How long does an electric bicycle battery last?

How long does an electric bicycle battery last?

Under normal use, an electric bicycle battery has an average lifespan of approximately 40,000 kilometers . This may be more or less, depending on various factors. Below, we discuss the lifespan of a battery and the factors that influence it.

• Type of battery: there are different types of batteries used in electric bicycles, including lithium batteries, nickel batteries, and lead batteries. At Cyclobility, we consistently choose bicycles with lithium batteries because they can handle significantly more charge cycles compared to the other two options.
• Frequency of use: the more often you ride your e-bike, the faster the battery will wear out. Logical, right?
• Battery storage: the location where you store your electric bicycle battery also affects its lifespan. Extremely high or low temperatures should be avoided.
• Charging: you do not need to let the battery completely discharge before charging it. Overcharging is also not possible. If you do not use the battery for a long period, it is best to store it partially charged.

Tips to extend the lifespan of your battery

There are several ways to extend the lifespan of your bicycle battery. We are happy to guide you with our tips for both on the road and at home.

Extending your battery’s lifespan while cycling

Are you heading out with your e-bike or electric cargo bike ? By taking a few things into account before and during your ride, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your electric bicycle battery. The following points are important:

• Check your tire pressure: tire pressure that is too low increases rolling resistance, causing your battery to consume unnecessary extra energy. Keep your tires inflated to the maximum recommended pressure to minimize rolling resistance. Of course, you do not need to check this before every ride. Discover here how many bars your bicycle tire needs.
• Choose the right gear: make sure your gear is not set too high. If you pedal too slowly in a high gear at low speed, this drains your battery. Select a low gear when starting from a standstill.
• Shift in time: switch to a lighter gear in time at a traffic light or at the start of a climb, and then choose a higher gear again afterward.
• Do not let your battery completely discharge: avoid fully draining your battery and try to recharge it regularly, for example during a stop at an e-bike charging station. On this website, you can find an overview of charging points in Belgium.

Charging the battery of your electric bicycle

How long the battery of an electric bicycle or speed pedelec lasts is closely related to charging and discharging. Fully charging or discharging a battery is called a charge cycle.

Every battery has a maximum number of charge cycles. After that, the battery needs to be replaced or refurbished. To take the best possible care of your battery, it is important to keep the number of charge cycles as low as possible and to avoid deep discharge (this occurs when the battery reaches a critical low level due to self-discharge and becomes irreparably damaged). You can do the following to keep your battery in good condition:

• It is recommended to charge and discharge your battery at least once a month. Discharging means riding your e-bike until the battery is empty. You do not have to do this in one go; you can spread it over several rides.
• Charging the battery of your electric bicycle at room temperature can significantly extend its lifespan.
• Remove your battery (if possible): do you commute to work? Then take the battery out of your bike each time. This prevents it from being exposed to heat, rain, or other extreme weather conditions.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: as mentioned earlier in this article, extremely high or low temperatures negatively affect the lifespan of your battery. Store your battery in a dark place at a temperature between +5°C and +25°C (never in direct sunlight). Extreme temperatures can reduce your battery’s range by 30–50%.
• Do not store your battery completely empty: it is strongly recommended to ensure that the battery is at least half charged before storing it for a longer period. A fully discharged battery can lead to deep discharge, which may cause irreversible damage and void the warranty conditions. To prevent this, it is advisable to store the battery at a minimum of half charge.

Storing the battery of your electric bicycle

You might not expect it, but the way you store your electric bicycle battery also affects its lifespan. Below you will find several tips to store your battery properly:

How much does a new electric bicycle battery cost?

Despite taking good care of your battery, wear and tear is unavoidable. At some point, you will need to replace it. A new battery costs on average between 400 and 1,000 euros. The price of a new battery is determined by the brand and the capacity. Do you enjoy long rides? Then you should consider choosing a battery with a higher Wh rating.

Can you refurbish an electric bicycle battery?

A new battery is certainly not cheap. In some cases, it may be worthwhile to have your battery refurbished. During refurbishment, the old battery cells are replaced with new ones, giving the battery a second life.

Personal advice in our stores

Do you still have a specific question about how long an electric bicycle battery lasts? Then be sure to visit one of our bicycle shops near you or contact us via the website.