With increasing pressure to reduce our carbon emissions and protect the environment, e-bikes are quickly growing in popularity as an eco-friendly method of travel.
In a recent guide, the Bike Storage Company reported that for every kilometre travelled, an e-bike can save 249g of carbon dioxide emissions on average compared to car travel.
E-bikes require less effort to ride than traditional bikes, which makes them appealing to those who don’t have high fitness levels or have lots of ground to cover. But what about the practicalities of owning an e-bike? Here are answers to common questions about e-bike charging and battery maintenance.
1. How long does an e-bike battery last between charges?
You can expect to get anywhere between 35 and 160 kilometres on a full charge. Many factors affect how long a battery lasts, including the quality and capacity of the battery, the type of bike, the type of terrain you’re travelling on, your weight, and your fitness level. Someone who is very fit will be able to cycle without motor assistance more often and this will extend the battery life between charges.
2. How long does it take to recharge an e-bike battery?
Most e-bike batteries take between three and six hours to charge from full depletion. It’s important to unplug the battery once it is fully charged to avoid overheating and preserve battery life.
3. Should an e-bike battery drain completely before recharging?
Most e-bikes have lithium batteries that don’t require complete discharge before recharging. It’s usually better to keep the battery topped up by recharging after every use than to let the charge fall very low or discharge completely. Lithium-ion batteries tend to last longest when their charge remains within the 30 per cent to 80 per cent range. Try to use and recharge the bike often. If the battery is unused for several weeks or months at a time, its lifespan will be reduced.
4. Can I cycle an e-bike with a flat battery?
A big benefit of e-bikes over electric cars is that you can still travel even when you’re caught out with a flat battery. However, since e-bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles, they do require more effort to cycle without power. If you notice your battery is running low, you can choose to turn the motor off when travelling on flat terrain to conserve power for when you need assistance, such as when cycling up hills.
5. How often do the batteries of e-bikes need replacing?
You can expect your e-bike battery to last between three and five years depending on its quality and how well you maintain it. You can extend its life by charging it indoors and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures. When you do come to replace your e-bike battery, be sure to recycle the old one. Batteries leak harmful materials when disposed of in landfill and they pose a serious risk to the environment and human health. Recycling ensures harmful chemicals are safely processed and any materials suitable for reuse can be reclaimed.
Good recharging technique extends your e-bike lifespan
When you take care to charge your e-bike battery correctly, you can make sure it lasts for as long as possible and extend the lifespan of your bike. Always follow the instructions in your e-bike’s manual to ensure you’re charging your battery in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Further reading: Aussie startup seeks to make greener options accessible with e-bike subscription service.
