Technical guide
How long an e-bike battery lasts and how to look after it
How many years it lasts, how to tell if it is wearing out and the care that extends its life, in winter too.
A well-cared-for lithium battery lasts several years before you notice a clear loss of range. As a rough guide, 500 to 1.000 full charge cycles are often quoted, but it depends a lot on how you use and store it.
How to tell if it is wearing out
- You ride the same trips and arrive with much less battery than before.
- The percentage drops suddenly on climbs.
- It drains on its own even when you are not using the bike.
Losing some range over the years is normal. If you notice sudden changes, have it checked at the workshop.
Care that extends its life
- Always use the original charger.
- Avoid leaving it at 0 %: charge it when it is running low.
- If you will not use the bike for weeks, store it at half charge (between 30 and 60 %) and check it every few months.
- Avoid heat: never leave it in the sun or inside the car in summer.
- Charge it at room temperature, never straight after coming in from extreme cold or heat.
- Do not clean it with a pressure washer.
In winter
In the cold the battery performs worse and you will notice less range. Keep it indoors, fit it just before you set off and charge it once it has warmed up. If your battery is removable, this is much easier.
When it is time to replace it
Buy an official, compatible replacement for your model; check the price at Decathlon or its workshop. Avoid generic batteries with no warranty. The old battery is recycled at the shop or a recycling point, never in the bin.
How many kilometres will you get from your battery? Each bike's spec sheet has a range estimator based on assist mode, terrain and your weight.