How long does an e-bike battery last?

According to ADAC, a lithium-ion battery in an E-Bike lasts for around 1,000 charging cycles. How many years that amounts to depends on how often you charge it and how you treat it. Keeping it within the recommended charge range, not leaving it outside in freezing temperatures, and storing it according to the manufacturer's instructions over winter will help you get more out of it.

This is about service life and care, not how far you can travel on a single charge. Below, you'll learn what 1,000 cycles mean, how to charge and store the battery properly, and which batteries are used in the models from our E-Bikes.

What do 1,000 charging cycles mean?

According to ADAC, lithium-ion batteries offer low weight, a short charging time, and a service life of around 1,000 charging cycles.

This leads to a simple consideration: For the same distance, you charge a large battery less often than a small one. With the 960 watt-hours (Wh) that JOBOBIKE specifies for the Robin Pro, you therefore accumulate cycles more slowly on your commute than with the 360 Wh that ENGWE specifies for the Mapfour N1 Air.

Can an E-Bike battery last 10 years?

ADAC does not specify a fixed number of years; it calculates in cycles. Whether you reach ten years depends on how often you charge the battery and how you treat it.

So how many years that amounts to depends on how often you charge: Anyone who commutes every day and charges every evening will reach the limit sooner than someone who only rides at weekends. How carefully you treat the battery also affects how long it lasts.

How do you charge the battery gently?

According to ADAC, the ideal charge level is between 20 and 80 percent, depending on the manufacturer. The instructions specify what applies to your battery. After charging, disconnect it from the charger.

Do not charge it outside on the bike in cold weather. If it has been out in the cold, wait until its temperature has adjusted before charging it. Also, do not regularly run it down to zero: Deep discharge damages the battery.

How to store the battery properly

If you are not riding for a few months, store the battery separately from the charger at a temperature between 5 and 20 degrees Celsius. Some manufacturers, such as Bosch, recommend a charge level of 30 to 60 percent before storage. ADAC emphasizes that you should follow your manufacturer's instructions.

However, you should not forget about it completely during the break. ADAC recommends a short top-up charge of around one hour every month to every three months.

Removable or permanently installed?

For maintenance, a battery that you can take with you is practical. At temperatures below freezing, ADAC recommends removing it when parking and storing it in a room at room temperature.

Whether the battery can be removed and how to do so varies from model to model. This information is provided in your bike's manual. It is best to check before buying if you plan to leave the bike outside in winter.

Watt-hours: how to read the battery specifications

Capacity in watt-hours is volts multiplied by ampere-hours. 36 volts and 15 ampere-hours equal 540 Wh. According to the manufacturer, the batteries of six models featured below have the following specifications:

• ENGWE Mapfour N1 Air with 360 Wh (36 V, 10 Ah)
• Vogue Prestige with 522 Wh (14.5 Ah)
• JOBOBIKE Ace Pro and JOBOBIKE Astra with 540 Wh each (36 V, 15 Ah)
• ENGWE O20 Boost with 720 Wh (48 V, 15 Ah)
• JOBOBIKE Robin Pro with 960 Wh (48 V, 20 Ah)

What should you do if the battery starts losing capacity?

If the battery runs out while you are on the road, you can still ride the E-Bike using muscle power, according to ADAC. If it eventually needs to be replaced, do not use just any battery. According to ADFC, pedelecs fall under the Machinery Directive: A replacement part must be identical in design or approved by the manufacturer.