasonable prices. In many cases, this is worth investing in. After all, you are buying an electric bike to help you travel. There is no reason to choose one that will hold you back.
Good Charging Practices
You’ve finally found the best electric bike for you and are excited to use it. However, you should take the time to fully charge it initially. Plug it in for at least 12 hours before riding for the first time. Your goal on your initial charge should be to get current flowing through every cell to help condition the battery.
Recharge your ebike battery often. Typically, it is best to recharge when your battery has between 30 and 60 percent charge left. Fully discharging too often can hurt the battery. Of course, if you are on a long trip it is fine to use the full battery; however, you should avoid this when it isn’t necessary.
Try to keep your battery away from temperature extremes. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight on a hot day for too long. It is completely fine to ride your bike on a sunny day. When you go to park it, however, try to find a shady spot. This is true for when you are charging, also.
Avoid overcharging your battery. When it is fully recharged, unplug it. This is only an issue if you are leaving the bike on the charger for days at a time. So, you don’t need to set a reminder to unplug your bike or anything like that. However, try to avoid extended periods of your bike being plugged in while fully charged.
How to Charge Your Electric Bike Step by Step
- Turn the bike off.
- Pick your spot. Leave the battery on the bike, or unlock and remove it to charge indoors.
- Check the battery and charger. Both should be dry, cool and undamaged. If the battery is warm from a ride, give it 30 minutes.
- Plug the charger into the battery, then into the wall.
- Watch the indicator light. On most chargers, red means charging and green means full.
- Unplug from the wall first, then the battery, and close the port cover.
Always use the charger that came with your bike. A charger with the wrong voltage can damage the battery or create a fire risk.
How Long Does It Take to Charge an Ebike?
Most ebike batteries take 3 to 6 hours to charge from empty. The exact time depends on battery size and charger output. For a rough estimate, divide the battery’s amp-hours by the charger’s amps, then add a little for the final top-off. A 15Ah battery on a 3A charger takes about 5 to 6 hours. Topping up from half takes far less.
Where to Charge Safely
- Charge indoors in a dry space at room temperature, roughly 50°F to 77°F.
- Set the battery on a hard, flat surface, never on carpet, a bed or a couch.
- Keep it away from anything flammable, and never where it could block your exit.
- Stay nearby while it charges.
- Stop using a battery that is swollen, leaking, cracked or unusually hot, or a charger with a frayed cable.
Extending Your Range
If you want to go further on your electric bike, consider purchasing a spare battery. You can keep this in a backpack and use it if you run out of juice on a long trip.
Also, consider buying a spare charger. If you commute with your ebike, you can bring the battery into work and charge it there. This is a simple way to keep your ride fully charged with minimal effort.
Many ebikes have different power modes. Eco-mode can help you maximize your range. It is a lot less draining than sportier modes. These three tips can help you really maximize the distance you are able to go on your bike.
Charging an Electric Trike
Trikes are heavier and wider than bikes, so they usually live in the garage. If your garage gets very hot in summer or near freezing in winter, remove the battery and charge it inside. If lifting the battery is difficult, keep a small table at battery height next to an outlet so you can slide it across instead of carrying it. On dual-battery models, charge each battery fully. [Confirm whether they charge together or separately]
Storing Your Battery
If you won’t ride for a month or more, store the battery partly charged, at about [50 to 80] percent. Keep it indoors and off the bike, and check it monthly, topping up if it drops. Never store a battery empty.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Ebike?
Very little. Divide your battery’s watt-hours by 1,000, then multiply by your electricity rate. A 720Wh battery at 17 cents per kWh costs about 12 cents to fill. Even with daily charging, that is a few dollars a month.
What to Do If Your Battery Won’t Charge
Start with the simple checks. Try a different wall outlet, and make sure the charger plug is pushed fully into the port. Look for dirt or bent pins in the charging port. If the battery is very cold or very hot, let it reach room temperature and try again. If the charger light never comes on, or the battery still won’t charge, stop and contact our support team.
Ebike Charging FAQ
Can I leave my ebike charging overnight?
The charger stops when the battery is full, but it is safer to charge while you’re awake and unplug when it’s done.
How long will my battery last?
Most lithium-ion ebike batteries are rated for 500 to 1,000 charge cycles, which is typically three to five years with good care.
Why is my range dropping?
Check tire pressure first. Cold weather, heavy loads and high assist levels also cut range.
Need a spare charger or a second battery? Browse our Batteries & Chargers.
Start Charging Your EBike Better
Use this guide to begin better ebike charging practices. Whether you are looking for kids, womens or mens electric bikes, keep battery life in mind as you make your decision. However, even the smallest battery can be effective when you apply the above charging tips. Maximize your battery health and keep it properly charged and you can be confident that you will never find yourself out of juice on a long trip.