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How to look after an e-bike battery and make it last

An e-bike battery is the most expensive part on the bike and the one most affected by how you treat it. Lithium cells age from heat, from sitting full or empty, and from deep discharges, so a few simple habits noticeably extend their working life.

Charge and storage state

Lithium-ion cells last longest when they are not held at the extremes. For daily use, charging fully is fine, but if you will not ride for a while, storing the pack at roughly 30 to 60 percent charge slows ageing. Avoid leaving a battery empty for long periods, because a deeply discharged cell can be damaged, and avoid leaving it sitting at 100 percent for weeks on end.

Temperature matters most

Heat is the biggest enemy of a lithium battery. Charge and store the pack indoors at room temperature, not in a hot car, direct sun or an unheated shed in winter. Let a battery that has been out in the cold warm up before charging it, and never charge a pack that is below freezing. Riding in the cold is fine, but expect reduced range until the pack warms up.

Charging habits and safety

Use only the charger supplied for your system, because chargers are matched to the pack voltage and its battery management system. Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface and do not leave a charging pack unattended overnight where possible. Keep the contacts clean and dry, do not use a visibly damaged or swollen pack, and have any pack that has been in a crash checked before you rely on it again.

Related

Sources: Bosch eBike Systems, battery storage and care · Shimano, STEPS battery and charger information