How Long Do Electric Bike Batteries Last?

Battery is the heart of an electric bike, which powers the motor and propels you forward, transforming every ride into a smooth, effortless, and enjoyable journey. However, even the best bicycle components do not last forever, and you should know when it’s time to replace them. Like with any other energy source, the longevity of an e-bike battery varies depending on multiple factors, including its type, number of charging cycles, maintenance, and frequency of use. So, how long do electric bicycle batteries last? How many times can you recharge them? And how to prolong the lifespan of your e-bike? Let’s sort things out.

What Impacts Electric Bike Battery Life?

There are several major factors to consider when determining ebike battery life:

• Battery type: most manufacturers equip e-bikes with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries due to their efficiency, light weight, high energy density, and longer lifespan. Lead-acid and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are less common in modern electric bicycles. They last two or even three times less than their lithium-ion counterparts.

• Charging cycle: a cycle charge is defined as one full discharge and recharge of the battery (e.g., from 100% to 0% and back to 100%). Each charging electric cycle contributes to battery wear and eventually leads to a decrease in its capacity. Improper charging habits (letting the battery drain to 0%, using non-compatible chargers, etc.) also shorten battery life.

• Frequency of use: e-bike batteries self-discharge and lose their capacity during long periods of inactivity. On the other hand, constant intensive use (e.g., riding at high assist levels, carrying extra cargo, or aggressive acceleration) results in frequent recharges, which reduces the overall electric bike life. 

• Environmental conditions: extreme temperatures impact both the performance and lifespan of a bicycle battery, especially the Li-ion one. Indeed, cold weather reduces battery range and efficiency, while extreme heat accelerates its cell degradation.

Also Read: Florida Electric Bike Laws

Average Lifespan of Electric Bike Batteries

Manufacturers specify the lifespan of electric bike batteries in charging cycles. Thus, quality models typically handle from 500 to 1,000 cycle charges, which corresponds to 3-5 years of service life. This means that you can ride approximately 12,500-35,000 miles before the battery capacity drops significantly. However, the distance varies from model to model, as the best bikes allow you to ride 70+ miles per charge (e.g., Avant Agile), which results in a total distance of 35,000-70,000 miles.

E-bikes battery life also varies based on the brand and model:

• Premium: Avant and other industry-leading e-bike brands use batteries with high-grade Samsung lithium-ion cells that last 700-1,000 charging cycles (or 3-5 years of regular use) before their capacity starts dropping.

• Mid-range: budget batteries typically come with lower-grade cells and have shorter lifespans of about 2-4 years or 500-700 charging cycles.

• Low-end: lead-acid or NiCd models that handle only 200-500 battery charger cycles and last 1-2 years.

Charging Cycle & Battery Life

A charging cycle involves using the full battery capacity and then recharging it to 100%. However, this does not necessarily happen at once, as it may take multiple partial discharges and recharges to complete a full cycle. For example, if you charge your bicycle to 50%, it’s just half of the cycle. By charging the battery to 20%, you can then repeat the same procedure four times until you reach a full cycle.

It’s not recommended to recharge the battery from 0% to 100%, as it puts more stress on its cells, leading to a shorter lifespan. Instead, try recharging the bike to 80-90% as soon as the battery drops to 20-30%. If you cycle daily, recharge your two-wheeler after each ride, even with small top-ups. 

How Many Times Can You Recharge a Battery?

The number of times you can recharge an electric bike battery depends on its type, quality, and condition. In practice, the majority of batteries can be fully recharged approximately 1,000 times before their capacity drops by 70-80%. However, some premium models can withstand even more charging cycles (1,500+) if maintained properly. 

Notably, an e-bike battery will not suddenly stop working when it’s degraded. Instead, it will hold less charge, thereby reducing the distance you can ride with electric assistance. For example, if your bike used to handle 70 miles per charge, its range may eventually drop to 15-20 miles. 

Tips for Prolonging Your Electric Bike Battery Life

Check out the following tips to keep your e-bike’s battery in good condition and prolong its life:

• Always use the manufacturer’s charger to top up the battery.

• Avoid deep discharges (less than 20%).

• Charge and store the battery at moderate temperatures (10-25°C).

• Store the battery in a dry place at 40-60% charge.

• Do not leave your e-bike connected to the charger if the battery is already full.

• Avoid prolonged battery use in extreme weather.

• Use lower assist levels when cycling.

• From time to time, check the battery for physical damage, swelling, or corrosion.

Choosing a Long-Lasting Avant Electric Bike: Best Battery Life, Motor & More

Avant is a reputable US-based e-bike manufacturer known for producing durable electric bikes for different cycling needs. All models are made from heavy-duty materials and designed to deliver high-quality performance for years. In addition, Avant bikes feature high-capacity lithium-ion Samsung batteries that can handle up to 1,000 charging cycles. Compare our bicycles to find your perfect fit:

When Should You Replace Your E-Bike Battery?

Here are a few signs that the electric bikes battery life is coming to an end:

• Battery range drops dramatically

• It takes a long time for the battery to charge

• Unexpected cut-offs or inconsistent power output 

• Failures to hold charge

• Unusual heat during charging

• Physical damage (swelling, corrosion, or leakage)

Also read: New York Electric Bike Laws and Regulations

Conclusion

When selecting a durable 2-wheeled bike, opt for models with high-quality lithium-ion batteries from trusted manufacturers, especially if longevity is your primary concern. However, even if you choose an electric bike with the longest battery life, it will hardly serve you well without proper care. So, charge, store, and use the battery properly to enjoy smooth rides for years.