Guide
Maintaince Electric Bike Battery Performance: A Handy Guide With Six Tips
Jul
Let’s Give a Round of Applause for Our Batteries!
They are the heroes behind our ability to go the extra mile, speed up, and effortlessly conquer steep hills. It’s safe to declare that if you adore your ebike , you hold a special place in your heart for your battery.
Considering the pivotal role they play in our rides, it’s only fair to reciprocate the favor by taking proper care of both your bike and battery to maximize their lifespan.
Below, we present a handful of top-notch practices aimed at ensuring your utmost satisfaction alongside your trusty 48V companion.
1. Say No to Salt and Saltwater.
Salt is a delightful companion for caramel and numerous other culinary delights, but it doesn’t pair quite as well with your battery. Due to its corrosive properties and high electrical conductivity, we strongly advise against riding your ebike in areas where you are likely to come across salt, such as directly on the beach or roads that have recently been de-iced.
However, if you do happen to encounter salt or saltwater, fret not! There are measures you can take to minimize any potential damage to your bike or battery.
Start by removing the battery and gently wiping down the battery case and tray with a clean, dry cloth. Ensure that the connections are dry and spotless. Then, utilize a fresh water-dampened cloth to clean the bike frame and mechanical components, allowing them to dry completely before reattaching the battery. It’s crucial to avoid spraying water directly into electrical components such as the display or battery tray.
Furthermore, regular maintenance tasks like keeping your chain lubricated are always important but should be practiced more frequently if salt or saltwater exposure might be possible.
Pro tip: While detecting exposure can sometimes be challenging, you can generally recognize it by the white, chalky residue that salt leaves behind.
2. Steer Clear of Puddles!
Your bike is built to withstand various weather conditions, but puddles can sometimes hide unforeseen risks for your battery.
For instance, imagine going for a ride after a significant snowfall. The ice may have thawed, but there’s a chance that it mixed with road salt, creating a massive puddle of saltwater.
To err on the side of caution, it’s best to avoid puddles or standing water and ride with care. When riding in groups, maintain a safe distance between bikes to prevent salt spray from tires, and avoid areas where passing cars could splash you.
Additionally, it’s worth remembering that puddles can conceal larger obstacles that pose hazards to both you and your bike. Sneaky, aren’t they?
It goes without saying, but submerging your battery or bike in water or any other liquid should be strictly prohibited. This can cause damage to your electrical system or create a hazardous situation.
3. Opt for Cool, Not Cold Temperatures.
Extreme temperatures don’t often elicit excitement from most individuals, and your ebike falls into the category of preferring a cooler environment.
To maintain optimal battery functionality, refrain from riding your bike in temperatures below minus 4°F. When not in use, store your bike and battery together in a clean, dry place with a temperature ranging between 50°F and 77°F.
If circumstances require you to store your bike in less-than-ideal conditions, remove the battery and bring it indoors. Store it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight, dirt, debris, high temperatures, and corrosive household items until it’s time to hit the road again.
If you plan on storing your battery for more than two weeks, maintain the charge level at around 75 percent and periodically check on it to ensure it remains at that level. Storing the battery fully charged or fully depleted can result in reduced range or render it inoperable. In the short-term, there’s no need to worry, but over time, it can add up.
**4. Stick with the Battery and Charger that came with your bike.**
Stick with the Battery and Charger that came with your bike
We are not trying to deceive you into relying solely on our products, but utilizing the battery and battery charger that accompanies your Rad Power Bikes-branded ebike is truly one of the most crucial steps you can take to keep your bike running at its best.
The Rad battery and charger are designed to operate together. Rad has thoroughly tested the process of charging the battery using the charger we specifically created for that purpose.
Changing to third-party batteries or chargers could lead to the battery being charged too quickly or losing its capacity. Excessive heat can place your battery at risk, including significant, irreversible damage.
5. Unplug the Charger Once Your Battery is Fully Charged
Unplug the Charger Once Your Battery is Fully Charged
Charging the battery from fully empty to completely full usually takes between 3-7 hours (this applies to both our Standard and RadMission 1 Battery Packs.)
The charger is designed to automatically stop charging once the battery is fully charged. However, we recommend that you disconnect the battery from the power source and charger as soon as possible once the charging is complete. Like any appliance, you should unplug your charger when not in use to charge your battery. This will also prevent a decrease in range due to unnecessary charging.
While you are charging up before a ride, keep an eye on the red and green light indicators on the charger. Remove the charger from the battery as soon as you see both a red and green light.
6. Travel Smart
Travel Smart
Who wouldn’t want to bring their electric bike on a road trip? When securing yours to a bike rack or placing it in the back of a truck bed, remove the battery as an additional safeguard against the elements and to avoid the risk of it falling off your bike if not properly attached. Additionally, bike racks have weight limits, and removing the battery can save you up to 7.7 pounds.
Wipe the battery with a dry cloth and store it inside the vehicle. When it’s time to go for a ride, simply slide it back on.
We do not advise driving with your ebike on a hitch rack in rainy conditions, as it may damage the electrical system. If necessary, cover your bike or avoid driving in the rain for an extended period. Afterward, park the bike in a dry place to allow the bike systems to dry before use.
Now that you’re prepared to take control of your ride, plan your next journey with our guide to your battery’s range. For more information, check out these tips on maximizing your battery life, riding in cold weather, and our comprehensive online help center.
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