How to make your battery last longer?

How should I store my e-bike’s battery?

Proper storage is key to preserving your battery’s lifespan. Here are the key points to remember:

• Temperature is the number one enemy: Extreme temperatures, whether too high or too low, damage the battery. In winter, remember to bring it indoors to keep it at room temperature.
• Never leave it completely flat: A battery stored completely flat deteriorates rapidly. Hans de Looij, a cycling expert at the ANWB, advises cycling regularly, even in winter. A bike left out in the cold for several months, in a garage for example, can enter a state of deep discharge from which the battery may not always recover. To avoid this, recharge it regularly even when you’re not cycling.
• Remove the battery when you’re not riding: At work or during long periods of inactivity, remove the battery from the bike to protect it from the weather and temperature fluctuations. If it isn’t removable, park the bike indoors.
• Always use the original charger: An unsuitable charger can seriously damage the battery. Only use the one supplied with your bike.

How should I charge my e-bike’s battery?

A battery’s capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh), and the higher this figure, the greater your range. Each battery also has a limited number of full charge cycles (complete discharge followed by a full recharge). To preserve its lifespan, the aim is therefore to limit deep discharges, which damage the battery by draining it beyond its critical threshold.

• Do not let the battery run completely flat: recharge it before it reaches zero. Ideally, recharge it as soon as it drops to around 50%. If your journeys are long enough to use up more than half your battery capacity, consider a higher-capacity battery or a spare battery.
• Unplug the charger once the battery is full: Leaving a battery on charge after it is full is not recommended. Please note, however, that you should always consult your battery’s manual, as some models automatically manage charging and discharging and may need to remain plugged in.

How can I extend my battery life during my bike ride?

A few simple habits can make a real difference to your daily range:

• Keep your tyres properly inflated: Tyres inflated to the maximum pressure reduce rolling resistance and limit energy consumption.
• Use electric assistance sparingly: Set off without assistance or set it to the minimum; the assistance system places a heavy load on the battery, especially when starting off.
• Avoid high gears at low speeds: Pedalling in too high a gear when riding slowly puts unnecessary strain on the motor.
• Maintain a steady pace: Repeated acceleration and braking consume more power. Keep a constant speed as much as possible, and anticipate gear changes, ideally when stationary or before a hill, just as you would in a car.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy your e-bike with peace of mind. And if we had to give you just one piece of advice: opt for the battery with the highest possible capacity. The initial investment is higher, but it quickly pays for itself. Any questions or need personalised advice? Contact us at info@cyclis.be.