How Long Do Electric Bikes Last?

One of the most common questions customers ask is, “How long do electric bikes last?” The answer to this question is that it depends.

Many factors determine how long your electric bike will last, including build quality, how often you ride, and the type of riding you do.

In this article, you will find out how long do electric bikes last, and what you can do to extend their lifespan.

Why Does Ebike Lifespan Matter?

The lifespan of your electric bike is important for many reasons. For starters, Ebikes are a sizeable expense, costing anywhere from USD 999 and higher depending on the brand and model you choose.

Also, consider additional expenses, including a helmet, bike lock, storage rack, and professional maintenance. These combined costs add up, so you want the best value for money and the longest possible lifespan.

How Long Do Ebike Components Last?

Different Ebike components have different lifespans. Certain motors and batteries last longer than others, and how you use your electric bike can affect the lifespan of your components.

Let’s take a closer look at the average lifespan for each of these components.

Battery Lifespan

Depending on type and usage, the average electric bike battery lasts for around 500 to 800 charge cycles. That is, until the cells start to deplete, and the battery lasts for less time than it did before.

As more cells deplete, the battery loses its charge more quickly and it requires recharging more often.

Motor Lifespan

The average lifespan of an electric motor is harder to define, as they come in many types and so many things affect their longevity and durability.

As a general rule of thumb, the average motor on an electric bike will last for about 5 to 10 years. This is roughly equal to 5,000 to 10,000 miles of riding.

Both hub-drive and mid-drive motors have a similar lifespan, although mid-drive motors may require more frequent maintenance as they interact directly with the drivetrain.

Frame and Structural Components

The frame on your electric bike has the highest likelihood of outlasting other components.

Aluminum alloy frames last 6 to 10 years, while carbon fibre and titanium frames can last for 10 years or longer. All frame materials, excluding carbon fiber (which is not a metal), can rust and corrode, especially in tropical climates and outdoors.

Fortunately, superficial rust can be cleaned off. However, more extreme rust can permanently compromise the structural integrity of the frame. Cracks can also accelerate frame degradation, especially if they occur on or near a connecting joint.

How Ebike Usage and Handling Affect Longevity?

How you use your electric bike has a significant impact on how long it lasts. Off-road riding poses unique challenges that city riders do not face, such as dense vegetation obscuring holes and steep inclines.

Frequency of Use

Do you intend to ride every day, or only a few times a week? Naturally, the more often you ride, the faster the components will degrade and the more often you’ll need to service your electric bike.

As we discussed earlier, Ebike batteries last a certain number of charging cycles before they start to lose their charging capacity, and Ebike motors wear down over time as well.

Thus, more frequent riding will accelerate the degradation of each component, necessitating more frequent maintenance and replacements.

Weight and Load

When it comes to the longevity of your electric bike, the amount of weight you carry – be it from the rider, or due to the presence of additional accessories and supplies, such as storage baskets and groceries – is a crucial factor.

This is because the more weight you carry, the more likely you are to rely on the pedal assist or throttle to get where you need to be, which places extra strain on the battery and motor.

Furthermore, a heavier ride forces the electric motor to work harder to propel the electric bike forward, further contributing to equipment degradation.

Riding Conditions

The conditions in which you ride are crucial to the longevity of your electric bike.

When riding on flat terrain, such as pavement and gravel roads, you are less likely to encounter obstacles that you would find on off-road terrain, such as steep inclines, mud, sand, and rocky surfaces.

For these reasons, use your electric bike for its intended purpose, such as only riding your commuter electric bike on flat terrain or light off-road surfaces. Also, consider the type of weather you ride in.

While most electric bikes are water-resistant, and their electrical components and wiring are protected, they are not waterproof. To prevent moisture damage, avoid riding in heavy rain or submerging your Ebike in water.

Proper Handling and Storage

How well you store your electric bike has an impact on its lifespan.

Ideally, store your Ebike indoors, in a temperature-controlled environment between 32 and 68°F. You can store your Ebike slightly outside of these temperature ranges, say 10 to 20°F below or above the recommended amount.

Learn how to keep your Ebike battery cool in summer and at a moderate temperature in winter. Storing it outside – exposed to the rain and direct sunlight – can contribute to a build-up of rust, damage the rubber tires, and fade the frame color.

Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Your Ebike

There are many steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your electric bike. These range from following a routine maintenance plan and taking care of your battery to replacing worn parts.

Let’s take a closer look at these maintenance tips in greater detail.

Routine Maintenance

Following a routine maintenance plan can go a long way to extending the longevity of your electric bike.

The key to sticking with an electric bike maintenance checklist is to acquire the right knowledge and tools, and then set timely reminders to inspect vital components regularly.

Depending on your skills and knowledge, you may be able to perform many of these inspection checks on yourself. However, have your electric bike serviced by a professional regularly.

Battery Care

The battery is one of the most crucial components of an electric bike. It supplies power to the electric motor, enabling the pedal assist and throttle to function properly. Here are some tips to extend the lifespan of your Ebike battery:

  • Avoid overcharging – Disconnect the charger once the battery is full
  • Don’t leave the battery fully charged for too long – If you don’t plan to use your electric bike for a while, store it at about 50 to 60% battery capacity.
  • Don’t fully discharge the battery – Avoid letting the battery drop to 0% charge.

Motor and Brakes

The best way to care for your electric motor is to have it serviced by a professional and follow best practices. Avoid using the pedal assist and throttle when you don’t need it. For example, when riding downhill, set the pedal assist mode to zero and let gravity do the work for you.

Regarding the brakes, regularly inspect all components on the brake system, including the brake pads, brake lever, and brake caliper adjustment.

Replace worn brake pads with a matching set of fresh ones. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to perform a brake adjustment, ensuring the brake pads are aligned and the brake cable tension is correct.

Replacing Worn Parts

Get into the habit of replacing worn parts before they become a serious issue. Some of the most common parts to inspect and replace include:

  • Brake pads
  • Tires
  • Bike chains
  • Saddles
  • Damaged wiring

When Should You Consider Replacing Your Electric Bike?

That depends on the age and condition of your electric bike.

Is your electric bike above 5 years? Have you discovered a structural issue with the bike frame? Have you already replaced the motor or battery at least once?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, it might be worth replacing your electric bike.

Signs It’s Time for a New Ebike

  • Below are some of the most common signs that it’s time for a new Ebike:
  • Reduced battery mileage per charge
  • Physical damage to the bike frame
  • Seriously chipped, faded, or flaky paint
  • Reduced motor performance

Upgrade Options

The great thing about buying a high quality electric bike? The sheer amount of upgrade paths.

Do you need improved performance and battery life? Consider an electric bike with at least 750w of power and 600Wh+ battery capacity. Do you have trouble getting on and off the saddle of your existing electric bike? Consider upgrading to one with a step-through frame.

If you are unsure where to start, explore the full electric bike range at Heybike. We offer a wide range of models in different categories, including folding and fat tire to commuter Ebikes.

Wrapping Up

When properly cared for and maintained, electric bikes can provide many years of joy and convenience.

At Heybike, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your e-cycling experience. That’s why we offer comprehensive after-sales support through our help center and FAQs.

Best of all? Your purchase of a new and unused electric bike from Heybike comes with a 2-year warranty, excluding all wear and tear. Have a try riding Heybike Ebikes now!

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