It is beyond argument that battery technology has come all way. Modern ebikes use Lithium-ion battery packs. A Lithium-ion battery can mean many things within its chemistry make-up. Of all the various types of lithium-ion batteries, three cell chemistry types emerge as widely used in electric bicycle/scooter/mopeds: lithium ferrophosphate, or lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA). It is this chemistry that makes the ebike battery today last long and deliver long distance riding. The modern lithium-ion battery is a pack of cells designed to deliver the power needed to propel you across the country.
The trade-off of Lithium-ion Battery Technology
A modern Lithium-ion Ebike battery has a lifespan of ten years under normal operating conditions. This, as the statement implies, is a conditional lifespan. The normal operating conditions is all in the control of the consumer. It should be considered that these are full battery packs. A battery pack is a made up of several battery cells. If just one cell fails, the entire battery pack is rendered useless. The only way to keep the battery healthy is to keep it charged and don’t allow one cell to drop. The procedure for this is simple and if the ebike owner adopts these principles the battery will operate as expected.
Two(2) principles to adopt:
- Charge the ebike battery after each ride – Normally your battery would have dropped 20% to 60% on each ride. The battery is fully charged after the charger light turns from red to green. If the battery is attached and the charger plugged in and the red charge light does not light. Either the battery is fully charged or the battery may have an issue.
- Charge the ebike every four(4) to five(5) weeks when not being used – This will ensure that the battery cells are all retained at its optimal voltage.
Handling while charging:
- Don’t charge your bicycle battery inside your home
- Don’t charge your bicycle battery near curtains or any flammable materials
- Don’t leave your charger connected to your battery and into the home power source.
- Don’t store your bicycle battery in extreme cold environments. Do not freeze your battery.
Although most batteries come with a two year warranty from the manufacturer, once this financial protection is expired, replacement cost will be in the consumer’s hands. On average Lithium-ion battery packs cost $600.00-$1000.00.
Battery maintenance of this nature is critical. If you adopt this principle you will have years of enjoyment riding your ebike.