Refreshing your e-bike battery: How to extend its lifespan and range

E-bikes offer a great riding experience that supports us on both everyday journeys and leisure trips. A central component of every e-bike is the battery. But as with many batteries, an e-bike battery can lose power after a certain period of time.

Von Fabian Huber | 3 minutes read time

E-Bike Akku auffrischen: So verlängerst du die Lebensdauer und Reichweite

About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: November 17, 2024

Finally, no more range anxiety when the battery is slowly getting weaker. In this article, you will learn how to refresh your e-bike battery and extend its lifespan to always achieve the maximum range and performance.

Why does an e-bike battery lose capacity?

E-bike batteries, mostly lithium-ion batteries, have a limited number of charging cycles. The more often the battery is charged and discharged, the more it wears out. But it is not just the age of the battery that plays a role, external factors such as temperatures, charging behavior and storage also influence performance.

Regular care and proper storage

Proper handling of your e-bike battery can significantly extend its lifespan. Please note:

Note the temperature : Store the battery at room temperature and avoid extreme heat or cold, as this will affect battery performance.
Prefer partial charges : To preserve the battery, it is best to charge it in small steps, for example from 30% to 80%, rather than constantly charging it fully.
Partially charge batteries for long-term storage : If the battery is not to be used for a long time, it should be charged to about 50% and stored in a cool place.

Perform software updates regularly

Some e-bike manufacturers offer software updates for the battery control electronics. These updates can help optimize energy consumption and extend the life of your battery. Check regularly to see if your e-bike system is up to date.

Professional refreshment and cell replacement

If your battery is losing a lot of capacity despite good care, a professional battery refresh or cell replacement may be the solution. These procedures are often cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying a completely new battery. But what happens during a professional battery refresh and how does a cell replacement work?

What is a battery refresh?

When refreshing an e-bike battery, individual cells are checked and replaced to restore overall performance. Most e-bike batteries consist of many small lithium-ion cells connected together in a housing. Over time, some of these cells can lose power or even fail, while others still work well. This is where the refresh comes in:

Diagnosis : The battery is first opened and the individual cells are checked for their functionality.
Cell replacement : Weak or defective cells are replaced by new, powerful cells.
Realignment of the electronics : In some cases, the control electronics of the battery are also checked and, if necessary, readjusted to optimize the communication between the cells and the e-bike system.

Advantages of a cell exchange:

Cost savings : Instead of replacing the entire battery, only the defective cells are replaced. This can be much cheaper than buying a new battery.
Environmentally friendly : Cell replacement reduces electronic waste because only the broken components are replaced.
Performance improvement : After replacing cells, the battery often regains its original range and performance.

When does a cell replacement make sense?

Replacing cells is particularly worthwhile if the battery has lost a lot of range , but the electronics are still in good condition. If you notice, for example, that your battery only covers half of the original distance or has lost a lot of power, a refresh can significantly extend the life of your battery.

Predictive driving for maximum range

In addition to care and professional refreshment, you can further optimize battery life through conscious driving:

Use Eco mode : Drive in Eco mode more often to save battery life and extend range.
Correct gear shifting : Make sure you shift gears with foresight and use low gears when starting off to reduce the load on the battery.
Check tire pressure : The correct tire pressure reduces rolling resistance and thus lowers energy consumption.

Conclusion: Battery refreshment as a smart and sustainable solution

If your e-bike battery loses power, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have to buy a new one. With the right care, software updates and professional measures such as a battery refresh or cell replacement, you can significantly extend the life of your battery. This not only saves you money, but is also an environmentally friendly alternative.