Ten questions and answers about electric bike batteries
Are you planning to buy a good and comfortable electric bicycle, but don’t know where to start? What should you familiarize yourself with and what should you compare? The first thing we notice is the appearance. We think that appearance also counts 😊 and an electric bicycle for city trips should be beautiful and stylish like you! You don’t go to work in the office or to a cafe in sports clothes. An electric bicycle could suit your lifestyle. Most of the bikes in the Electra family are intended for comfortable city riding rather than for sports. In appearance, Electra electric wheels are outstanding, stylish and awesome! So happy choosing!
When purchasing an electric bike, you should SECONDLY examine of course the motor and battery. Electra uses two types of motors on its electric bikes: Bosch mid-drive motors and Hyena hub motors. You can read more about the pros and cons of each engine in our blog .
The top models of Electra electric bikes use Bosch technology, both motors and batteries. Why? Still because Bosch is a maker. In its field, Bosch is unquestionably a leader and a trendsetter. If it is important for you to be able to ride as much as possible with one charge and you value the natural driving experience of a mid-range motor, then it is not worth looking for a cheap electric bike with a motor and battery from an unknown manufacturer, but it is worth choosing a bike with a Bosch motor.
If you want to get a light and comfortable electric bicycle for a moderate fee, the range of which is up to 60 km is completely sufficient for you, then an electric bicycle with a hub motor may be the best choice for you.
In order for the motor of the electric bicycle to start working, a battery is needed. Since there are many related questions, let’s talk a little about batteries.
What should you know about electric bike batteries?
Broadly speaking, electric bike batteries are divided into two: some are attached to the frame separately, and others are integrated into the frame. Which one is better is up to everyone.
Bosch has both separately attached to the frame and integrated batteries. Both batteries can be easily removed and locked to the frame if needed, and offer a mileage of approximately 120 km.
The more affordable Electra models have Hyena batteries, they are always integrated into the frame of the electric bike and cannot be removed from the bike without a special tool. You can drive up to 60 km with these batteries. The advantages of these batteries are their light weight and bad guys can’t whip the battery off the bike.
Bosch batteries attached to the frame of the electric bike look like this:
The appearance of an electric bicycle with an integrated battery is deceiving. If the battery is hidden in the frame, you may not realize at first that it is an electric bike.
Here are a few examples of what integrated Bosch batteries look like:
1. What type of batteries are used in Electra electric bicycles?
Lithium-ion batteries, because they are modern and durable. Lithium-ion batteries can store energy well because they are relatively light for their capacity. Bosch PowerPack batteries weigh approx. 2.5 kg. Hyena batteries weigh 1.45 kg.
2. What is the best way to charge electric bike batteries? Should the battery always be fully charged?
Batteries can be charged for both short and long periods. The battery does not necessarily need to be charged until it is fully charged. If time is tight, you can stop charging and go for a bike ride. It will not damage the battery in any way. If you forget the charger to the battery for a long time, ssomething about myself. The charger protects the battery from so-called overcharging. The most important thing is to use the original charger, because using alternatives can really damage the battery. In this case, the warranty conditions do not apply either.
3. How long does the battery last?
Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and designed to last for years. A smart electronic battery management system protects the batteries from overloads, high temperatures and excessive discharge. It is impossible to predict the exact battery life, because it depends on many factors. Such as how and how often the electric bicycle is used, etc.
4. How far can I drive with a charged battery? What influences it?
It is not possible to give a specific answer to this question because the range can be very large. About 30-130 km with a Bosch battery and about 12-60 km with a Hyena battery. The length of the driving distance is influenced by many factors:
- power of selected motor assist (3-4 different)
- rider’s riding style
- rider’s weight
- tire pressure
- air resistance e. wind
- landscape
- soil
- air temperature
All these and many other factors determine the driving range. Asphalt, forest path, gravel road? Is the journey hilly and uphill at times or completely smooth?
You can calculate the driving range of Bosch yourself, see the calculator!
5. How long does it take to fully charge the battery?
It depends on the battery capacity, whether the electric bike has a 500wh (Bosch) or 2500wh (Hyena) battery. A completely empty 500wh Bosch PowerPack can be filled in 4.5 hours (with a 4A charger) and a 250wh in 3.5 hours (with a 2A charger).
6. How can you influence the life of the battery?
When the battery is not in use, it should be stored in a dry place at room temperature, avoiding direct sunlight. If there is no plan to use the battery for a long time, it would be ideal to keep the battery charged within 30-60%. It is best to charge the battery at room temperature (approx. 15C – 20C). If you are planning your electric bicycle n. to be transported by car and the battery is removable, then take the battery off the bike for that time and keep it safely in the car.
7. What should be considered when riding an electric bicycle in winter?
It’s no news that cold weather reduces battery life. This applies to all batteries, both phone and e-bike batteries. If you plan to ride in sub-zero temperatures, charge it and keep it in a warm place in advance and install it on the bike just before sitting on the saddle (of course, if there is a removable battery). NB! Never charge the battery outdoors or in a room with minus degrees! If you do not plan to use the electric bicycle for several months in the winter, we recommend removing the battery from the bicycle if possible and keeping it in the room. The battery could be charged to about 30-60%.
8. How many times can the battery be charged?
For example, if a Bosch battery has been charged 500 times, its capacity is still high (approx. 60-70% of the original capacity). In ADAC testing conducted in 2015, the Bosch electric bike battery was charged and discharged 1,515 times. Only then did the battery’s capacity drop to 30% of its original capacity and was no longer usable. Such a Bosch battery is enough to ride an electric bicycle about 1.5 times around the globe! About 75,000 km should be enough or how? 😊
9. Can electric bicycle batteries be repaired?
Lithium-ion batteries are complex systems that are generally not repairable. Usually, a faulty e-bike battery needs to be replaced. If there is any doubt that the battery is faulty, it is worth bringing it to the company that sold the e-bike for inspection. There are special diagnostic tools to check the battery, and in the event of an error occurring during the warranty, the battery will be replaced with a new one free of charge. Electra bicycle batteries are of high quality and durable, and problems with them are rare.
10. What should be kept in mind when cleaning the battery?
If the electric bike has a removable battery, the battery must be removed before cleaning. We recommend wiping the battery with a slightly damp cloth, not with a wet one. A pressure washer is definitely not suitable for cleaning an electric bicycle and its electronic parts! Also, do not use corrosive detergents!
Take good care of your Electra! Then he will keep you too!♥
You can also read here the most frequently asked questions and answers about electric bicycles.
