You may have heard or read the warning about e-bike batteries.  “Keep it out of direct sunlight” “keep away from fire” There is some truth to those warnings and more. 

You can think of electric bike batteries as a “Goldilocks” device.  It doesn’t like to get too hot, and nor does it like to get too cold, it prefers temperature ranges that are “just right”.

That includes temperatures ranges for charging between 41°F to 113°F (5°C to 45°C), typical use while riding ideally around 68°F (20°C), and storage between 41°F (5°C) and 68°F (20°C). outside these temperature ranges in extreme cases, the battery chemistry starts to be affected in different ways, from a reduced capacity to an increased risk of permanent internal damage or fire.

With all of the summer adventures ahead of you, here are a few tips to help keep your battery healthy—and keep you up and riding all summer long.

While we always recommend storing your bike inside, if that is not possible, detach the battery and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, dirt, debris, high temperatures, and corrosive household items.

When it comes time to charge your battery, always keep it away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. The ideal temperature for your bike battery to be used is around room temperature 68°F (20°C) or slightly lower.

2. Don't Ride in Extreme Heat 

To keep your battery healthy and preserve its range per charge, avoid riding your bike when it’s above 113 °F.

Your battery will shut down when it gets too hot, like many electronics, including most cell phones. Do not panic if it happens to you. This is part of its normal protection controls and happens when the internal temperature rises above 140 °.

It must cool down before normal use may resume. Take the battery to an indoor environment, ideally,  between 50 °F–77 °F, for about one hour.

3.The Right Environment

Charge your battery in a dry, clean, and temperate area. Never charge in a damp or cluttered environment. Messy garages are the cause of many household accidents, so if it's a concern it may be time for some seasonal cleaning or charge the battery in a less cluttered location.

Ideal storage conditions for batteries

• Dry area
• Ambient temperature of roughly between 41°F (5°C) and 68°F (20°C)
• Should not be stored below 14°F (–10°C)
• Should not be stored above 140°F (60°C).
• Store with battery avoid storage between 30-60% charge, when fully empty or fully charged

4. Avoid Salt and Saltwater

You may find ocean waves on a summer day cool and exciting, but it’s bad for your battery.

Salt has corrosive properties and high electrical conductivity.  As such, we advise that you don't ride your bike in areas where you are likely to encounter salt and saltwater, such as directly on the beach.

Even so, if you do come across salt or saltwater, there are steps you can take to minimize any damage to your bike or battery. We know it’s sometimes difficult to detect exposure, but you can generally tell when the bike has encountered salt or saltwater by the white, chalky residue that salt leaves behind.

Remove your battery and clean the battery case and battery tray with a dry rag. Ensure that all connections are dry and clean. Use a clean rag dampened with fresh water to clean the bike frame and mechanical components. Let them dry completely before replacing the battery. Make sure to avoid spraying water directly into electrical components, like your display or battery tray.

Performing regular maintenance, like lubricating your chain, is always important but should be done more frequently when exposed to salt water or salt air.

5.Hold It Sparky!

The safest way to charge is by first connecting the charger to the battery and THEN plugging it into the wall. This helps you get a proper connection before electricity starts flowing and prevents arcing. All Revibikes batteries can be charged on or off the bike; it's totally up to you.

6. The 80/20 Rule

Ideally you want to keep your battery between 80% and 20% voltage. Use our voltage vs. percentage chart to know where your battery falls before charging. Check the voltage on your LCD or use our battery charge monitor to get an accurate read of how much power you are putting back into your battery every time!

Conclusion

Overall, lithium-ion batteries of today are highly reliable and can provide great performance for electric bikes. Batteries do age and become less effective over time and with constant use, however, the tips above can help your battery age gracefully.