How to Safely Charge an Electric Bike to Keep the Battery Long-Lasting
18 December 2024
Using an electric bike will indeed provide practicality and convenience. Bikes become more efficient with the help of an electric motor. As we know, electric motors are powered by batteries as power storage. Batteries are also an important component in electric bikes. However, in order for electric bikes to continue to function optimally, batteries as the main power source must be properly maintained. One of the most important aspects of electric bike battery maintenance is how to charge them. Incorrect charging can reduce performance and shorten battery life, so it is important to know the right and correct steps.
The Impact of Charging Electric Bikes Wrongly
Mistakes in charging electric bikes not only affect battery performance but can also cause permanent damage. For example, overcharging or charging for too long can cause the battery to heat up and accelerate battery cell degradation. In addition, using a charger that does not match the battery specifications can cause an unstable electric current, making the battery easily damaged. In the long run, batteries that are not properly maintained will lose their capacity faster, so you have to replace the battery often, which of course requires additional costs. To avoid these things, read the following article because United Bike will share a complete guide on how to charge an electric bike safely so that the battery remains durable for a long time.
Steps to Charge an Electric Bike
1. Preparation Before Charging
Before you start charging, make sure you check the condition of the battery and charger. Check whether the battery is clean and free from dust or dirt that can interfere with the charging process. Also, make sure the charger cable is not damaged or peeled to avoid the risk of short circuits. It is best to use a charger recommended by the electric bike manufacturer, because the appropriate charger will provide a stable and safe electric current for the battery.
2. The Right Way to Charge
The first step in charging is to connect the charger to a power source before connecting it to the battery. This is to avoid electrical surges that can damage the battery. After that, make sure the indicator on the charger is on to ensure that charging is in progress. Place the battery or electric bike in a safe and stable place during the charging process to avoid damage from impacts or falls.
3. Ideal Charging Time
Each type of battery has a recommended charging time by the manufacturer. Typically, an electric bike battery takes about 4-6 hours to fully charge. Avoid charging the battery for too long as it can cause overcharging, although many modern batteries are equipped with an auto cut-off feature. It is best to unplug the charger as soon as the battery is full to maintain the quality of the battery cells.
Things to Consider When Charging an Electric Bike
1. Avoid Charging in Extreme Temperatures
Electric bike batteries are very sensitive to temperature. Charging the battery in temperatures that are too hot or too cold can damage the battery cells. Ideally, charge in a room with a normal temperature, which is between 20-25 degrees Celsius. If the battery is too hot after use, let the battery cool down first before charging it. Likewise, if the battery feels cold after being stored in a low temperature place, wait until the temperature is normal before starting to charge.
2. Use Original Charger
Using an original charger that matches the battery specifications is highly recommended. The default charger is usually designed to provide a stable and safe electric current. Avoid using generic or fake chargers, because unstable electric current can damage the battery. In addition, original chargers are usually equipped with protection features such as auto cut-off to prevent overcharging.
3. Jangan Biarkan Baterai Benar-Benar Habis
Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric bikes, have a longer life if they are not allowed to completely drain before recharging. It is best to charge the battery when there is about 20-30% remaining capacity. Charging the battery from a completely empty state can accelerate the degradation of the battery cells and reduce its long-term storage capacity.
Conclusion
Caring for an electric bicycle battery by charging it properly is the key to using an electric bicycle for a long time without decreasing performance. By preparing the battery and charger properly before charging, following the correct charging steps, and paying attention to important things such as ambient temperature and using an original charger, you can keep the battery durable and functioning optimally. Remember that the battery is the main component in an electric bicycle that requires special attention. Good charging habits not only help extend battery life but also save on maintenance and battery replacement costs in the future. With proper care, your electric bicycle will always be ready to accompany your journey efficiently and environmentally friendly. Choosing an electric bicycle with the best quality is also one of the most important things. If the quality of the battery from an electric bicycle is high quality, then the potential for battery damage is minimized. One of the best quality electric bicycle manufacturers is United Bike. United Bika is an original bicycle manufacturer from Indonesia that has been operating since 1991. United Bike has played a role as a manufacturer that presents various types of electric bicycles, including mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bikes, and other city bikes. If you are interested in United's electric bike recommendations, you can check out the product options here!