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Q: How Often can/should I use my battery?
A: Our batteries thrive on activity! You will not harm it from “overuse”.
Q: What should I do if I’m not going to be using the battery for an extended period of time, or how should I store it?
A: If you are planning on storing your battery for an extended time there are some steps you’ll need to follow to properly maintain the battery life.
Step 1 – Prepping Your E-Bike Kit For Storage
When prepping your battery for storage, make sure not to store it fully charged or completely dead. The optimal charge for storage should be around 30%-60% of capacity. We realize this isn’t the easiest to do especially for the 250 Series Kits where you can’t “measure” the battery life. As a good rule of thumb, after a full charge, ride the bike for 3 or 4 miles. If that isn’t an option, turn the bike upside down (or upright on a bicycle stand) and run it for 20-30 minutes.
Step 2 – Ongoing Maintenance
Every few weeks, if you can, turn your bike upside down and run the battery for 5-10 minutes. This way the battery gets some use and will be ready when you bring your bike out of storage. If you can’t flip your bike, consider using a bicycle stand to hold your bike upright off the ground.
Step 3 – Repeat!
If it’s going to be several months before you can use your battery again (for
example, a long Alaskan winter), perform this function at least once every couple months. Your battery will thank you!
Q: Is my battery waterproof?
A: The battery is water resistant due to its fully enclosed capsule design as well as the denier bag it’s stored in. If you plan on riding in heavy rains or wet conditions it would be wise to invest in an additional water resistant storage option. We have many happy customers who live in rainy climates that use our kits in wet conditions frequently. However, please do not submerge your battery in a swimming pool!
Q: In how cold/how hot of temperatures is it ok to operate my battery?
A: As a general rule, batteries like to be cool, not hot. However, we have customers from the Yukon to South Africa, and we think EVERYONE should be able to enjoy an e-bike, no matter how extreme your climate. Again, having the right protection for your battery is key. Make sure your battery is stored in a bag that does not cause your battery to sweat, and does not allow in too much of the cold. While in motion, your battery should be able to withstand nearly any temperature. However, you need to take extra precautions when your bike is not in motion. Don’t ever leave your battery outside in extreme temperatures. As soon as you finish your awesome ride, remove the battery and bring it inside your home, the same way you would a beloved pet, or your mother-in-law. Even she deserves to come inside when it’s 20 below.
Q: Is the charger a smart charger?
A: Why yes, it actually is. It will automatically stop the charging process as soon as it reaches capacity. However, it is still a good idea to remove the battery when the charge cycle is complete. People ask all the time if it is ok to put their battery on the charger overnight the same way they would their cell phone? Absolutely.
A few final tips!
1. This isn’t necessary, however, we recommend charging while the battery is off. To turn off your battery, push the switch so you can’t see the red markings.
2. When you plug in the charger the light should appear green. When you plug in the battery it will turn red if the battery is charging. It will stay green if it is already full.
3. Never leave your battery plugged in longer than 12 hours. Six hours is the standard charge time for our batteries. It’s okay to leave it charging overnight (just not longer than 12 hours).
4. Do not leave your battery out in the sun, in hot cars, out in the rain etc.
For more in-depth information, please visit our post How to Extend the Life of Your E-Bike Battery!
The post Battery Maintenance 101 appeared first on Leeds Bikes.
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