Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries<\/h3>
Lithium-ion batteries are used widely in modern ebikes<\/a> due to their high energy density, lightweight construction and long cycle life. There are several variations within the Li-ion category, such as cobalt manganese blends, with each offering slight trade-offs in terms of energy density and cost.<\/p> Nickel-metal Hydride batteries were once popular in ebikes but have largely been surpassed by Li-ion technology. They offer lower energy density and shorter life cycles compared to Li-ion batteries but may still be found in some entry-level ebike models.<\/p> Lead acid batteries were featured in some of the very first ebikes. However, they are very heavy and have low energy density. Because of these shortcomings, they were quickly replaced by NiMH and Li-ion batteries.\u00a0 <\/p> The capacity of an ebike battery is measured in watt-hours (Wh), which indicates the amount of energy the battery can store. The higher the Wh rating, the higher the battery capacity.<\/p> More capacity also equals more weight, with batteries usually weighing between 650g and 1kg for every 100Wh of capacity.\u00a0<\/p> Common battery sizes include 400Wh, 500Wh and 625Wh. Some of the latest electric mountain bikes<\/a> boast even higher-capacity batteries, with integrated batteries reaching up to 750Wh capacity.<\/p> Lightweight ebikes, with battery capacities ranging from 250 to 320Wh, are becoming increasingly popular among mountain bikers and commuters.\u00a0<\/p> Many brands also offer so-called range extenders, which are especially common on lightweight eMTBs<\/a> but also found on electric commuters and e-road bikes<\/a>. These smaller batteries have around 150Wh to 200Wh capacity and are often mounted to the frame where you would fit a bottle cage.<\/p> How much capacity you need depends on the distance you wish to cover and the terrain you will be riding on. Other factors, such as how regularly you will be able to charge your battery (if you’ll be riding consecutive days without a charge, for example) are also important to consider.\u00a0<\/p> If you use your ebike to commute<\/a> on paved roads or cycle paths with slick hybrid tyres, you will likely be well served by a battery on the lower end of the capacity scale \u2013 around 400-500Wh. However, if you want your bike to be capable of several days of commuting without having to recharge its battery, you will be better off with more capacity.\u00a0<\/p> For riding an ebike off-road, racking up elevation on soft ground with grippy mountain bike tyres<\/a>, a higher-capacity system (625-750 Wh) is advisable.<\/p> There\u2019s no exact formula for calculating how much range you will get from your battery because several external factors influence this.\u00a0<\/p> Rider weight, terrain, the assistance level used, riding style and weather all impact the range of an ebike battery.\u00a0<\/p> Bosch has a handy online tool<\/a> that gives you an idea of the range you will achieve from its various ebike motors and batteries.\u00a0<\/p> The calculator combines information about the rider, bike and tour (as well as average speed and assistance mode) to generate a range estimate.\u00a0<\/p> According to Bosch, a rider with a total weight (body, bike and luggage) of 100kg, riding a Bosch CX Performance Line-equipped eMTB with a PowerTube 625Wh battery would achieve a 36km range at 18 km\/h in eMTB assistance mode through mountainous terrain.\u00a0<\/p> Ebike batteries will degrade very slowly over time, but following the tips below will help you maximise the life of your battery.<\/p> Don\u2019t leave your ebike battery unattended for long periods (overnight, for example) while it’s charging. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) recommends fitting smoke alarms in the room where you charge and store your ebike battery.\u00a0<\/p> How you look after and store your ebike battery will also affect its life expectancy. Follow these steps to maximise its life:<\/p> The life expectancy of lithium-ion batteries is often measured in charges, not years.\u00a0<\/p> Shimano, for example, guarantees its STEPS-series batteries to hold at least 60 per cent of their maximum charge after 1,000 charges.\u00a0<\/p> Bosch, on the other hand, guarantees its batteries will hold at least 60 per cent of their maximum charge after either 500 charges or two years of use, whichever happens first.\u00a0<\/p> However, even when the battery\u2019s capacity drops below the stated 60 per cent, it\u2019s still usable. On average, quality Li-ion batteries should last for eight to nine years of use.\u00a0<\/p> Modern electric bike batteries are more reliable and offer better longevity than ever. When the time comes to retire your battery, proper disposal is crucial and recycling is highly recommended to conserve the valuable minerals and materials used in the battery cells.\u00a0<\/p> In fact, manufacturers have a responsibility when it comes to recycling ebike batteries. They are legally required to dispose of these batteries correctly and in line with regulations by ensuring authorised recycling facilities handle the batteries.<\/p> Silverfish UK (which distributes electric bikes such as the Yeti 160E<\/a>), has the following note on its website:<\/p> \u201cWe are obliged to take back, free of charge, waste industrial batteries supplied to an end user for proper treatment and recycling. Silverfish will, therefore, take back and recycle free of charge eBike batteries supplied by us\u2026\u201d<\/p> If your ebike battery has reached the end of its life, the first port of call should be your manufacturer or local distributor, who will be able to inform you on the takeback and recycling procedures available in your country.\u00a0<\/p> Modern lithium-ion batteries are deemed safe to charge at home. Very rarely, they can fail dangerously and pose a fire risk<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> A voluntary testing standard called UL 2849 (which is endorsed by the likes of Trek, Canyon, Bosch and more) provides fire safety certification by examining the electrical drivetrain, battery and charger system combinations in ebikes.<\/p> Some ebike batteries carry a greater fire risk than others. The Bicycle Association says evidence confirms poorly regulated ebike conversion kits<\/a> imported to the UK are \u201cresponsible for very many of the recent tragic battery fire incidents\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries<\/h3>
Lead acid batteries<\/h3>
What are watt-hours? Ebike battery capacity explained<\/h2>
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What battery capacity do I need?<\/h2>
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How many miles will I get from my ebike battery?<\/h2>
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How to charge ebike batteries<\/h2>
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How to look after and store ebike batteries<\/h2>
How long do ebike batteries last?<\/h2>
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End of life and recycling ebike batteries<\/h2>
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How dangerous are ebike batteries?<\/h2>