When to Change Battery

https://evelo.com/blogs/learn/how-do-i-know-it-s-time-to-change-my-ebike-s-battery

One of the most difficult aspects of making the transition to an electronic bike is the subject of battery-life. Many eBike owners wonder if their bike will experience a gradual decline in battery performance, or if the bike will just quit. 

There are telltale signs regarding the life left in the eBike battery, as well as ways to extend it!

Caring for Your eBike Battery

It’s likely the battery uses a lithium battery. Lithium batteries should last you anywhere from four to six years. 

Keep It Cool

To be safe, store the bike out of sunlight when leaving it for extended periods of time. The lithium eBike battery should be kept around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. 

During the winter, ensure the battery is at a temperature above freezing before plugging it in. It’s normal to notice a drop in power range during the colder months, this is not a sign of a dying eBike battery.

Partial Charge

Store the eBike with a partially charged battery. Lithium batteries tend to have a lower recovery percentage when stored full, even if the temperature is just right. Storing a fully charged battery could be disastrous, because lithium batteries deplete on their own over time, even when you’re not using it. 

When the voltage drops below a certain point, it can absolutely cause irreparable damage to the battery. If without a battery indicator, consider charging the eBike battery for a half an hour every couple of months.

Avoid Regular Battery Discharge

There are many sites that suggest regularly letting the battery on your bike discharge completely, or in other words, run completely out of power. While this is okay sometimes, such as for a long ride, letting the battery discharge to 0% is detrimental when done regularly. 

Knowing When to Change Your eBike Battery

There are a few signs to look for before the ebike dies. 

Performance: If the bike isn’t performing primarily to speed, it’s likely time to replace the battery. If the ride was significantly slower than at the beginning, it’s time to check the battery.

Swelling:Swelling and bulging are common among bad lithium batteries. In either phenomenon switch the battery right away. 

Time: After at least two years, check the battery performance using a multimeter. Test the voltage, current, and resistance.  

A Dead Bike: A dead eBike is a sure fire giveaway that the battery has failed.

Replacing the eBike Battery

Replacing the battery on an eBike is a relatively simple task. However, understanding when the battery is slowing down is imperative. If not using the eBike often, test the battery regularly, especially before riding.