How to Maintain Your Electric Bike Battery

E-bikes are ideal for people who want additional assistance when cycling. However, because e-bikes deliver more power, they require more components to be maintained than regular bikes, particularly the battery.

If you bought your electric bike from us, we usually charge the battery completely as part of our 97-point check because we know you'll want to ride it as soon it arrives. If your battery comes partially charged, it's preferable to charge it fully before your first ride.

The battery is the electric bike's heart, and if you don't look after it, you may face problems further down the road. With this in mind, how do you maintain an e-bike battery?

How long should an e-bike battery last?

We need to think about the natural service life of a battery before getting into e-bike battery maintenance. A battery's natural discharge happens as it goes through charge cycles. As a result, an electric bike battery should not be expected to last forever.

How long it lasts will depend on the individual battery. Still, most bikes will have a warranty covering a certain number of years or charges. Please check your bike for specific warranties.

Charging an e-bike battery

Batteries for e-bikes are charged similarly to charging your smartphone; simply connect it in. Depending on capacity, it will fully recharge within the specifications of your e-bike's manufacturer.

You'll need to do it regularly, so it's easy to forget how crucial it is to charge your electric bike battery correctly. When charging a battery, there are many things to keep in mind that will help preserve its longevity.

• Always charge a battery indoors in a dry location and at room temperature. The ideal temperature range is 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. We also recommend that you charge your battery in a room with a smoke detector.

• It’s possible to either remove a battery and charge it or charge it while it’s still on the bike, and both are safe methods that won’t affect a battery’s health.

• Use a charger approved by your e-bike’s manufacturer as an unapproved one could damage the battery. And just as importantly, it could also invalidate your warranty!

• We also recommend that you fully charge the battery after every ride, even after only short distances, this ensures it's always topped up, however don't leave the battery on charge for consecutive days.
  

Storing an electric bike

There may be times in the year when you don't ride your e-bike for prolonged periods – especially in the winter! During this time, maintaining your battery is as important as ever, even though you're not using it. For a start, the bike must be stored indoors in a dry location and at room temperature, as these are the optimal conditions for a battery.

• It's best to not leave the battery in your electric bike. This is for both security & keeping the battery in good condition.

• If your battery is removable. Store your battery at 60% capacity: It's better to store your battery at approximately 60% capacity for more extended periods rather than fully charged or drained. Store the battery in a cool, dry location away from moisture.

And although the battery isn't in use, it will still drain over time. So, remember to check it regularly, and it should be charged up every month to prevent excessive discharging.

Cleaning an electric bike battery

Naturally, your e-bike will get dirty out on rides, and your battery won't escape this. So it will occasionally need cleaning.

• Always remove the battery before cleaning your electric bike. This ensures safe practice. Once removed, you can then wipe the battery down using a damp cloth.

• After cleaning, ensure your battery is fully clipped and locked into the frame to prevent it from dropping out.

If you notice any damage to the battery while cleaning or at any other time, stop using it immediately. Visit your local bike shop or contact us, and one of our bike mechanics can advise you.

When should you change the battery on an e-bike?

Despite all these steps to maintain your e-bike's battery, there will come a time when it needs replacing.

This is usually when the battery runs out of charge much faster than it used to, lasting less time or distance. If this is the case, it's time to consider replacing it. Contact your e-bike brand for a replacement battery.

Summary

Now that you know how to properly charge your electric bike battery, it's essential to maintain it to get the most out of its service life. Following the dos and don'ts, we have outlined how to get the best out of your e-bike battery.

READ NEXT: Essential Maintenance Guide For E-Bikes