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Factors Affecting The Lifespan Of E-bikes

Old 02-09-22, 11:51 PM
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Exclamation Factors Affecting The Lifespan Of E-bikes

The biggest concern people have with e-bikes is how long the e-bike will last. Generally speaking, the service life of an e-bike is three to five years, and the factors affecting the life are mainly the following aspects.

1. Battery and motor. The battery is the source of electricity. In general, keeping a battery away from extremely cold weather conditions can extend its overall lifespan and efficiency. Motors are generally more durable than many other components. One of the best ways to ensure that your e-bike motor will last for many years is to avoid contact with bodies of water.

2. Brakes and tires. Brakes are one of the most important parts of an e-bike and can last a long time, depending on many factors. A thorough inspection every few months is recommended. The tire is the only contact part between the e-bike and the ground. With the right speed, clean terrain, and a good PSI setting, tires will last the longest.
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Old 02-10-22, 06:12 AM
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Yes, only buy an ebike when you are in your 70s or older. Then it will be likely to last for as long as you need it.
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Old 02-10-22, 06:15 AM
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Originally Posted by AOSTIRMOTOR
One of the best ways to ensure that your e-bike motor will last for many years is to avoid contact with bodies of water.
There goes my plan to explore the ocean floor on an e-bike.
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Old 02-10-22, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by shelbyfv
Yes, only buy an ebike when you are in your 70s or older. Then it will be likely to last for as long as you need it.
At Costco a few weeks back, they had toothpaste on sale - five tubes in a package. I did think to myself, this could easily last me the rest of my life! Same with some other Costco products. Fortunately, I'm still at the point in life where I do NOT feel that way of an individual BBQ Chicken!
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Old 02-10-22, 11:35 AM
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the battery is the biggest point of failure. bosch is the only one that still supports the oldest systems, not perfect but it gives a longer life for sure.
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Old 02-10-22, 11:52 AM
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Add to this list the batteries that are "keyed" to a particular motor controller/electronics package. You would think it would be a simple matter to carry a second battery & swap the out when one runs flat for really long rides, or simply as a replacement when the OEM one eventually dies. Nope.

The reason is obviously to prevent theft as no one is going to steal a $5k e-bike sans battery if only the original battery can make it work. And no body is going to steal the battery from some unlucky bike for their own e-bike if, likewise it can only work in the machine it is originally paired to.

In my mind, I am remembering a Giant, or maybe it was a Specialized...either way, it would be worth asking the bike shop you are buying the bike from & accordingly decide if batteries being "keyed" to a particular bike is a big or a feature.
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Old 02-10-22, 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by base2
Add to this list the batteries that are "keyed" to a particular motor controller/electronics package. You would think it would be a simple matter to carry a second battery & swap the out when one runs flat for really long rides, or simply as a replacement when the OEM one eventually dies. Nope.

The reason is obviously to prevent theft as no one is going to steal a $5k e-bike sans battery if only the original battery can make it work. And no body is going to steal the battery from some unlucky bike for their own e-bike if, likewise it can only work in the machine it is originally paired to.

In my mind, I am remembering a Giant, or maybe it was a Specialized...either way, it would be worth asking the bike shop you are buying the bike from & accordingly decide if batteries being "keyed" to a particular bike is a big or a feature.
Batteries are paired to particular brand bikes but not particular bikes. The problem is they seem to change the form factor of the batteries every few years so it's often hard to get a new one that will physically fit the bike, let alone worry about the pairing side of things.
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Old 02-10-22, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by base2
Add to this list the batteries that are "keyed" to a particular motor controller/electronics package. You would think it would be a simple matter to carry a second battery & swap the out when one runs flat for really long rides, or simply as a replacement when the OEM one eventually dies. Nope.
not sure How many bikes have this but its more the battery shape could be an issue. Bosch's external batteries are interchangeable and the lock is on the bike. I can use the same battery on my bulls bike and my gepeda e tandem. cheap bikes like rad will have the lock on the battery and you have to have a key for each. but I don't know any bike where only one battery will work for that bike. the bosch internal batteries are somewhat interchangeable but the cover is unique on each bike.
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Old 02-10-22, 07:18 PM
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Originally Posted by fooferdoggie
the battery is the biggest point of failure. bosch is the only one that still supports the oldest systems, not perfect but it gives a longer life for sure.
Thank you for your reply.
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Old 02-10-22, 07:19 PM
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Originally Posted by base2
Add to this list the batteries that are "keyed" to a particular motor controller/electronics package. You would think it would be a simple matter to carry a second battery & swap the out when one runs flat for really long rides, or simply as a replacement when the OEM one eventually dies. Nope.

