The electric bike can easily last more than 10 years. Certainly when you maintain it properly, store it dry and are careful with it. The battery of the electric bike cannot do that. Most batteries have a lifespan of about three to six years. We must add that there are many factors that play a role when it comes to lifespan, range and the maximum number of kilometers that can be driven.
We'll tell you all about the factors that influence the lifespan and range, what you can do yourself to increase the range and why overhauling that e-bike battery is not as much of a plan as you might think.
What factors affect battery life?
There are a number of factors that have a major influence on the lifespan of the action. To start with, the type of battery plays a major role. Nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries have the shortest lifespan at about three years. If your e-bike has a lithium-ion battery (L-ion battery), the lifespan is usually about four years. If you have a lithium-polymer battery (Li-Po), you can also count on about four years. Lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePo4, often abbreviated to LiFe because this is easier to remember), have a lifespan of about 6 years and are often the best choice when you compare all the factors.
However, you do not choose which battery your e-bike is delivered with. However, if you have the choice and are hesitating between two models where you do not really have a preference yet, then the battery type may be the deciding factor for you.
Another factor that is very important for the lifespan is the use of the right charging cables. Therefore, label the cables that you have, especially if there are multiple electric bicycles in the house; the cables look very similar.
Are you not using the bike for a long time? Never put the bike away with an empty battery. A deeply discharged battery can mean that you can no longer charge the battery when you want to charge it again after a long time so that you can cycle. You should also never put a bike battery away fully charged. We recommend putting the battery away with around 50% charge, away from the bike when the battery can be removed.
Always make sure that the bicycle battery is stored dry and preferably at room temperature. If you cannot easily remove the battery from the bicycle, then put the bicycle in a dry place where it does not get particularly hot or cold. This will significantly extend the life of the battery.
How long does it take to charge an electric bicycle battery?
There is no set time for fully charging an electric bike battery. That is not possible, because there are several factors that play a role. For example, how old is the battery? What type of battery do you have? And can you also charge quickly?
Fast charging is possible, but the bike must be equipped with ION or E-motion technology. These two technologies ensure that you can charge quickly with an electric bike; if your bike does not have this, fast charging is not possible. With the fast chargers, charging the bike battery takes 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the charging cable (300 to 500 Wh). If you do not have a fast charger, charging the battery takes 3 to 6 hours.
If you are going on a trip and are travelling a longer distance, it is useful to take a charging cable with you. You can simply charge at the socket when you are passing by acquaintances; in other cases you can use the charging stations that are specially placed for this purpose.
Battery life of an electric bicycle
The lifespan of the battery of the electric bicycle is therefore dependent on a number of factors that you can influence yourself. However, we must mention one more point when it comes to the lifespan of an electric bicycle battery. The end of the battery is not the moment when the battery no longer does anything. The battery has already reached the end of its life. When the battery is no longer able to maintain the range that you need, for example from home to work and back, then the battery has reached its end.
At that point you can choose to have the battery reconditioned. We advise against that. A reconditioned battery does not always have the lifespan or range of a new bicycle battery and leaks or explosions are often reported, all of which pose a risk to the safety and lifespan of your electric bicycle. The risks together with the often somewhat disappointing results plus still relatively high price do not outweigh the advantages of and guarantees on the new bicycle batteries for us.
Is the battery of your electric bike empty and are you looking for a new battery so that you can get the most out of your e-bike? Then take a look at our wide range or contact us so that we can help you personally.
