If you are considering buying an e-bike, one of the most important considerations is how long that battery will last. When you invest hundreds or even thousands of dollars into an electric bicycle, you want to ensure it will last as long as possible.
This article looks at how long an electric bicycle battery will last and discuss different types of batteries electric bicycles come with. We will examine factors affecting your e-bike battery’s life, followed by tips on making them longer.
How Long Do eBike Batteries Last?
The simple answer here is that the battery on your electric bicycle may last up to 8 years, depending on how well you treat it and what kind of battery it is. Generally, you can expect your average electric bicycle battery to last between two and five years; if you get to five years, you can consider yourself fairly lucky.
As we mentioned in the opening, how long that e-bike battery will last depends on its type, although there are tips you can follow to extend its life. Let’s look at the different kinds of batteries your e-bike may come with and the best kind.
The Best eBike Batteries
There are many kinds of batteries your e-bike may come with, and the most common is the lithium-ion battery. These are very lightweight, can hold many charge cycles, and are durable.
However, other options include nickel cadmium, lithium cobalt, lead acid, nickel metal hydride, lithium manganese, and lithium-ion polymer batteries.
Each of these batteries has its own advantages and disadvantages. Still, most e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries because they are the longest lasting compared to their cost, plus they are very lightweight.
On average, you can expect a lithium-ion e-bike battery to last for around 1,000 charge cycles, although it depends on how much you use the e-bike and how often you charge it.
How Far Can an eBike Go on a Single Charge?
If you get a high-quality battery with a high voltage rating for your e-bike, you can expect it to travel between 22 and 50 miles on a charge.
However, this depends on various factors, as we will discuss. Moreover, some electric bicycles have big and powerful batteries that can travel 80 or even 100 miles on a single charge.
What Affects How Long the Battery Lasts (On A Single Charge)?
A few things affect how long an electric bicycle battery will last on a single charge.
Motor Power
One factor is the motor’s power; the more powerful the motor, the more battery it will consume. For instance, a 500-Watt motor will consume about twice as much energy as a 250-Watt motor. A stronger motor lets you go faster, but it consumes more battery.
User Weight
The heavier the person sitting on the e-bike is, the more power the battery will use to propel the bike forwards.
The Terrain
In addition, the terrain affects battery consumption. If you are going downhill, you won’t need much power to propel yourself forward because gravity will do most of the work. However, traveling on rough terrain, especially up steep hills, will consume a lot of battery power, limiting the range you can travel on a single charge.
External Conditions
External conditions, particularly the weather, such as wind, will also affect how long an e-bike battery will last on a single charge. If the wind is on your side or at your back, you will need less power to propel yourself forward because the wind is helping you. However, riding into the wind will create a lot of drag, using more power from your battery.
The State of the Bike
The state of your e-bike will contribute to how long the battery lasts on a single charge. If you want to consume as little power as possible, ensure your brakes are tuned, and your tires are in good condition.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your eBike Battery
Let’s discuss a few tips to extend the overall lifespan of your electric bicycle battery, so you can get as many years out of it as possible.
Follow Proper Charging Procedures
The best way to make your battery last longer is to follow proper charging procedures, which means never letting the battery fully die. Moreover, never charge the battery halfway; you should charge it to about 80%.
Remember, these batteries last through a certain number of charge cycles. Therefore, charging the battery halfway doesn’t make sense when even a 2-minute charge counts as a charge cycle.
Temperature Matters
Although you can’t control outdoor temperatures, the temperature does matter. Storing your e-bike battery in very hot or cold conditions will take a toll on the battery. The closer you can keep it to room temperature, the better.
Avoid Moisture
Although e-bike batteries can handle some moisture, they are not designed to be submerged. Rain will increase the possibility of damaging the bike’s integral parts, such as the battery and motor. However, with a water-resistant e-bike, this isn’t a problem. But submerging your electric bicycle battery will lower the lifespan.
Don’t Be Rough With It
Being rough with your e-bike, such as banging it around and riding over big bumps, can take a toll on your e-bike battery. Bea little careful with it, and don’t put it through too much physical punishment.
Use Those Pedals
Most e-bikes allow you to use the pedals to propel yourself forward, saving battery life and ultimately allowing you to charge it less often. Remember, it’s all about those charge cycles.
Conclusion
An average e-bike battery will last two to five years. However, if you follow the tips we have listed, you should be able to get a couple of extra years out of it.