5 Tips for Maximizing Your Battery Life
Learn about your ebike battery!
E-bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are lightweight, energy-dense alternatives to the lead-acid batteries in cars.
During the winter months when you may be storing your Ebike until spring, there are a few things you can do to maximize the battery's life.
Here are some tips:
1. Avoid excessive heat.
Even though you may like to be warm during the winter, that doesn't mean your battery does.
A warmer environment can wear down the components that generate power on your ebike, reducing its capacity prematurely.
Batteries should be stored at room temperature, charged between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit, and kept away from heat sources and from direct sunlight at all times.
For those of us living in colder climates, try not to ride below -4 °F as well. Your battery will be damaged.
2. Unplug the Charger Once Your Battery is Fully Charged
From completely empty to completely full, the battery typically takes 3-7 hours to charge (this applies to both the Standard and Slim battery packs.)
The charger will automatically stop charging when the battery is fully charged. We recommend that you disconnect the battery from the power source and charger as soon as possible once charging is complete. It's a good idea to unplug the charger when you aren't using it to charge your battery. This will also prevent the battery from being overcharged.
Pay attention to the red and green lights on the charger when you're charging. As soon as you see both the red and green lights, remove the charger from the battery.
3. Recharge your battery any time it completely runs out of juice.
So now that you know not to keep it fully charged while you're not using it, you might be tempted to let it drain completely before storing it.
This is also not a good idea.
Despite its quiet appearance, your battery has a lot going on underneath. A management system needs to draw at least some energy at all times to monitor the battery's internal state.
A system will shut off your electric bike before it drops below an unhealthy voltage, but if it is not recharged soon after, the continuous draw could drop the battery below a healthy level. When it hits that point, the battery will no longer be able to be charged or used.
Keep it around that 75 percent range and you'll be fine!
4. Use the charger that comes with your battery.
We don't wish to trick you into relying on our products. Keeping your battery charged is one of the most important steps you can take to keep it healthy.
Batteries and chargers are designed to work together. Using the charger they designed for that purpose, the battery manufacturer has tested the heck out of charging the battery. Switching it up could cause it to be charged too fast, which will heat up your battery. We now know that too much heat can damage a battery. You may not just be looking at capacity loss, but also major, irreparable damage.
5. Treat your battery like it’s expensive (because it is)!
In spite of how snazzy our rides look, the battery pack can be the most expensive component of any ebike. Being one of the key factors that keep your electric bike from being just a bike, it's important to keep that in mind.
Taking a little care of your battery can keep it running smoothly, which in turn will keep you on the road and get the most from your vehicle.
Do not hesitate to check your owner's manual if you have any further questions! Your battery will appreciate it.
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