Should You Fully Charge Your E-bike Battery?

By HWM

The world is going green, and every country is on a mission to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

E-bikes are slowly replacing cars and two-wheelers, and that’s why you’ll see a surge of them on the streets.

E-bike batteries need charging and manufacturers provide guidelines on how you need to keep the battery charged. So, should you fully charge your e-bike battery? Read ahead as we explore e-bike batteries and charging requirements.

Understanding E-Bike Batteries

Batteries form a crucial part of the electric bike system as they determine the motor performance, power output, and bike range. These batteries use lithium-ion cells as they are lightweight, have good energy density, and last longer.

Since the batteries are costly, proper charging habits are encouraged to ensure they last longer. Usually, batteries have a life cycle, and the more you charge, the more the performance begins to decline. The charge cycle runs from 0-100%.

The Case for Fully Charging

When embarking on an outdoor adventure, you need to charge the batteries to help you cover the distance. In situations where you’ll be covering a longer range, a fully charged battery ensures you won’t run out of power.

Ebike manufacturers always recommend charging the battery fully once in a while to ensure the battery management system is recalibrated.  For those living in regions that experience cold temperatures, fully charging your battery is encouraged, as low temperatures reduce the battery capacity.

The Case Against Fully Charging

You probably have thought of having your e-bike battery against a full charge, but you might be wondering if it is the right thing to do.  Battery manufacturers advise charging the battery fully once in a while. 

They are against frequent full charges because regularly charging the batteries at 100% puts stress on the cells leading to quick degradation. These experts recommend keeping the charge at 20-80% as it helps maximize the battery’s lifespan. 

If you surpass the recommended percentages, your battery loses capacity over time and you’ll buy a new one sooner.

Best Practices for Charging E-Bike Batteries While Traveling

If you are planing a long distance travel, charging your e-bike battery keeps you out of doubt through the journey. It is however recommended to follow a proper charging procedure that optimizes your battery life. Below are some key best practices to enhance your battery life as you travel.

• Have a portable charger: Some areas lack charging stations and therefore, having your charger will ensure you charge the battery along the route without worrying about the charging stations.

• Carry a portable power bank– Areas with no power will require you to have a portable power bank. Get a power bank made for e-bike batteries

• Monitor battery temperature- Extreme weather conditions may make your battery become too hot, speeding up the degradation process.

Planning Your E-Bike Travel Around Battery Life

Knowing the range of your battery ensures you get a clue of how often you’ll need to recharge it. Battery life varies based on your travel terrain, weight, and speed.  Find out the number of e-bike charging stations along your route to ensure you don’t run out of power. 

Alternatively, have an extra battery if you realize charging facilities are not within range.

Tips for Extending Battery Life on Long Trips

Extending battery life depends on how often you charge it. Below are practices to help prolong your ebike battery life on long trips.

• Use bike eco-modes:  Ebikes have various modes designed for your travel. Choose the eco-mode as it reduces strain on the battery.

• Limit high-speed riding:  Batteries drain faster at high speeds and that is why it is recommended to keep moderate speeds on long trips.

Conclusion

Charging an e-bike battery is crucial for your journey. However, you need to charge it correctly to extend its lifespan. Experts recommend charging up to 80% as this will not put a lot of strain on the battery.