The reason is obviously to prevent theft as no one is going to steal a $5k e-bike sans battery if only the original battery can make it work. And no body is going to steal the battery from some unlucky bike for their own e-bike if, likewise it can only work in the machine it is originally paired to.

In my mind, I am remembering a Giant, or maybe it was a Specialized...either way, it would be worth asking the bike shop you are buying the bike from & accordingly decide if batteries being "keyed" to a particular bike is a big or a feature.
Thank you for your reply.
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Old 02-10-22, 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by spinnanz
Batteries are paired to particular brand bikes but not particular bikes. The problem is they seem to change the form factor of the batteries every few years so it's often hard to get a new one that will physically fit the bike, let alone worry about the pairing side of things.
Thank you for your reply. You're right, but you can go to the place where you bought your e-bike and add a new original battery.
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Old 02-10-22, 07:23 PM
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Originally Posted by fooferdoggie
not sure How many bikes have this but its more the battery shape could be an issue. Bosch's external batteries are interchangeable and the lock is on the bike. I can use the same battery on my bulls bike and my gepeda e tandem. cheap bikes like rad will have the lock on the battery and you have to have a key for each. but I don't know any bike where only one battery will work for that bike. the bosch internal batteries are somewhat interchangeable but the cover is unique on each bike.
Thank you for your reply.
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Old 02-10-22, 08:05 PM
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Originally Posted by spinnanz
Batteries are paired to particular brand bikes but not particular bikes. The problem is they seem to change the form factor of the batteries every few years so it's often hard to get a new one that will physically fit the bike, let alone worry about the pairing side of things.
before most batteries were external but now everyone and their dog is going internal. I had a choice with bulls and chose external since I had to take the battery out so much. glad I did since I can use the same battery on our tandem.
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Old 02-10-22, 08:53 PM
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Also if you ride your bike in acid without bitcoin viagra che@p
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Old 04-02-22, 07:46 PM
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The lifespan of an electric bike is the ability of the owner to repair and maintain it. I purchased a used 1999 EVG bike in 2006. It is now approaching 19,000 miles. Yes, I have to replace a few parts, usually to improve it. Original brushed motor lasted 10,000 miles. Switched to Crystalyte rear hub motor and controller with 4 - sla batteries. Last year swapped those out for lithium. Also purchased three rear tires, three sets of brake pads, a couple new brake, gear cables: the usual bike stuff. The bike is now 23 years old and I still ride it several times a week.
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Old 04-03-22, 09:58 AM
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I would agree that the ability to maintain/replace/re-build batteries is one of the biggest factors.

I bought a BionX D-500 retrofit kit in 2016 and installed it on my 27 year old Bruce Gordon Rock & Road. After the BionX bankruptcy I began collecting spare parts. I now have a second wheel/motor, spare console & charger plus three additional batteries. I'm sending the oldest battery out for a re-build soon. 16,800 miles on the motor and still running like new on a bike approaching middle age!
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Old 04-03-22, 03:16 PM
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So if you decide to buy an e-bike, buy a spare battery or two right away.
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Old 04-03-22, 04:28 PM
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No. Do not buy a second battery unless you need two, such as long trips. Batteries age even if they are not being used. After several years when your first battery is shot, your second battery will be not far behind. If you only need one, buy a second one several years later when the first has lost sufficient range. If you have a specific battery box and the manufacturer is out of business, there are several companies that will take your battery apart and replace the cells. Just like new. I bought a new battery from Bicycle Motor Works as they were the only one I found that made one (not custom) in the size I needed to fit inside my box. I believe Electroride will make custom sizes.
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Old 04-03-22, 07:30 PM
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I had to stockpile batteries while I could as my company suddenly went out of business. Proprietary, so I have to use theirs. I rotate the use of four batteries and ride daily (in season) so each battery gets equal use in a week, often 2 a day. I'll carry a second in a pannier for a 50+ mile ride. I'm going to have the original battery (2016 vintage) re-built soon. It's the only one with reduced range.

