It was modern lithium-ion batteries that helped the e-bike make its breakthrough. Their energy density is five to ten times higher than that of conventional lead, NiCd or NiMh batteries, ensuring sufficient range and low weight.
Lithium-ion batteries have a very low self-discharge rate and hardly any memory effect (capacity loss with frequent partial discharge). However, modern batteries are as sensitive as a racing driver's legs. Only correct handling ensures that the battery can fulfil its full potential for as long as possible.
Lithium batteries have three enemies: short circuit, overcharging and mechanical damage. Gases and liquids can escape or ignite. A burning battery cannot simply be extinguished with water; the best way to do this is with sand. So if you want to be on the safe side, place the charger in a sand tray and a fire extinguisher bucket full of sand next to it. In order not to jeopardise your insurance cover, it is advisable to inform your fire insurance company that e-bike lithium batteries are used in the household. If handled correctly, manufacturers specify a service life of 500 to 1000 charging cycles for the battery. This means full charges. Partial charges should be added accordingly.
Incidentally, the battery only reaches its full capacity after three to five charging processes. To do this, it is best to fully discharge the battery three times at the beginning. If you are deliberately sceptical and calculate a range of 30 kilometres per battery charge, a battery with 500 charging cycles will have a service life of 15,000 kilometres before its capacity noticeably diminishes.
Can I clean with a steam jet?
Steam cleaners are also taboo on classic MTBs. On a pedelec, penetrating moisture can lead to the death of the electronics, motor or battery. It is therefore better to clean with a sponge and brush. Remove the battery and console beforehand, carefully clean them separately and cover the contacts on the bike for cleaning.
Can I take the battery with me on the aircraft?
No, because e-bike batteries weighing 150 Wh or more (or more than 0.5 kg) are classified as Class 9 dangerous goods during transport. They must be packed and transported in accordance with UN-T-38.3. This is why airlines generally refuse to take e-bikes on board.
Can I partially charge my battery?
Yes, partial charges are easily possible with lithium-ion batteries and are considered more gentle on the battery than frequent complete discharges.
Can I ride my e-bike in winter?
At temperatures below 10 °C, batteries lose performance. They should therefore be stored in a warm place, fitted with an insulator when travelling and taken into a warm place for longer stops. However, high-quality batteries are characterised by a lower temperature sensitivity; the temperature range of the system is listed in the operating instructions.
Where to put the battery during car transport?
If possible, the battery should be removed from the bike when it is transported on a roof or rear rack. Use neoprene covers to protect the contacts on the bike from the weather. Inside the car, the battery should not be exposed to direct sunlight. It is best to stow it in a battery transport bag.
Is charging possible at any temperature?
No, batteries feel most comfortable between 10 °C and 40 °C. This applies to both charging and driving. Charging below 10 °C outside temperature is stressful for the cells and dramatically shortens the life expectancy of the battery. If it is too hot, there is a risk of overheating during charging. Intelligent battery control units have a protective circuit that prevents charging if it is too cold or too hot.
Can I use someone else's charger?
To save weight, it is tempting to share the charger, especially on multi-day tours in a group. In principle, the combination of charger and battery must be approved by the manufacturer. For well-known manufacturers such as Bosch, Yamaha or Panasonic, this can easily be found in the operating instructions.
E-Dont's
- Purely classified information:
Never open the battery housing; have broken housings - for example after a fall - replaced immediately by the manufacturer.
- No uncontrolled hibernation:
If you mothball your e-MTB over the winter, you should check the battery level every 90 days and recharge it if it is below 50 per cent.
- Never buy second-hand:
Buying a battery follows the rules for cycle helmets and carbon components. As previous damage cannot be ruled out beyond doubt by visual inspection, it is generally not advisable to buy second-hand.
- Never dispose of old batteries in household waste:
They are full of valuable raw materials and are taken back by the manufacturer and professionally recycled.
