We’re fighting fake reviews –

How Long Do Electric Bikes Last?

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

Written by:

This metric can vary from model to model, but the average lifespan of an electric bike is three to five years. This is due to the catastrophic failure of the electrical components, including the motor and the battery. The frame itself can last for up to a decade, depending on a number of external factors. Just like a traditional bike, regular maintenance is important. Some basic bike maintenance tips are to keep the bike clean, limit your riding on difficult terrain unless the bike is designed for it, and don’t ride in extreme weather conditions. In fact, you can help your bike last longer by investing in a mount for your ebike.

Key Takeaways:

  • Electric bikes, on average, should last between three to five years.
  • This metric is dependent on the bicycle’s individual components, with the motor and the frame offering the highest longevity.
  • A bicycle’s battery will begin to lose efficiency at around 500 charging cycles.

Electric bikes can be a significant investment. If you have recently purchased an eBike, you may be wondering just how long it will last before you will need to buy a new one. Honestly, by knowing the basics of ebike maintenance, you’ll be able to extend its longevity.

Insider Tip

  • This metric can vary from model to model, but the average lifespan of an electric bike is three to five years
  • A typical lithium battery will operate at peak performance for 500 charge cycles
  • The motor could outlast many of the other parts of the bike
  • A high-quality set of brakes can last up to 2,000 miles of use

eBike Lifespans Explained

The overall lifespan of your electric bicycle is dependent on a number of factors. Although, if your bike is giving out, you’ll want to read our Jetson Adventure electric bike review. We will go over these factors below and offer some tips on how to squeeze the most time out of your e-bike. And, if you don’t want to buy a new ebike, perhaps you’d like to buy a used ebike.

And, whether new or used, if you’re using an electric bike overseas, you’ll need to be familiar with EU and UK ebike policies.

Battery Care

Proper maintenance of your electric bike’s integrated lithium-ion battery pack is of the utmost importance when it comes to extending the lifespan of your eBike. A typical lithium-ion battery will operate at peak performance for 500 charge cycles. After that, the overall efficacy will be slightly reduced, though it will still hold a charge. Once the battery stops holding a significant charge, it may be time for a replacement. Also keep in mind if you have used an ebike speed hack, your battery will be depleted faster and thus need charging more frequently. Additionally, if you are wondering how far an electric bike can go on a charge, proper battery care can help ensure you get the most battery life with every charge.

As a rule, keep electric bike batteries away from extremely cold weather conditions to prolong its overall life and efficiency. If you live in an area with subzero winter months, remove the battery pack from the bike and store it indoors. Additionally, with a removable e-bike battery, you can get a 2nd battery or a larger battery to help increase the miles of range you can get from a single charge.

Related Posts:

Warning

  • Avoid riding through deep puddles and rivers, for instance, and do not use a pressure washer to clean the motor.
  • We would recommend minimizing riding down steep hills, as this can increase the deterioration process.

Motor Care

An electric bike’s motor is typically made from high-grade and sturdy components. In other words, the motor could outlast many of the other parts of the bike. These electric motors are typically covered under warranty, and if one does fail during normal use, the manufacturer may pay for the replacement. You will want to ensure your motor is properly cared for, especially if you want to use pedal assist on your bike. This is because the motor and bike setup helps determine how hard you have to pedal an electric bike. But, if you’re having issues now, you’ll want to learn ebike motor repair. Keep in mind that if you do any ebike speed limit hack, it may void any motor warranty.

A general rule of thumb to ensure your bike’s motor will last for years to come is to keep the motor dry and avoid bodies of water. Avoid riding through deep puddles and rivers, for instance, and do not use a pressure washer to clean the motor. Use common sense and your best judgment.

Moreover, if you need a strong motor for a rugged ebike, you’ll want to make sure you get the best ebike for hunting.

Brakes, Chains, and Gears

A high-quality set of brakes can last up to 2,000 miles of use, but we would recommend minimizing riding down steep hills, as this can increase the deterioration process of brake pads and lead to a shorter lifespan. Chains and gears will degrade over time, but if your bike was manufactured using high-grade components, you should also get at least 2,000 miles out of them before replacements are necessary. Additionally, we have a great guide on how to install hydraulic disc brakes on your electric bike to help you when the time comes that your bike’s brakes need changing. Ultimately, an ebike vs a scooter comes down to personal preference.

Related Posts:

STATS:

  • Many experts agree that it is better to do partial recharges of a lithium battery than a charge from 0% to 100% all the time. (Source)

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_electric_bicycle_brands_and_manufacturers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery
https://dl.acm.org/doi/abs/10.1145/2968120.2987719

*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhcDldebuqM

How Long Do Electric Bikes Last FAQ

How long do electric bike motors last?

Though it depends on the type, an eBike’s motor can last up to 10,000 miles of use. You will likely have replaced many other components of the bike before needing to replace the motor.

How long does it take to charge an e-bike battery?

This metric varies depending on the size of the battery and the type. In general, a lithium battery that is fully depleted will take anywhere from three to six hours to recharge.

How many charges can I get out of a battery?

A battery will begin to lose efficiency at 500 charge cycles, as it will begin to lose its maximum capacity. Though inefficient after 500 charges, the batteries can still be operated up to around 1,200 charges.

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

Learn More About Electric Bike