E-Bike batteries are quite costly, so you do need to ensure that you get the best quality that’ll be worth the investment. If you’re an e-bike cyclist or considering whether to pick one, you might be wondering, ‘how long do e-bike batteries last?’ Theoretically, the lifespan of your e-bike depends mainly on the type of battery used in building the overall battery set.
An e-bike battery can last you 2-4 years before requiring a replacement if managed properly. However, some factors can affect the battery life such as frequency of use, battery size, age and weight. Also, the weight of the bicycle can affect the lifespan of an e-bike battery
Below is a detailed review of all you need to know about the batteries of electronic bicycle. In addition, we have outlined what the e-bike battery is made of, factors that affect it, and how to maintain your e-bike battery.
What is an e-Bike?
The e-bike is an electronic bicycle with a silent electronic motor that facilitates movement seamlessly. These bikes are powered by electricity, but riders can also propel them using the pedal if the battery dies out. Thus, the e-bike is more versatile than regular pedal bicycles.
What are e-Bike Batteries Made of?
E-bike batteries are made of lithium iron cells. The most popular type is the cylindrical cell also known as 18650 cells. Lithium-ion batteries emit more power than other materials used in making e-bike batteries.
What are the Types of e-Bike Batteries?
Currently, there are only three types of batteries used in electronic bicycles:
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium batteries are flexible batteries that have applications in vast aspects of civilization and technology. Lithium batteries are used in laptops, mobile phones, iPads, and even wireless vacuums. Thus, the electronic bicycle isn’t left out. Lithium batteries vary between Lithium-ion (Lithium-Ion) and Lithium-Polymer(Lithium-Polymer). Lithium batteries are popular in the UK.
The battery casings comprise several cells that typically resemble the AA batteries. However, Lithium batteries are wired together to form one complete battery set.
Nickel Batteries
These batteries have similar capacities to Lithium batteries, but are prone to discharge quicker. As a result, they are not frequently used like Lithium or Lead batteries.
Lead-acid Batteries
These battery cells are much distinct from the rest. A typical example of a lead-acid battery is your car battery. They are much heavier and have the shortest lifespan of all types of batteries. These batteries are famous in China. Research shows that in 2014, a review from the China Bicycle Association/IdTechEx—over 35 million bicycles were sold in China, with only 2.8 million of them having Lithium batteries.
How Long Do e-Bike Batteries Last?
E-Bike batteries can last up to 2-5 years if you can operate them properly. The battery lifespan is evaluated in charge cycles. The charge cycle is determined by the amount of complete/full charges the battery can undergo before it slowly loses effectiveness.
Theoretically, these batteries can go through a couple of hundred charge cycles in their lifespan. However, the exact number of charges in their lifespan depends on the type and brand of battery.
Type Of Battery | Charge Cycle |
Lead Batteries | 200-300 cycles |
Nickel Batteries | 500 cycles |
Li-Ion/ Li-Po Batteries | 800-1000 cycles. |
Lithium-Ion Phosphate | 1000+ |
Ultimately, if you’re wondering how long e-bike batteries last, understand that the lifespan of e-bike batteries depends on how well the e-bike is handled.
Factors that Determine Battery Life
Frequency of Use
When talking about the charge cycle of your e-bike battery, when you charge the battery from 40% to it gets to 100%, that is not one complete charge cycle. That’s only 3/4th the charge cycle. So if you utilize the battery slowly, then recharging it back completely, the battery will invariably stay stronger.
However, if you usurp the battery until it gets to 0% then charge it back, the battery will inevitably not last much longer. Therefore, you will only get 999 more charge cycles left to use.
In contrast, the more frequently you ride your e-bike, the longer the batteries will last. This is because when you keep these batteries for some time, they will self-discharge. Also, the longer they lie dormant, the quicker the batteries will self-discharge.
Battery Size
Bigger e-bike batteries, in turn, mean longer battery capacities. A smaller electronic battery can positively affect the weight of the bicycle, but it won’t last for long. If you want it to last longer, a larger capacity is needed. However, that brings a concern on the table, and that’s the proper maintenance as larger batteries come with complicated BMSs. Check our guide on why your ebike battery might not be working for maintenance tips.
Battery Age
The lifespan of your e-bike battery is highly dependent on how old the battery has been in use. Newer batteries will obviously last longer than aged ones. Also, older e-bike batteries are more prone to quicker drainage.
Bicycle Weight
Heavier full-suspension bicycles require more power to throttle them. As a result, the more power an e-bike’s motor consumes quickly, the faster its battery loses efficiency.
Level of Rider’s Assistance
If you’re a rider who relies completely on the electronic motors of your e-bike frequently, your battery will more likely drain faster. However, if you frequently paddle-assist the motors, the battery won’t drain so quickly.
Non-E-bike Factors That Determine Battery Life
Terrain
When it comes to terrains, most cyclists don’t understand that the land topography affects your battery’s lifespan. Steeply and rocky terrains, mountainous, or softer lands will consume more power than plain roads. Also, the more hills you climb up, the faster your battery will run out.
Weather
The climate also has an impact on your e-bike’s lifespan. It will work most efficiently under sunny, dry, and calm atmospheric conditions. However, rainy and strong headwinds will put more work on the motors, thereby affecting the battery efficiency over time.
External Weight
Additional weights upon the e-bike can alter the effectiveness of your bicycle’s battery over time. This includes extra luggage or your body weight.
How to Maintain Your e-Bike Battery?
An electronic bicycle’s battery will eventually become weak. But, if you maintain your battery properly, it can outlast your expectations. So, here are a few tips on how you can maintain your e-bike battery life.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Don’t store a very low battery.
- Don’t regularly run down your battery.
- Check for ebike error codes related to battery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are e-bike batteries located in the bicycle?
The majority of the electricity bicycles have their batteries in the carrier tracks. Other places where the batteries appear are the mid-frame, the rear rack, the saddle down pipe, etc. However, many factors determine the location of the e-bike batteries. Dissimilar to them, BMX bikes have their batteries placed on their down tube.
What is the cost of an e-bike battery?
A typical Lithium battery can cost you between $270 to $1300. However, the cost of the battery will depend on the capacity in WH and the popularity of the brand. E-Bike batteries from known brands such as Bosch are more costly than others. Bike batteries tend to be the costliest and weightiest parts of an e-bike
Should you charge often?
It is recommended that you charge your electronic battery at least once a month with the right adapters. Also, frequently charging your batteries can weaken their capacities. So instead of excessive charging, choose a 750 watt electric bike with higher power
Why are charge cycles pivotal for e-bikes?
The lifespan of your battery depends on how many times it needs to be recharged—with each charge known as a charge cycle. One charge cycle is evaluated when the battery is drained from 100%-0%. Over time, going through these charge cycles slowly weakens the battery.
When can I replace my e-bike battery?
If you have used your e-bike battery for two years or longer, and you’ve noticed a decreased performance, then you should replace the battery. Also, fluctuating voltages, lack of power, and the need to charge it more often are a sign that you need to replace them.
Conclusion
To determine how long do e-bike batteries last, you might need to consider the battery type and age, the frequency of riding, and the terrains you’d travel on. Healthy batteries last for weeks after a complete charge, and their lifespan can reach 5 years.
Whereas e-bike batteries are good investments, they are usually expensive to afford. So consider the conditions for which you will be utilizing the e-bike. It can affect the e-bike battery lifespan. Also, learn how to maintain your e-bike battery while riding.