E-bike battery service life: How long does a bike battery last? 

Even an e-bike battery will reach the end of its service life at some point. In this article, we explain how long a bike battery lasts and how the operating span can be extended. 

The service life of e-bike batteries depends on charging cycles 

The service life of an e-bike battery is determined by the number of possible charging cycles. This number of cycles indicates how long a battery can last. As various factors play a role in the service life, precise information is only possible to a limited extent. 

How many charging cycles does an e-bike battery last? 

As a rule of thumb, you can remember this: Manufacturers specify the service life of a modern lithium-ion battery as up to 1,000 charging cycles. 500 to 700 charging cycles are standard. This normally corresponds to a service life of three to five years. A full charge from e.g. 0 to 500Wh corresponds to one charging cycle. An e-bike battery is said to be worn out when 30% of its original capacity is left. 

With a modern lithium-ion battery, continuous full charging and discharging is not the correct method. This has a negative impact on the service life of the battery. Partially discharged lithium-ion batteries can therefore be charged without hesitation. 

If you charge your e-bike halfway, you have used up half a charging cycle. With a charge of 25%, you can therefore recharge four times until you reach a full charge cycle. In practice, it has been shown that high-quality batteries can be recharged more than the 1,000 times specified by the manufacturer. Sometimes up to 1,500 charging cycles are possible before the battery has only 30% of its capacity left. 

However, the battery cells also lose some of their capacity over time, regardless of use. Depending on the manufacturer, 0.5 to 3 percent of output per year is lost through storage alone. Improper handling is the main cause of damage to the high-energy battery. 

How can I increase the service life of an e-bike battery? 

As a user, you have a major influence on how long your battery remains usable. The most important thing is to avoid typical mistakes. A few simple guidelines will help you to increase the service life: 

• Store your battery in a dry room at 10 to 20 degrees Celsius.
• Protect it from direct sunlight. 
• Charge at room temperature if possible. 
• Always use the manufacturer’s original charger. 
• Never store a completely empty battery. Ideally 30-60%, depending on the duration of the planned storage. 
• Contamination on the battery and the contacts must be removed regularly. Do not use large quantities of water for this purpose. 

Should I run an e-bike battery flat at the beginning? 

No, you don’t have to run your e-bike battery flat at the start. Bosch, for example, supplies its batteries at around 60%. It doesn’t matter whether you charge your battery to 100% before the first journey or not. Lithium-ion cells can be charged for as short a time as required, regardless of their state of charge. By the way: The integrated battery management system in the PowerPack in conjunction with an original charger protects the battery from overloading during charging. 

Does it damage the e-bike battery if I charge it after every ride? 

No, charging your e-bike battery after every ride will not damage it. We recommend recharging the battery at every stop, especially on longer tours. But the other way round applies: Prolonged non-charging of the battery can lead to a loss of performance. You can find more information on this topic here: Charging the e-bike battery.

My bike battery has got wet – is that harmful? 

A wet bike battery is not a problem at first. You should dry it as quickly as possible and not recharge it straight away. If the battery is not completely dry, this can lead to damage. 

If you want to transport your e-bike on the bike rack on your car, remove the battery beforehand and stow it safely in the car. For bikes with an integrated battery, you should then cover the opening in the frame. This prevents unnecessary dirt and moisture. 

Hibernation: The e-bike battery in winter 

If you store your e-bike in winter or do not use it for more than three months, the battery should have a charge level of around 60%. Check the status after 6 months. If this has fallen below 30%, charge it again to around 60%. 

Hint: Extended storage in an empty state can lead to damage and a reduction in storage capacity. However, it is also not advisable to keep the battery permanently connected to the charger. It is also recommended not to leave the battery on the bike during storage. 

Does the position of the e-bike battery affect its service life? 

No, the position or type of an e-bike battery (such as a rack battery, frame battery, or in-tube battery) does not affect its service life. It is only influenced by how it is handled. 

Conclusion on E-Bike Battery service life 

You can extend the service life of your e-bike battery with proper care, storage at the right temperatures, and appropriate handling. However, as the battery ages, its capacity will inevitably decrease – just like any other battery. 

If the operating time after charging becomes significantly shorter, it indicates that the battery is worn out. In this case, you should replace it. For more information, refer to our article “Disposing of e-bike batteries.” 

One final note: Please do not make any modifications to your e-bike system. Avoid adding products that claim to extend the battery’s service life. These measures usually have the opposite effect. You also risk damaging the bike. Additionally, you may lose warranty and guarantee claims on your e-bike.