How to Charge an E-Bike Battery?
Once you purchase an electric bike, you will find a pack in the back that contains the battery. It is the lifeblood of your e-bike. Additionally, it should come with a charger that connects to the battery and an outlet. How you charge it will vary depending upon the manufacturer, but overall, there are some guiding fundamentals that you can use universally. This article covers how to charge an e-bike battery using a step-by-step guide and gives some tips on best practices to get the most out of a charge and a battery's lifespan. You can start by learning more about the types of e-bike batteries.
What Are the Types of E-Bike Batteries?
There are several types of e-bike batteries. Lead-acid batteries have been around for over a century but are heavy and not long-lasting. The most popular are the variations of lithium batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are the best choice for optimum weight and capacity. They are the most durable and last the longest. Lithium-ion batteries are divided into three categories:
- Lithium manganese batteries have a great range and are long-lasting. They are so powerful that you can find them in several hybrid automobiles and electric bikes.
- Lithium cobalt batteries have a high energy density and provide maximum power. They are light and reliable as well.
- Lithium-ion polymer batteries are the standard choice for electric bikes. They are rechargeable and allow for more power in a shorter time. They charge quickly and are high voltage.
When you look for an e-bike, the type of battery is an essential feature to consider.
The battery you choose affects the distance you can travel on a single charge. Characteristics of batteries include capacity, size, weight, voltage, total battery life, and charging time. Understanding them in the context of how you plan to use your e-bike is the key to choosing the right one.
How Do You Charge an E-Bike Battery?
Charging your e-bike battery is an easy process. In eight simple steps, you can remove, charge and replace your battery in time to be back on the road. Make a note of this step-by-step guide to use until you have the process down.
- Step 1: Remove the battery by unlocking it with your battery key and pulling it out by the handle underneath the battery pack.
- Step 2: Choose a place indoors to charge the battery that is dry, clean, and out of direct sunlight.
- Step 3: Remove the protective cover to expose the charging plug.
- Step 4: Turn on the power switch.
- Step 5: Plug the e-bike charger in and check to make sure the bars on the battery are lighting up.
- Step 6: Charge until all the bars light up green. You can expect it to take between three and seven hours if the battery is empty.
- Step 7: Unplug the charger from the wall and the battery.
- Step 8: Place the battery back on the bike.
Be mindful of how long your battery has been charging. You should never leave it on the charger for more than 24 hours.
How Long Does An E-Bike Battery Charge Last?
How long an electric bike battery lasts is actually up to you. You can usually expect it to go from fully charged to dead somewhere between 25 and 70 miles. That probably seems like a large-cap in mileage; however, where you fall in that gap depends entirely on how you manage your battery life.
The Average Battery Lifespan
A rechargeable electric bike can last for a long time. If you have taken proper care of your battery and used it fairly regularly, you can expect it to have a lifespan of around 800 complete charge cycles. That means 0 to 100 percent. That equates to about five years. Batteries can be pricey; use best practices to make them last as long as possible.
How Can You Make the Battery Last Longer?
As previously stated, how long your battery lasts depends on how you manage your battery usage. If you intend to ride hard and at full power, you should expect your battery to die pretty quickly. In all likelihood, it will not last more than 25 miles. Below are a few tips you can use to get the most out of your battery.
- Ride your bike on more diverse terrain. Hills and sharp turns deplete the battery slower than paved roads and easy turns.
- Use the appropriate mode. Switch through modes as you ride instead of in turbo mode. You can ride in lower and mid settings on faster sections of trail or road. Use turbo mode for steeper hills and rough terrain.
- Make sure you have the right tires. Rolling resistance plays a significant part in how much battery you use. Less resistance is good for the battery, but keep in mind that it also affects the bike's control.
- Work on your pedaling technique. Smooth pedaling can extend your range. Get in the appropriate mode and spin your feet rather than placing hard pressure on the pedals to pedal smoothly.
- Reduce the amount of weight that you put on your bike. Going for a long ride or using your bike to carry cargo may be more difficult, but limit weight wherever you can, especially if your ride has climbed.
- Store your bike or battery somewhere warm. Low temperatures can decrease a battery.
Conclusion
If you do not use your bike often, retailers suggest that you get it out to charge it at least once a month. However, the more the bike is used, the stronger the battery. You will eventually need to replace it; when that time comes, be sure to dispose of the old one properly.
For more information on high-quality batteries and best practices for care, contact the experts at Zugo Bike.