Key Takeaways:
- Charging an electric bike requires plugging the charger into an available power outlet and a complete charge should occur within three to six hours.
- Bring a charger with you while riding and use a power outlet located in a public space for added battery life.
- You should avoid steep inclines and follow weight recommendations to increase battery life.
Those who are shopping for a great electric bike may be wondering some of the specifics when it comes to how to charge the eBike.
How to Charge an Electric Bike
In the simplest terms, charging an electric bike simply requires plugging the included charger into a wall power outlet. That’s it. The types of lithium battery packs that are included with electric bikes typically take anywhere from three to six hours to receive a full charge and will allow for 22 to 60 miles of use per charge.
Useful Tips for Increasing Battery Life
If you are looking to squeeze the most juice out of your eBike battery, then we have assembled some useful tips and guidelines to consider.
Bring the Charger With You
One of the easiest ways to make sure you won’t run out of battery life while out on the road is to bring the charger with you. These chargers can be plugged into any viable power outlet, with many of these outlets available in urban locations. Gas stations, retail areas, and government buildings, among other locations, should all feature power outlets available for use. Be aware of your battery life before riding to a remote or off-road location. Some campgrounds should have an outlet, however, though you should ask for permission. It’s also worth noting how far your eBike can go on one charge before heading out so you don’t get stranded.
Tip: Gas stations, retail areas, and government buildings, among other locations, should all feature power outlets available for use
Warning: Be aware of your battery life before riding to a remote or off-road location
Stick to Flat Terrain
If you really want to make the most out of your electric bike’s integrated battery, we would recommend sticking to flat and smooth terrain. Ascending hills and traversing over rocky ground can seriously tax the battery if you have pedal-assist or the throttle engaged. This can also be true when engaging the brakes during a steep decline. Of course, riding through wild areas can be unpredictable so use your best judgment.
Tip: If you really want to make the most out of your electric bike’s integrated battery, we would recommend sticking to flat and smooth terrain
Warning: Ascending hills and traversing over rocky ground can seriously tax the battery if you have pedal-assist or the throttle engaged
Follow Weight Guidelines
Every electric bike features a maximum weight allowance. It is important to follow these guidelines for the overall health of the battery and to increase battery life. The maximum weight recommended for a particular eBike can range anywhere from 200 pounds to 350 pounds and more. Try to stay under this weight allowance and don’t forget to include items on your person. These items can include backpacks, pieces of safety equipment, and bags of groceries. It should also go without saying that towing anything behind you while riding an electric bike will severely limit your battery life.
Tip: Try to stay under this weight allowance and don’t forget to include items on your person
Warning: It should also go without saying that towing anything behind you while riding an electric bike will severely limit your battery life
Related Post: How to Check if Your Electric Bicycle is Fully Charged
STAT:
Most e-bike batteries sold in North America are lithium-ion, which will provide a minimum of 500 full charge cycles at which point the battery will hold about 80% of its original capacity. (Source)
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rechargeable_battery
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378775309020564
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSGBhVvYZUI
