Battery: how to charge an electric bike? – Velobekan – Electric bike

If you need to easily get to your workplace, shop or admire your surroundings while walking, electric bycicle Velobekan can become a real companion for every day. The advantage of this driving mode is associated, in particular, with the motor, which facilitates pedaling. Thus, the battery is an essential element for its proper functioning. So today we're going to answer your questions about battery life, how to use it, and even the costs it can generate.

How long can you keep the battery? How do you know when to change it?

Battery life is usually calculated as the number of recharges from 0 to 100% of its capacity. In any case, it can be recharged several hundred times. This number depends on the model and how you use it. On average, it can be assumed that the battery will become less efficient after 3-5 years of life.

The following ratings obviously depend on good build quality of the battery (as on your electric bycicle Velobekan). It can be assumed that a lithium battery can usually go through up to 1000 recharges before being discharged. For nickel batteries, we can perform up to 500 recharge cycles. Finally, with regard to lead-acid batteries, which were mainly used in older models, they are rated for 300 recharges.

Feel free to inquire about the warranty period for your battery at Velobecane. In most cases, this lasts two years. Thus, if you notice a quick discharge after just a few weeks or months of use, you can return it for exchange or repair.

How do you know if it's time to change the battery? After a certain number of recharges, we saw that the quality of your battery was deteriorating. In general, it will last less and less. It is up to you to decide if the shortened travel time of Velobecane is enough and therefore if you need to quickly buy it again. If you use your vehicle frequently, we advise you to change it immediately to avoid any inconvenience.

When you change them, don't forget that you can make a gesture for the planet by recycling your old battery!

How to Extend Battery Life? Some Vigilance Points to Know

The battery is one of the most important components of your electric bike. Therefore, to ensure its proper functioning, it is important to know how to properly charge it in order to ensure the longest possible life.

So when your new Velobecane electric bike arrives, we recommend that you charge the battery for 12 hours before using it for the first time. This process is a bit lengthy, but it helps to prepare the battery as best as possible after taking it out of the box.

It is also interesting to know that electric bycicle will have a longer lifespan if you use it regularly. The same is with the battery, so it is recommended to charge it frequently, without waiting for a complete discharge. It is best to recharge it when it is between 30% and 60% of its capacity.

Do not leave the battery charging for a long time. If you do not remove the battery from the charger for too long, it will discharge slightly and therefore will be recharged afterwards. Charging cycles will be poor, which can affect the life of your equipment. Likewise, if you plan not to use your bike for a long time, do not store the battery fully discharged.

If possible, avoid using your electric bycicle and especially for recharging the battery at temperatures that are considered “extreme”, in other words, too low or too high. Store preferably in a dry place at a temperature of 0 to 20 degrees. In addition, when using your electric bycicleincrease the speed gradually to avoid damaging the battery. You can also try to limit the number of starts, so to speak, it is better not to stop constantly. You obviously know that water and electricity are incompatible; Therefore, remember to remove the battery when washing your bike (this advice also applies to any repair work on the car).

How much does it cost to charge an e-bike?

The charging time for your e-bike depends on the type of battery and charger you have. Generally, the larger the battery, the longer it takes to recharge. Conversely, the smaller the size of the charger, the longer it may take to charge. Average charging time is 4 to 6 hours.

Therefore, for this charging time, it is interesting to ask the question about the cost of electricity. Thus, for a 400 Wh battery with an average electricity cost of € 0,15 per kWh: we calculate 0,15 x 0,400 = 0,06. Thus, the cost of recharging the battery is € 0,06, which is very low.

But then, how many kilometers can you drive with your electric bycicle Velobekan? This obviously depends on many factors, such as: your bike model and battery, the way you use the vehicle (energy consumption is higher if you make frequent stops, which more often start the engine, if the bike is loaded, if you are not very athletic, if in there are many irregularities in the path ...), etc. On average, in most cases, your electric bycicle will have a range of 30 to 80 kilometers.

Scenario: We estimate that it costs about € 0,06 to fully charge an electric bike battery. If we take the example of a Mark that has a vehicle with a range of 60 kilometers, the cost per kilometer is 0,06 / 60: 0,001 euros.

Mark uses his Vélobécane electric bike to travel 2500 kilometers a year.

2500 x 0,001 = 2,5 euros

So Mark spends 2,5 euros a year recharging his electric bike.

For example, if we make the same trip by car, the cost will be between € 0,48 and € 4,95. This average, of course, includes the maintenance or insurance of the car, but the price of gas accounts for a large part.

At a minimum, the cost is € 0,48 per kilometer, so every year 0,48 x 2500 = € 1200.

So, to make a ride similar to his Vélobécane electric bike, Mark would spend at least 480 times that year. If Mark had a scooter, the cost would be lower than a car, but still significantly higher than an e-bike.

How much does the battery cost?

The purchase price of a battery is one of the questions to ask before buying an e-bike. Indeed, we have established that you will need to change the battery every 3-5 years on average. Moreover, considering that electric bycicle has a battery life of 30 to 80 kilometers, if you want to drive more kilometers without waiting for a place to recharge it might be interesting to have two bike batteries at the same time so you always have a spare. you on long trips.

The price of a new battery will vary, again, depending on the brand and model you need to purchase. It is estimated that the cost is usually between 350 and 500 euros. Some battery models can be repaired (only replacement of faulty components), which is cheaper, from 200 to 400 euros.

Before replacing the battery immediately, make sure the charger is still in good working order.