Electric bikes have been at the forefront of the green revolution due to their equal compatibility with congested city streets and long-drive spacious terrains. This means these bikes can be used on any kind of terrain. The key element that makes the normal-looking bicycle an electrically assisted cycle is its battery, which energises the motor.
That's why before purchasing any vehicle, the only question that revolves around is how long do batteries last of electric bikes normally to decide whether they can be used for commuting or not.
The range of an electric bike battery depends upon the size of the pack and the amount of charge stored in it, along with several factors like bike weight, drivetrain, electric motor efficiency, and so on. Let's decipher how much an electric bike battery usually lasts.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
How to Measure Electric Bike Battery Capacity?
Electric bike manufacturers have usually mentioned the battery capacity in watt hours (Wh), volts (V), and ampere per hour (Ah), with numerical figures, which are closely related to the battery's lifespan. So to measure how long do the batteries last, you need to know their capacities. You can simply multiply volts with ampere per hour and the actual watt per hour figures will come.
We can take the example of ENGWE L20 and learn how to measure the capacity of an electric bike. For example, (Wh) = V x Ah, 48V x 13Ah = 624 Wh. Keep in mind that some e-bikes are capped at 80% to restrict them from depleting completely. So, you cannot use the full extent of the battery while riding.
Types of Electric Bike Batteries
There are mainly four types of batteries used in electric bikes by the manufacturers based on the production cost and performance figures. Lithium-ion batteries are most commonly used in e-bikes because of their affordable prices and long-range providing capabilities.
1. Lithium Ion
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used by manufacturers due to their lightweight and long range. Their reliability and maximum power delivery make them the best component to add to modern mopeds and other electric bikes as a power hub. If you ask any expert how long should a lithium ion battery last? The answer would be 2 to 3 years, which is insane for low-budget vehicles with high-performance figures.
2. Lead Acid
Lead acid batteries are still used in cheap e-bikes but don't provide a better life span and are heavy. These batteries were widely used in electric bikes a few years ago because they are very cheap and cost-effective for manufacturers, but the problem lies in their lower energy density, short range, and heavyweight.
Now, these low-performing and short-distance covering batteries have been replaced by superior lithium-ion batteries.
3. Nickel Cadmium
Nickel-cadmium batteries were once used in electric bikes like lead acid, but manufacturers had abandoned them due to heavy weight, and low energy density. Though they are short-range providing batteries, they still provide extreme durability and resilience to extreme weather conditions.
4. Lithium Polymer
Lithium polymer batteries can be used in place of lithium-ion batteries, but manufacturers avoid using them, though they can be moulded in a variety of shapes to meet the flexible needs of frame design.
Most manufacturers like ENGWE avoid these batteries because these are way more expensive than lithium ion and provide a very short distance covering range.
Average Lifespan of E-Bike Batteries
These four types of batteries have different life cycles, so before you look for the answer to the question "how long do ebikes last", you need to first figure out which battery your electric bike uses. Under ideal conditions, the lifespan of these batteries is:
- Lithium-ion batteries (most common): 3 to 7 years or 500 to 1,000 charge cycles
- Lead-acid batteries (less common): 1 to 3 years or 300 to 500 charge cycles
- Nickel-based batteries (rarely used in modern e-bikes): 2 to 5 years
- Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Batteries: 2-4 years or 300 to 500 charge cycles
What Affects Electric Bike Battery Range?
If you are learning how long do electric bikes last, then you must keep in mind the company-mentioned figures only indicate the possible battery range. The actual range can be compromised due to the following factors.
1. Weather Conditions
If your electric bike is parked in extreme weather conditions or you are riding on snowy tracks, then it is most likely that your electric bike battery will not provide the backup to its full extent. Extreme hot conditions can decrease the capacity of the charging cells by degrading them faster. On the other hand, extreme cold conditions can decrease the output of the battery due to a decrease in the efficiency of the chemical reactions.
2. Charging Habits
Don't leave your battery connected to the charger for hours even after it is fully charged because it damages the efficiency levels of the cells. Also, don't put your electric bike to charge when parked in direct sunlight or snowfall because it affects the charging rate of the cells.
Always try to maintain the battery at room temperature level, and then connect it with the charger recommended by the company to get the most out of it.
3. Storage Conditions
You know parking your bike for days in extreme weather conditions damages its longevity. That's why, firstly, try to store your bike in a cool and dry place under the shadow, and if you are going to store it for days, then keep the charging up to 50% at least to avoid negative discharging. Lastly, if you are going to store it for months, then make sure to disconnect the battery from the vehicle to avoid power drainage.
4. Usage Patterns
Riding practices decide pretty much how long do ebikes last because if you are taking too much work from your ride when passing through rough terrains to rev it at high speed, then surely battery cells are going to lose their longevity and efficiency to perform for years.
If you are going to climb a steep hill, then it is definite that your electric motor will consume more power from your battery to produce high torque and resultantly put strain on the battery cells. That's why you should avoid putting your e-bike battery under extreme working conditions to get more range from it.
How to Maximise Electric Bike Battery Range?
There are several ways to get more distance-covering range from your electric bike, but we have discussed the only important ones for you to follow. These small changes in your habit will make you enjoy the long life span of your electrically assisted cycle.
1. Don't Ever Let the Battery Deplete Completely
You know, once you have let your electric cycle battery cells deplete to zero percent, then it's going to affect the charging cycle of the pack. This means you are going to miss the longevity of your ride, and you cannot ride it for days on a single charge.
2. Charge Your E-Bike's Battery Regularly
Make a habit of charging your electric bike every 2 days or according to your riding requirements to increase the life of your bike's battery pack. If you are charging your electric bike to 100% and then using it until it gets down to 10% then be aware that you are damaging it.
Make a habit of charging your bike up to 80% only, and don't let it down to less than 20% for long-lasting performance.
3. Avoid Extreme Climate Conditions
Make sure to avoid riding in extremely hot or cold weather conditions to enjoy more range from your electric bike. Always try to commute when the temperature is moderate, and keep your bike parked in your house or under the shade not to expose it to harsh conditions.
ENGWE's Best Long-Range Battery Rides to Buy
| E-bike | ENGWE LE20 | ENGWE P275 Pro | ENGWE P275 ST | ENGWE Engine Pro 2.0 | ENGWE E26 |
| Battery Capacity | 48V 19.2Ah (922Wh)/48V 38.4Ah (1844Wh) | 36V 19.2Ah (691Wh) | 36V 19.2Ah (691Wh) | 52V 16Ah (832Wh) | 48V 16Ah (768Wh) |
| Charging Time | About 6-8 Hours (Standard Charger)/About 2-3 Hours (Fast Charger) | About 3-8 Hours | About 3-8 Hours | About 5.5 Hours | About 5.5-6 Hours |
| Range | Up to 180 KM/350 KM | Up to 260 KM | Up to 260 KM | Up to 110 KM | Up to 140 KM |
Final Thoughts
Electric bike performance depends upon the quality and efficiency of the components installed in it and then on the riding style of the commuter. And battery is one of the most important components that greatly affects the e-bike's range and lifespan. Therefore, it is essential to know them.
From the above we can know that how long do batteries last fitted in electric bikes depends upon their capacity and the conditions in which they are being used. So if you want to enjoy a long-span distance covering range to reach wherever you want, use your electric bike carefully.
You may also want to know:
How to Use an E Bike: A Beginner's Guide to Riding
How to Ride an Electric Bike with Gears: Beginner's Guide
Convert Bikes To Electric: Complete Guide
