Using, charging and maintaining your e-bike battery

A modern lithium-ion e-bike battery needs little maintenance. However, the way you use, charge and store the battery has a big influence on its performance and lifespan. The advice below will help you keep your battery in good condition for as long as possible.

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1. First use of a new e-bike battery

A new battery is usually delivered partially charged. We recommend charging the battery fully before using it for the first time.

While charging, the indicator light on the charger is red. Once the battery is fully charged, the light turns green. Green means the charger is connected to the mains, but the battery is no longer being charged.

A lithium-ion battery does not need to be fully discharged a few times first. Long “conditioning” charges are not necessary either.

Preferably use the original charger that belongs with the battery. If you use a different charger, only choose a model that is suitable for the battery type in question and has the correct charging voltage, connector and polarity.

2. What is the best way to charge an e-bike battery?

A lithium-ion battery does not need to be empty before you charge it. Charging in between rides is no problem, so there is no need to wait until the battery is almost empty.

Charge the battery whenever it is convenient.
Avoid regularly running the battery completely flat.
Recharge an empty battery as soon as possible.
Do not leave a fully charged battery on the charger unnecessarily long.
Preferably do not leave the battery connected for more than about 24 hours.
Preferably charge at a normal room temperature.

Did you only use a little capacity on a short ride and is there enough range left for the next ride? Then the battery does not need to be recharged straight away.

3. Temperature: use and storage

Temperature affects the performance of an e-bike battery. A lithium-ion battery performs best when it is at operating temperature, roughly around 20–25 °C.

At lower temperatures, less capacity is temporarily available and the range can drop noticeably. This does not mean the battery is worn out: at a higher battery temperature, most of this capacity becomes available again.

A cool, dry and frost-free garage or shed is therefore a good place to store it. Avoid high temperatures, direct sunlight, a hot car, storage next to a heater, and wet or very damp rooms.

4. Not using the battery for a longer period

Not using the bike for several weeks or months? Then do not store the battery empty and preferably not fully charged for a long period either.

Check the battery at least once every two months. If the charge level has clearly dropped, partially recharge the battery.

This prevents the battery voltage from dropping too far during longer periods of inactivity.

5. Prevent deep discharge

Even when an e-bike battery is not in use, the BMS and the electronics consume a small amount of energy. If an empty or almost empty battery is left unused for too long, the voltage of the battery cells can drop too far. This is called deep discharge.

A deeply discharged battery can become damaged and in some cases can no longer be charged normally.

Then recharge an empty battery as soon as possible, preferably within 12 hours. Do not leave a completely drained battery unused for days or weeks.

6. Charging at low temperatures

A cold battery can temporarily deliver less energy while cycling. Is the battery very cold, for example because the bike has been outside at temperatures around or below freezing? Then let the battery warm up first before charging it.

7. Safe charging

Charge your battery in a dry, stable place where the battery and charger can easily release their heat.

Do not cover the battery or charger while charging.
Do not charge in a wet or very damp environment.
Do not use a damaged charger, cable or battery.
Only use a suitable charger.
Prevent short-circuiting of the charging contacts.
Do not open or repair a lithium-ion battery yourself.
Unplug the charger from the socket after charging.
Preferably charge in a room with a working smoke detector.

8. The most important tips at a glance

Do

Use the battery regularly.
Charging in between rides is fine.
Recharge an empty battery as soon as possible.
Store the battery at around 50–80% charge for longer storage.
Store the battery in a cool, dry place.
Check a stored battery at least once every two months.
Preferably use the original charger or one that is demonstrably suitable.

Don’t

Leave an empty battery standing for a long time.
Store the battery at 100% for a long time.
Leave a full battery on the charger unnecessarily long.
Charge an ice-cold battery straight away.
Expose the battery to heat or direct sunlight for a long time.
Keep using a damaged battery.
Use a charger just because the plug happens to fit.

Questions about your e-bike battery or charger?

Not sure which charger belongs with your battery, want to know whether your battery is still working properly, or looking for a suitable replacement battery?

RAP is happy to help you with personal advice.

With more than 15 years of experience with brands such as Phylion and Joycube, we can often determine which battery or charger you need based on the battery type, article number or a few photos.

Send us a photo of the label and the connector of your battery, or contact us for advice.

Wondering how long an e-bike battery lasts and when replacing it makes sense? Read our blog on e-bike battery lifespan.