Have you ever finished a ride, parked your e-bike in the garage, and then completely forgotten about it for a week or even a month? I’ve been there too. After a great trail ride with my buddy, on the Sur Ron and Talaria, we got back and left the bikes flat in the garage (±20%) and forgot about them for nearly 2 weeks. And it kept repeating over and over again - as we been riding every second week with him. Fast forward - a year later, we thought, where has our battery capacity gone?! What we didn’t realized was that this seemingly harmless habit to keep it not charged after the ride was silently damaging our batteries and even creating a potential fire hazard in my garage.
In fact, lithium battery fires in e-bikes have spiked globally in the last two years, and most of them were caused by simple storage and charging mistakes that any of us could make. I’m writing this blog post because I’m genuinely concerned about the recent events and the number of fires we’ve seen in the e-bike industry. I want to share what I’ve learned to help keep you, your bike, and your home safe
Whether you ride a Sur Ron, Talaria, Stark Varg, E Ride Pro, 79 Bike or any other e-bike, your battery needs more than just a full charge. With proper care and storage, you’ll extend its lifespan, ride more safely, and avoid unnecessary risks.
Let’s break down the key tips every rider should know to keep their battery safe -especially during the hot summer months
1. Mind the Temperature
Every e-bike battery performs best when kept at moderate temperatures, both during use and storage, including charge. The BMS (battery managment system) is typically set to cut off at 50°C (122°F), while normal operating temperatures range from 20°C to 45°C (68°F to 104°F).
During summer rides, I’ve noticed my battery drains faster and looses some power when the temperature climbs above 40°C (86°F). This is normal because heat reduces efficiency. The key is avoiding extended exposure to high temperatures - my advice always check your battery temperatue while riding and if it heats too much, take a little brake and enjoy the scenary.
After a ride, give your battery 30-60 minutes to cool down before charging. This simple habit prevents internal damage and extends battery life. I usually remove my battery from the bike and bring it outisde the living area rather than leaving it inside my house.
In winter, cold temperatures can temporarily reduce your range by 10-20%. The battery itself isn’t being damaged, but its performance is limited until it warms up. I keep my battery in dry and warm environment during all seasons and especially in winter - never keeping it in my bike or in house and only installing it right before riding.
2. Master the Charging and BMS APP
When charging, it’s recommended to use the charger that came with your battery.
If you're using an aftermarket charger, make sure it's set to the correct voltage and current that your battery's BMS and cable management can handle.
For example: If you have a 60V 16s battery and you're using an aftermarket charger, make sure you're not using a 65V 18s charger.
Never leave your battery unattended while charging.
If possible, avoid charging your battery indoors.
Never charge your battery in a cold or hot environment.
Always keep an eye on your battery cell temperatures via your BMS phone app.
A very good practice is to monitor your battery's cell group voltage balance as well - not only temperature - I do it twice a week, just to be safe. If something starts to go wrong, I can usually catch it early.
Ready to improve your battery care routine? Start by implementing tips from this guide today.
3. Improve Your Storage Routine
If you’re not riding for a while (whether it’s the off-season or you’re taking a break), proper storage is crucial for battery health.
The ideal charge level for storage is 60-70%. This middle range puts minimal stress on the cells while ensuring you have enough charge to prevent complete depletion. I set a reminder on my phone to check my stored battery every month. Before the ride - always charge the battery back fully and let it balance.
Before we jump into maintenance, here are a few helpful items to have on hand:
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Battery charger (manufacturer-approved preferably)
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Clean, dry cloth for wiping connections
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Battery management system app (if your battery has Bluetooth capability - BMS)
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Storage area with moderate temperature control
- Dielectric grease (preferably)
4. Maintenance Tips for Battery Terminals and Connections
Just follows these quick tips and you will be good :
Inspect your battery’s connections, cables, and terminals often to catch any wear or corrosion early.
- Always switch off the breaker first - before connecting and disconnecting battery discharge cable plug.
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Never use a hose or high-pressure jet on your bike - without removing the battery from the bike first.
- Apply a light Dielectric grease to the terminals and connections to prevent corrosion and ensure a solid connection.
- Don't pull on the cables - always pull on the connector only.
Conclusion
E-bikes in last 5 year in general since 2020 - since Covid - have revolutionized how we ride, offering freedom and fun like never before - fun we haven't been able to get on the petrol bikes. Stealth - high powered ebike - you can't wish for nothing more... But with that power comes responsibility - especially when it comes to battery care. By following these guidelines, you’re not just protecting your investment; you’re ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you.
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