E-BIKE BATTERY FAQS

Most e-bike batteries will take between 2-6 hours to charge from fully depleted to 100%. However, the charge time will depend on the brand of the system and charger.

If you’d like to be able to ride longer distances or charge your bike at work as well as home, you can purchase a spare battery and charger to keep you moving. Pop into your local Halfords store and one of our colleagues will be able to help you find the right equipment.

All electric bikes indicate a maximum mileage range that they can cover on a single battery charge. This is the furthest range in ideal conditions; however, this range can be impacted by several factors: • The combined weight of the rider and any luggage • The assistance mode selected • The cycling route (e.g., type of terrain and inclines) • Temperature and climate • Tyre pressure • Wind speed and direction

E-bikes are normally powered by lithium-ion batteries, which are made up of lots of smaller 18650 cells within a casing. These batteries should be cared for in the same way as mobile phone batteries, so try to avoid heavy knocks or piercing the battery pack. Also, make sure that you don’t leave your battery completely uncharged for extended periods of time, or it may eventually become incapable of holding a charge at all.

Batteries must be charged regularly. Batteries that aren’t maintained over periods of time are designed to go into a ‘safe mode’ (sometimes called ‘shipping mode’ or ‘sleep mode’). This is a design feature to protect both you and the battery’s components, but it can result in you needing either a chargeable diagnostic reset or a replacement battery. If you don’t ride your electric bike often, then it’s important to store your battery out of direct sunlight and in a dry place that doesn’t get too hot or too cold. Store it fully charged and remember to charge it every couple of months (although try not to leave it plugged in for more than a day).

In some instances, we can source the key based on the original key number (located on the key or barrel). In other instances, we may need to source a replacement barrel, which will come with keys. Remember to always keep your spare key(s) in a safe place.

As often as possible at room temperature is best practice. If you’re not using your bike and battery for an extended period of time, then keep the battery at around 60% charge. Keep an eye on it, as you may need to top it up after a few weeks – you shouldn’t let your battery completely discharge.

E-bikes are designed to be ridden in the rain, but they are not waterproof. Never expose a battery to excess water, like riding through a deep stream. If your bike is very wet, then contacts on the battery should be dried to avoid oxidation and corrosion. It’s good practice to check the contacts every few months and clean them if necessary.

Batteries do have a shelf life and they will degrade over time, but you should easily get over 6-7 years of 'normal' use, and even up to 8-9 years if you look after it. Your battery capacity will decrease depending on how much you use it and take care of it.

No, in most cases it’s not possible to repair an e-bike battery. If you accidentally damage your battery, for example if you drop it, we recommended that you don’t continue using it. Even though it might appear undamaged, there may be hidden internal damage that could result in overheating and pose a risk of fire. Opening your battery will also void the warranty and can be extremely hazardous.

There are several ways you can reduce the risks when charging lithium batteries: • Don’t block your exits with your e-bike, e-scooter, or charging batteries. If a fire breaks out, you won’t be able to safely leave your home. Store them in a shed or garage where possible. • Keep an eye out for warning signs that your battery is failing and becoming a fire risk. • Never leave your battery to charge when you’re out or whilst you sleep. • Make sure both your battery and charger meet UK safety standards. • Only use the manufacturer’s charger for your battery, and make sure to buy any replacements from a reputable seller. • Let your battery cool before charging it. • Unplug your charger once the battery has charged. • Fit smoke alarms in the area where you charge your batteries.

• Heat: It’s normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use. However, if your device’s battery feels extremely hot to the touch, there’s a chance it’s defective and could pose a fire risk. • Bulging: A battery bulging or swelling out of shape is a common sign of it failing. If your battery looks swollen, you should stop using it immediately. Similar signs include any type of lump or leaking from the device. • Noise: Failing lithium batteries have also been reported to make hissing or cracking sounds. • Smell: If you notice a strong or unusual smell coming from the battery, this could also be a sign of it failing. • Performance: An inability to fully charge or longer charge times can be a sign that your battery is failing. • Smoke: If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started.