How Long Does An Ebike Battery Last?

Charge cycles are used to figure out how long a battery will last, implying that the number of complete charges (from 0 to 100%) they can handle before they stop working is what matters.

In principle, an electric bike battery may be charged and discharged hundreds of times.  How much, exactly?  It depends on the kind of battery.  How you treat your battery will also affect how long it lasts.  For instance, you may make your battery last longer by keeping it in a dry place where the temperature doesn't change.  

Every kind of battery has a different lifespan:

The kind of battery mostly determines how long an e-bike's battery will last.  These are the batteries that are used the most:

• Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly common and can last up to 1000 charge cycles, or even longer for the newest Lithium Iron Phosphate types.
• Nickel batteries: anticipate around 500 cycles 
• Lead batteries (on first-generation electric bikes): anticipate around 300 cycles.

As the law says, the vendor must provide you at least a two-year warranty.  You should also check the "health" of your battery.  If you see that it runs out of power faster after a few months, it's likely a manufacturing flaw.

What happens when a battery has reached its maximum number of charge cycles?

The maximum number of charge cycles that the manufacturer says is the most that a battery can go through without losing too much efficiency.

After the set number of cycles, it will work less well and maintain its charge for less time.  You need to decide for yourself whether you need a new one or if you can get by without it.

Even when you don't use it, the battery will wear out:

This is termed "self-discharging," and it happens when the energy that has accumulated slowly exits.  Chemical processes within the battery might cause harm that can't be fixed if it stays fully empty for a long time.  If you don't plan to use your battery for a while, see the user handbook for instructions on what to do.  The best way to care for a battery depends on what kind it is.

How to care for the batteries in an electric bike?

Charging:

• Use the charger and adapter that came with your battery every time.  It will keep the battery from becoming too full and safeguard it from harm from short circuits.
• Before you charge your battery, let it cool down.  Also, don't use it just after charging it.
• Don't ever let the battery run down entirely, but constantly strive to charge it all the way.
• If you don't plan to ride your bike for a long time, be sure to charge the battery a little bit every few months. 
• After charging, always unplug the charger from the battery and the network.

Storage:

• Store your batteries somewhere cold and dry, such as between 0 and 20-degree C.
• Don't leave the battery near a heat source or in a hot place.

Cleaning:

• Keep in mind that water and electricity don't mix!  Always take the battery out before cleaning or doing anything else to your e-bike.
• When cleaning the battery (or your e-bike), never use a steam pressure washer.
• You should never put the battery in water.  A moist towel will do the trick. 

In general, an electric bike battery loses its ability to hold a charge after 3 to 5 years of regular usage.