Tips on using an e-bike battery
Here you will find our summary on how to get the most out of your e-bike battery.
The battery is one of the most expensive components of your e-bike, but unfortunately still a wearing part. While with the right level of maintenance you will be able to use your e-bike for several decades, your battery will have to be replaced a few times during this lifespan, as an e-bike battery is subject to both wear and aging, resulting in a continuously decreasing capacity. This decrease in capacity corresponds to a decreasing distance range for which the battery will be able to support you while cycling. This is the same effect you probably know from your mobile phone or laptop: at a certain point the capacity of the battery is so low that it needs to be replaced.
If you treat your e-bike battery smartly, you can increase the life-span of your battery considerably. Most modern e-bike batteries are Lithiom-Ion-batteries, which are characterised by a high energy density (= large capacity with a low weight) and lack of the memory effect (= the decrease of battery-capacity by unfavourable chosen battery load cycles). Stadtradler has summarised the main points and tips on how to treat your e-bike battery properly.
How to charge your e-bike battery properly
- If you can avoid it, do not ride your e-bike until the battery is completely empty. Do not charge your battery until the maximum possible capacity. The extreme charge states (completely empty and completely full) are a much larger strain on the chemical processes in your battery than the medium charge states (20-80% charged). Battery manufacturers mention a significant increase in the battery-lifespan if charging is stopped at about 80% of the maximum capacity (rather than charging up to 100% of the capacity).
- Do not charge at extreme temperatures: in winter at freezing temperatures allow the battery to slowly warm up before charging it. In summer, after having had your e-bike in direct sunlight allow the battery to slowly cool off before you start charging.
How to use your e-bike battery properly
- Protect your e-bike battery from extreme temperatures, as exposure to these temperatures shortens the lifetime of your battery considerably. So in summer do not park your e-bike in direct sunlight for longer periods. In winter, avoid exposing the battery to freezing temperatures: when you park your e-bike outdoors, take your battery indoors with you.
- E-bike batteries have a very impressive capacity: a 500 Wh e-bike battery has an almost hundred-fold capacity of that of your mobile phone battery. So treat it with respect and care: avoid dropping it at all times, use both hands while removing the battery from your bike. Keep away from moisture. Never clean an e-bike battery with a pressure washer. Do not use a damaged battery!
How to store your e-bike battery properly
- If you do not use your battery for a longer time, make sure you avoid a deep discharge as this can ruin your battery. Before storing your e-bike battery, make sure it is charged to about 50%, and check every 3 months and top up the charge to 50% again if necessary. Note that also an unused battery slowly loses charge over time!
- Avoid extreme temperatures with stored e-bike batteries: store frost-proof, ideally at 10-20°C.
- Avoid humidity levels of more than 80%.
You can find more general information and tips on e-bikes at the Stadtradler tips on purchasing an e-bike. Interested in the nuts and bolts of e-bikes? Then have a look at our E-bike technology overview.
Visit us at the Stadtradler store in Vienna! We have a nice collection of quality e-bikes by Gazelle and Azor. Here you will find more information on Gazelle e-bikes, the largest e-bike manufacturer in Holland.
