How to carry out maintenance on your eBike’s battery
Kal Kozomos
15 January 2021
It’s important to carry out constant maintenance on your electric bike’s battery in order to keep this important element in good working order. In fact, the e-bike’s energy source is a powerful lithium-ion battery that provides the necessary energy to the motor that assists pedalling. Depending on the bike’s manufacturer, the battery may be inserted in a special housing on the frame or in other locations, but it is always removable. It is a robust and durable component and is designed and assembled in such a way that it is not easily attacked by external factors such as rain, mud, etc. The batteries are always equipped with LED indicators that let you immediately see their charge status. Simple steps can be taken to keep the battery in good conditions and prolong its life as much as possible.
Things you will need
- WD‑40 Specialist® Fast Drying Contact Cleaner
- Your eBike Charger
- Microfibre Cloth
Step 1
STEP 1: WATCH OUT FOR THE COLD
A lithium battery of any voltage/amperage suffers a great deal from very low temperatures that drastically reduce its capacity. Therefore it is advisable not to let them stand (or use them) when the temperature drops several degrees below zero. In the cold season, if you don’t use your e-bike (or use it very little), it’s best to remove the bike’s battery and place it in a very dry place where the temperature does not fall below 15 degrees. If you are travelling by car with the e-bike attached to the outside, it’s best to remove the battery and place it in the passenger compartment in its special container.
Step 2
STEP 2: WATCH OUT FOR HUMIDITY
Condensation caused for example by summer rain or a rapid drop in temperature can cause some oxidation of the electrical contacts which creates an obstacle to circulating current, reducing the efficiency of the propulsion system. The same phenomenon can occur if your bike has been washed too vigorously, perhaps using a (highly discouraged) high-pressure washer. Always remove the battery before washing your e-bike. The battery should also be removed before greasing the mechanical parts. Remove the battery to examine the contacts and check for oxidation.
Step 3
STEP 3: CLEANING THE CONTACTS
One of the steps of e-bike battery maintenance is treating the contacts on the battery and the bike (it’s best to do so periodically or after a trip in the presence of rain or mud) with WD-40 Specialist Contact Cleaner, which quickly penetrates to the most difficult to reach areas, drying quickly and without leaving residue. The product is excellent at restoring electrical conductivity.
Step 4
STEP 4: IDLE PERIODS
To promote long battery life, even when not used, it’s best to remove it when it has a residual charge of around half its capacity (checking it using the appropriate indicator LEDs). In fact, keeping it at rest with a very low charge can cause a reduction in the charge cycles that the battery should have. Some batteries are equipped with the BMS electronic system that prevents damage, deep discharge and overload in situations where the battery is left charged for an extended period of time.
Step 5
STEP 5: CHARGING THE BATTERY
Charge the battery using its specific battery charger by connecting the battery output to the battery and then to the mains (in this order). The duration of the charge varies depending on the type of battery and the maximum power delivered. Once the battery is charged, its LED lights provide a visual confirmation. If you choose to buy another (perhaps more powerful) battery, you should always use the original charger or a compatible model. Depending on the type of battery and installation, a kit of components is provided for each model as guides and supports that facilitate installation.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS
E-bike batteries can withstand a few hundred recharges, but you can increase this value with proper management. The main “secret” is to never discharge it completely, because a full charge of the battery starting from empty shortens its life. In general, if possible, it's best to set the assistance level to low or medium values, limiting the higher values as much as possible, as they require greater energy consumption in order to be able to last for a bike trip that doesn't completely drain the battery.
The uses shown and described for WD-40 Multi-Use Product were provided to WD-40 Company by the users themselves. These uses haven’t been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. Common sense should be exercised whenever using WD-40 Company products. Always follow the instructions and take heed of any warnings printed on the packaging.
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