When Is It Time to Replace Your E-bike Battery?

Last Updated on May 26, 2023 by Igor Karni

As e-bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years, the importance of maintaining and replacing their batteries has also grown. But how do you know when is it time to replace your e-bike battery? 

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In this article, we will discuss some of the signs of battery degradation, factors that affect battery lifespan, the importance of battery replacement, and how to choose a new e-bike battery.

Signs of Battery Degradation

A reduced range is one of the most obvious signs that your e-bike battery needs to be replaced. If you find that you are not getting as much mileage out of your battery as you used to, or if your e-bike is struggling to make it up hills or against headwinds, it might be time for a replacement. 

Other signs of battery degradation include slower charging times, decreased power output, and physical damage to the battery casing. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to get your e-bike battery inspected by a professional. 

An example of such a company is Greenlance E-Bike Battery Company in the UK, which provides high-quality replacement batteries that will bring new life to your e-bike. Their 48V E-Bike Battery 48V 17AH and 48V 20AH Samsung Cells are reliable, long-lasting, and affordable options.

What is AH? AH is the Amp Hour of the battery. This represents the capacity of a battery. Battery capacity helps understand how long you can ride the e-bike without needing to charge your battery, given the motor’s Watts Hours (Power). Here is a quick example:

• 48V 20AH battery has 960 Watts (capacity) 
• 48V 250Watts motor consumse 250Watts per hour. 
• Thus, the battery will be able to power the motor for almost 4 hours continuously: 960/250 = 3.84 or 4 Hours.

Read also: How far can e-bikes go? What is e-bike range on a single charge? And, How fast are e-bikes?

Battery Lifespan and Usage Factors

The lifespan of an e-bike battery can vary depending on several factors, including usage, charging habits, and environmental conditions. On average, e-bike batteries last between 2-5 years or approximately 800-1000 charging cycles, but this can be extended with proper care and maintenance.

To extend the life of your battery, it is important to avoid overcharging, extreme temperatures, and deep discharges. It is also recommended to store your battery in a cool, dry place when not in use. 

What is overcharging? Overcharging is always charging your battery to 100% and leaving it plugged in when it is already charged. While it is OK to charge your e-bike battery to 100% from time to time, charging it to around 80% will help it leave longer.

What are extreme temperatures? It is recommended to store your e-bike battery at around 15-20 degrees Celsius (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit). Never charge your e-bike battery when it has been exposed to below-freezing temperatures, direct sunlight, or high heat.

What is deep discharge? Deep discharge is frequently discharging your e-bike battery to 0%. It is OK to run out of battery power from time to time, but it is recommended to keep your battery always charged to around 20-30%.

Read also: What is the difference between e-bike batteries? And, How far can e-bikes go? What is the e-bike range?

If you use your e-bike frequently or for long distances, you may need to replace the battery sooner than someone who uses it less often.

Importance of Battery Replacement

Replacing your e-bike battery when it starts to degrade is crucial for maintaining the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your e-bike. An old or worn-out battery can cause decreased performance, increased risk of malfunctions, and even pose a safety hazard while riding.

Moreover, an inefficient or underperforming battery can increase your electricity bill and decrease your overall e-bike efficiency. When your battery does not provide enough power, the motor has to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption. 

By replacing your degrading e-bike battery with a high-quality and reliable new one, you can ensure that your e-bike is running at its best and save money on energy costs in the long run.

Choosing the right battery for your e-bike is crucial for maximizing performance and lifespan. Factors such as voltage, capacity, and cell type can greatly impact your battery’s performance and durability. It is important to choose a battery that matches the voltage of your e-bike and has sufficient capacity to meet your riding needs.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most popular and reliable option due to their high energy density, low weight, and long lifespan. 

Again, as an example, Greenlance E-Bike Battery Company in the UK offers a variety of lithium-ion replacement batteries, including their 48V E-Bike Battery 48V 17AH and 48V Electric Bike Battery 48V 20AH Samsung Cells, which are both high-quality and affordable options for your e-bike battery replacement needs.

Read also: What is the difference between a regular e-bike and a speed e-bike? And, is it legal to derestrict electric bicycle speed?

If you are not sure about which battery is right for your e-bike, Greenlance also offers a free consultancy service where its experts can help you choose the best battery based on your specific needs and requirements.

Choosing a New E-bike Battery

When it comes to choosing the right voltage for your e-bike battery, it is essential to match the voltage of your motor. Most e-bike motors are designed to work with either a 36V or 48V battery. Using the wrong voltage can damage your motor, and it can also affect the performance of your e-bike.

For instance, if you have an e-bike with a 36V motor and use a 48V battery, you may experience a boost in power, but it can overload the motor and lead to its failure. On the other hand, if you use a 36V battery with a 48V motor, you may not get the desired performance and speed.

Choosing the right battery voltage is crucial for the safety, performance, and longevity of your e-bike. It is always best to consult a professional before purchasing a new battery to ensure you get the right voltage and capacity for your specific e-bike model.

To continue with the example of Greenlance E-Bike Battery Company in the UK, it offers 48V batteries, including their 48V E-Bike Battery 48V 17AH and 48V 20AH Samsung Cells. These batteries are designed to provide optimal performance for e-bikes with a 48V motor, ensuring a smooth and safe riding experience. 

Choosing the right voltage and capacity for your battery is essential to get the best performance and lifespan for your e-bike. The 48V 20AH battery uses a 13S4P cell group with 21700 5000mAh Cells. This increases the maximum performance of the battery along with range capacity.

Read also: What is the difference between e-bike batteries? And, How to solve most common e-bike battery problems?

Why 21700 cells are different? The patent for 21700 cells is created by Tesla, developing those cells in slightly larger sizes by increasing the volume of the capacity. The name represents the size of each cell 21mm – Diameter 700- Height (21700). The cells start from 4000 mAh or 4AH Capacity per cell, which has increased performance. 

Samsung 21700 e-bike battery cells have greater performance and durability. Compared with 18650 cells, the maximum capacity of 21700 cells is 5000 mAh, significantly higher than typical cells. 

Samsung cells also provide 2 years warranty on the battery itself and guarantee around 1500 Charging cycles, compared to 800-1000 charging cycles for average batteries. For example, if you charge your battery every day, you will get 4 years of guaranteed performance.

A few words in conclusion

In conclusion, knowing when to replace your e-bike battery is important for maintaining the safety, reliability, and efficiency of your e-bike. By keeping an eye out for signs of battery degradation, taking care of your battery, and choosing a high-quality replacement, you can ensure that your e-bike is running at its best for years to come. 

Contacting the right professional for help (and Greenlance is a great option to consider) would save time and effort in troubleshooting your e-bike and provide you with the best solutions for years to come. 

Read also: What are the differences between e-bike batteries? And, How to properly store an electric bike?