Shipping a battery to a re-build service is somewhat of a challenge ...

FedEx says- above 300wh "Battery is a fully regulated Class 9 hazardous material. Shipper must be pre-approved"

UPS says- "A UPS Dangerous Goods contract will be required. UN spec packaging, class 9 label, hazmat shipping papers and package markings are required."

I found a battery service in CT that will meet me part way at a bike shop I can drive to. He has the "dangerous goods contract" for the return.
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Old 04-06-22, 02:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Rad45
The lifespan of an electric bike is the ability of the owner to repair and maintain it. I purchased a used 1999 EVG bike in 2006. It is now approaching 19,000 miles. Yes, I have to replace a few parts, usually to improve it. Original brushed motor lasted 10,000 miles. Switched to Crystalyte rear hub motor and controller with 4 - sla batteries. Last year swapped those out for lithium. Also purchased three rear tires, three sets of brake pads, a couple new brake, gear cables: the usual bike stuff. The bike is now 23 years old and I still ride it several times a week.
Wow, maybe you're right, 23 year old bikes are pretty cool.
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Old 04-06-22, 02:11 AM
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Originally Posted by Daniel4
So if you decide to buy an e-bike, buy a spare battery or two right away.
Yes, that's right. You can never go wrong with being prepared.
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Old 04-06-22, 02:12 AM
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Originally Posted by Rad45
No. Do not buy a second battery unless you need two, such as long trips. Batteries age even if they are not being used. After several years when your first battery is shot, your second battery will be not far behind. If you only need one, buy a second one several years later when the first has lost sufficient range. If you have a specific battery box and the manufacturer is out of business, there are several companies that will take your battery apart and replace the cells. Just like new. I bought a new battery from Bicycle Motor Works as they were the only one I found that made one (not custom) in the size I needed to fit inside my box. I believe Electroride will make custom sizes.
You're right, but you wouldn't know under what conditions your battery would suddenly fail.
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Old 04-10-22, 09:20 PM
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I have a RAD City that uses the external battery. Their new models are semi internal in their frame and the keylock is now in the frame. I had to pull the cover on the battery to tighten the charge port jack. I could see the batteries were welded cell to cell and that there is a electronic board installed. I knew at that point that I could have this pack rebuilt when it ages out. Beyond that it turns out that there are battery suppliers that will sell you a mounting bracket for their battery system that can be mounted to the RAD bike if you choose to change. I'm using the RAD box stock electrically and absolutely loving it. I have a 1000 miles on my bike with no issues electronically from any component. Batteries are always a weak point in these types of systems and I expect the battery to age out but I don't know when Build quality on this bike is good and durable. Hope to get a lot of service from this bike
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Old 04-11-22, 04:19 PM
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For me it was a choice of a mainstream e-bike where the odds of being able to buy a replacement battery in a few years is less likely to be a problem. There is a very slow move toward a common form factor for motors and battery packs so it will be at lease several years before on can just walk into a bike shop and take a new battery or motor off the shelf.

Although there are bike manufacturers supplying 4Ah chargers the 2Ah ones should be less damaging to the battery cells and unless one needs a quick charge they are a better choice.
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Old 04-15-22, 08:30 AM
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One can only hope that batteries would eventually be standardized so that any ebike can easily get replacement batteries - something like cars and car batteries.
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