How Often Should I Charge My Electric Bike: Maximising Your E-Bike’s Battery Life

The battery of your electric bike powers your adventures—whether it’s your daily commute or weekend off-roading. By taking proper care of your battery, you can make the most out of each ride. A well-maintained battery also extends the overall lifespan of your electric bike. 

So, how often should you charge your electric bike, and what are the best practices for keeping your battery in tiptop condition?

Today, we’re sharing the optimal charging habits you must keep in mind, plus other practical tips so you can maximise your e-bike’s battery life and enjoy more efficient rides. 

Basics of Electric Bike Batteries

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have become the preferred power source for modern electric bikes because of their superior performance and efficiency. 

Compared to older battery technologies, Li-ion batteries offer higher energy density, which translates to a longer range on a single charge. They are also more efficient and require shorter charging times. Plus, Li-ion batteries are significantly lighter compared to other battery types, which helps minimise your e-bike’s overall weight and improves handling and performance. 

More importantly, Li-ion batteries can withstand numerous charge-discharge cycles without significant capacity loss, which extends the lifespan of your electric bike. With proper care and maintenance, you can rely on your battery to stay dependable for as long as possible. 

That said, it is just as important to understand that while an e-bike can reach its advertised maximum range at ideal riding conditions, there are certain factors that may affect your actual range. To be specific, rider weight and certain riding conditions (e.g. uphill, challenging terrain, difficult weather) are all known to impact range. Not being able to achieve the advertised range does not necessarily mean your battery is faulty. 

Charging Dos and Don’ts

Here are some general charging guidelines to follow:

DO: Charge only as often as needed.

Charging once a week is often sufficient for riders who use their electric bikes for short commutes or casual rides. However, if you ride under more challenging conditions, you may need to charge your e-bike more frequently.

DO: Keep your battery charged at optimal levels. 

A common misconception among riders is that you need to keep your battery fully charged at all times. However, always charging to 100% may place your battery under unnecessary stress. Instead, it’s actually advisable to keep your battery charged between 80% and 90% – staying within this range will help you get the most out of your battery.

However, if you’re planning a long-distance ride that will push your battery to its maximum range, it’s advisable to charge your e-bike fully.

DO: Charge in an appropriate environment.

Brands like Aventon recommend charging electric bikes indoors, ideally in a climate-controlled environment with temperatures between 0°C and 40°C. Avoid charging on soft or uneven surfaces like wood floors or carpets; instead, opt for hard, flat surfaces like concrete.

DON’T: Drain your battery.

Avoid letting your charge level drop to 0%, as deep discharges can strain the battery and eventually keep it from properly holding charge. Instead, keeping the battery level above 20% is a good practice to maintain your battery’s optimal condition.

Fortunately, manufacturers like Fiido have incorporated low battery protection, which means that even when the display shows 0%, in reality, a small amount of power remains in the battery. However, it's still not advisable to leave your e-bike in this state for a long time.

On another note, if you're not using your e-bike for a long period, do not store it with an empty battery. Charge the battery to around 75% to 80% and check it periodically to make sure the level doesn't fall below this range.

DON’T: Overcharge your battery.

Regular charging is important, but it's just as important to avoid overcharging your battery. Don’t leave your e-bike on the charger for extended periods, as this can reduce the battery's capacity (e.g., from 100% to 95%).

To avoid this, unplug the charger as soon as the battery charging is complete. You can also consult this table for typical charging times for the e-bike models we currently offer:

Practical Tips for Your E-Bike Battery

As an e-bike owner, following the best battery and charging practices can help you keep your ride working for a long time:

Using the Correct Charger

Always use the charger that came with your electric bike or a genuine one from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Using an incompatible or counterfeit product can damage your battery and affect its performance. Worse, it can even lead to safety hazards like overheating or fire. 

Storing Your Battery Correctly

Excessive heat or cold could damage your battery, so keep it within the aforementioned recommended temperature range. Store your battery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. 

If you have to store your e-bike in a hot place, like the back of your car on a summer day, remember to remove the battery and keep it somewhere else (or carry it with you).

Additionally, when storing your e-bike long-term, avoid leaving the battery attached to the bike frame for extended periods.

Monitoring Your Battery Health

Regularly checking your battery helps you spot significant changes in range and performance early. This allows you to consult a professional promptly and prevent the issue from getting worse.

Using Efficient Settings

Apart from charging and storing your battery properly, it also helps to optimise your e-bike’s settings. For example, you can use energy-saving modes and use lower pedal assistance levels (if your riding situation allows it) to extend your range and maximise your battery life.

Minimising Overall Load

It’s also crucial to avoid overloading your e-bike. Each electric bike model has a specific weight capacity (e.g., the Fiido C11 commuter e-bike can carry up to 120 KG, while the Aventon Level.2 can support up to 136 KG).

Exceeding the model’s weight limit puts extra strain on the battery and impacts overall performance. To ensure you stay within your e-bike’s load capacity, we recommend adding 10% to your body weight to account for additional cargo. For example, if you weigh 100 KG, you must choose an e-bike that can accommodate at least 110 KG.

Keeping Your Battery Clean and Dry

Just like the rest of your e-bike, it's important to keep your battery clean and free from contaminants like dirt and mud. Regularly inspect your battery, and while doing so, check the electrical contacts between the battery and the controller to ensure the prongs are not bent.

Also, although your battery may have a high waterproof rating, it’s not designed to be submerged in water – thus, it’s crucial to store your battery in a dry place. 

If the battery does get submerged, do not use your electric bike, as water may have already entered the electrical systems. Instead, call your service centre right away and have your e-bike professionally inspected.

Fixing Your Battery

While it is often possible to fix common electric bike issues yourself, you should never attempt to repair your battery. The battery is full of dangerous substances that you could be exposed to if you try to dismantle it on your own. 

If you suspect your battery is faulty or experiencing issues, contact customer support and bring it to a service centre. There, trained technicians can safely diagnose and repair any battery problems.

Wrapping Up

As with any investment, proper maintenance and mindful usage will not only protect your electric bike but also enhance your riding experience. By following these best practices for battery care and charging, you can significantly extend your battery’s lifespan and maintain your e-bike’s optimal performance.