The electric bike is a wise choice for everyday comings and goings, but also for occasional trips. Since it is a rather significant investment, its maintenance should in no case be neglected. In this context, in order to optimize the lifespan of your device, its charger and its battery, it is essential to be careful when charging the bike.
Some questions then arise: how long does it take to charge the e-bike? How to charge the battery while promoting its longevity? The battery is a fundamental element when we talk about recharging. This part is also of major importance, as it powers the electric motor of the car. It provides him with the energy necessary to launch the electric bike. Knowing how to manage the battery will ensure better performance for your device.
In this article, discover some key points of recharging an electric bike, such as the ideal charging time, the factors that impact the recharging time... As a bonus, we offer you some practical advice that will help you recharge your VAE in the rules of art.
The average duration of charging an eBike battery
Whether you have a folding electric bike, a two-seater electric bike, a speedbike or any other model of e-bike, you must charge your bike after a certain time. According to specialists in the field, the charging time of an electric bike battery essentially depends on the type of battery your vehicle is equipped with.
The recharge time of the lithium polymer battery
A lithium polymer battery has the advantage of being durable and, above all, lightweight. It has an average recharge time of between two and four hours.
Lithium-ion battery charging time
The lithium-ion battery is most often fitted to modern e-bikes. This allows them to enjoy an excellent ratio between their weight and their capacity. As a general rule, the charging time of this type of battery usually varies from three to six hours.
What about the lead battery?
The lead-acid battery is the least common type of battery currently. And for good reason, it has a limited capacity and a fairly high weight. As for its charging time, it can go from six to eight hours.
The main elements that determine the charging time of the VAE
Various criteria determine the recharging time of the electric bike battery . In order to optimize the charging of your device, you must take each of these parameters into account.
Battery capacity: an important point
Estimated in Wh or watt hours, the capacity of a battery is decisive for the charging time of an electric bike. In reality, if the capacity is large, the charging time will be quite long. It should nevertheless be emphasized that when the capacity of the battery is high, this means that it will be the same for its autonomy once charged.
Define the state of the battery to better evaluate its charging time
If your battery is in excellent condition, its recharge time will be faster than a damaged battery. We therefore advise you to follow the designer's instructions in order to maintain your battery as best as possible. You can then keep its intact state. Also, if its replacement is required, due to its deterioration, it is better to do so, to avoid damaging your VAE, whether it is a cargo electric bike or a big wheel electric bike.
The power of the charger used to recharge the battery
The power of a charger differs from one model to another. This has a major impact on recharge time. A fast charger usually ensures faster recharging of the battery. However, you must carefully check that the charger you use is perfectly compatible with the battery of your VAE.
The type of battery of the electric bike
As has already been mentioned previously, the type of battery is a primary criterion for defining the charging time of an electric bike. As you can see, the main battery models available on the market are either lead acid, lithium polymer or lithium ion. Each technology corresponds to a specific recharge duration.
Tips for properly recharging the VAE battery and promoting its lifespan
Users and experts confirm: although the way the battery is charged does not affect the performance of the eBike in any way, it can significantly influence its durability. With the recommendations below, you will know how to increase the life of your battery, regardless of the technology it contains.
Avoid at all costs recharging the battery when it is hot
This first rule is crucial, it is favored by the majority of manufacturers and owners of electric bikes. When you use the e-bike for a long time, this can greatly increase the internal temperature of the battery. For this reason, after driving the VAE, it is advisable to wait at least twenty minutes before connecting the battery to a charger.
Do not leave the battery charge below 20%.
If your battery is lithium-ion, this instruction is more than essential. Indeed, whether on a Garrett Miller electric bike , a mobile phone or an electric car, it is better to prevent the battery from discharging to less than 20%. When battery components are subjected to too much discharge, it can cause some kind of stress on your device. If you deviate from this rule, you will very quickly notice that your battery will have lost its original energy.
Charge the battery preferably up to 90%
This is not advice based on scientific evidence. Still, it comes down to experiences lived by users. Some experts even recommend not charging the battery beyond 80%. Here are some reasons to respect this point:
- When the battery is plugged into the mains for too long, it increases its temperature. When it heats up too often, the battery deteriorates more easily;
- Many lithium-ion batteries require additional time to recharge once the charge reaches 80%. Whether you can wait a few more hours to reach 100% is up to you;
- When battery cells are pushed to their limits, it is clear that it can be risky for the battery. So it's best to stay at 90%.
In any case, in order to charge your battery more easily without exceeding 90%, consider getting a programmable outlet. This way, you will have control over the charging time of your electric bike's battery.
Using the fast charger: is it a bad idea?
Some experts agree that using a fast charger doesn't change much. While others believe that fast charging is likely to overheat the battery. In short, the truth is that the fast charger can damage the battery, but on a very small scale. What we advise you to do is opt for this type of charger only if you want to benefit from a time saving on the charging time.
Avoid keeping a li-ion battery without charge for several months
If you do not use your 2-seater or 1-seater electric bike, and you leave your battery without charging for several months in a row, this risks degrading it. It would be best to recharge your battery to around 50% at least once a month. For their part, specialists recommend turning on the VAE for a few minutes once a month. This is to avoid possible inconvenience when you need to use it again for your travels.
Electric bike charging time: the final word
Basically, the battery charge time of an electric bike is not the same from one model to another. This is because it depends on a certain number of criteria. You must have a basic knowledge of all these points to benefit from optimal use of your VAE. By following these guidelines and adopting good habits when maintaining your vehicle, you will be sure to enjoy an excellent driving experience.
Anyway, aside from the tips already given above, here are a few more. First, only charge your bike battery with its original charger, the one you received when you purchased your bike. This will guarantee an optimized load for your bike.
On the other hand, remember to closely monitor the condition of your battery. If you notice a significant drop in the performance of your VAE battery, do not hesitate to contact the manufacturer to obtain informed instructions on the maintenance of this part. If necessary, you may decide to recondition the battery.
Finally, here are some basic rules so that charging takes place in the best conditions. Plug in the wall outlet before the battery, whether you have an electric fatbike, cargo electric bike, or two-seater electric bike. Also, keep an eye on the battery charging temperature. Last but not least, unplug your battery once it is fully charged.
