E-Bike Battery and Charger Care

E-bike Battery and Charger Care

Best practice rules about the selection, care and use of Lithium batteries have become more prominent following a small number of widely advertised e-bike battery fires in 2023. Well designed and matched e-bike chargers and batteries will work for several years and many charging cycles without problems. Both should display either the UK CA mark or the European CE mark of conformity.

Hikobike Batteries and Chargers

Hikobike batteries and chargers are supplied together from a reputable source and are constructed using top quality LG or Samsung cells and the chargers are matched to the batteries. Many batteries are advertised as using 18650 cells, this is like saying that an item uses AA batteries. It is the quality inside the cells that makes for a long lasting, safe and reliable battery.

Charging the battery

One of the first things you will want to do when you have purchased an e-bike is charge the battery. It is important that you do not short circuit the system when connecting your charger. Always plug into the battery a dead lead. That is, always connect the charging head into the battery before plugging the charger into the mains and switching ON. If you turn the mains on, before inserting the charging head into the battery, it is possible to short circuit the system. This can cause the battery charging fuse to blow and may burn out the charging socket in the battery. It may be possible to replace a fuse without dismantling the battery, but electrical work will be needed to replace the charging connection. Turn OFF at the mains before unplugging from the battery.

Fully charged Battery

When plugged in and switched ON the battery charger usually shows a Red LED lamp. When this turns from Red to Green, it is expected that the battery is fully charged. This is normally the case but, the display of the green light means that the battery is not accepting a charge. If the battery is not fully charged when the green light shows, this is an indication that there is a fault with the battery.

While battery chargers switch themselves OFF when charging ceases, they should not be left plugged into the mains for extended periods.

Ensure that you use the correct charger for the battery. Hikobikes mainly use 48V batteries and chargers Most UK e-bikes and the Hikobike NZPulse 36 use 36V batteries and Chargers.

Keep the charger dry.

If you need to replace your charger, it is recommended that you replace the charger with one from the bike manufacturer. This will ensure the quality of the charger and ensure that it is fitted with the correct connection to the battery.

It is not uncommon for customers to think that they need a new battery as it will not charge. But is always worth testing that the charger is working before committing to the greater expenditure!

Battery Care

Lithium batteries can be charged at any time. They have no “memories”. There is no need to let the battery fully discharge before re-charging. You can top it up after every ride. If lithium cells fully discharge, they cannot be re-charged. To prevent this, the batteries are fitted with a BMS (Battery Management System) In a 36V e-bike, the BMS will shut down the battery at about 30 volts. In a 48V system the battery will shut down at about 42 volts.

A good quality battery should work for several years and be rated to be re-charged 500 to 1000 cycles. Regular use of the bike and battery will prolong the useful life. Bikes that are only used for 2 weeks a year and stored 50 weeks may find that battery life is shortened.

Performance

Many riders choose to re-charge their bike battery after every ride. This means that they know that they have the full range of the bike every time they set out for a ride.

Failure of the battery to fully charge, or longer charge times, can be a sign that your battery is failing.

A fully discharged battery, that has been shut off for low voltage by the BMS, should be at least part charged within 24 hours to protect the cells.

Store away from frost. Severe cold can damage a battery, and it may not work. The performance of the battery will deteriorate below 10 degrees C. and you will find the bike less powerful. On cold days, try and keep the battery warm and fit it to the bike, just before setting off.

For prolonged storage, charge the battery to about 70% and top up the charge every 2 months.

The electric equipment on your bike should be waterproof for normal use, but do not clean the bike with a power washer. If the battery does not work after heavy washing, leaving it in a warm, dry place for several days may dry it out and start it working again.

Ensure that the battery is not immersed in water.

Do not attempt to dismantle the battery, this will also void any warranty.

If the battery is dropped on to a hard surface, this may damage a connection inside and stop the battery working. It may be repairable by the supplier or a competent lithium battery electrician.

Inspect a dropped battery for damage to the case. A cracked battery may well allow water ingress, and the battery box should be repaired or replaced.

There are millions of lithium batteries that work completely safely throughout their useful lives and, they eventually fail as the cells degrade. But, very occasionally, maybe as a result of misuse or incorrect charging, a battery may malfunction.

Details from HM Gov.UK

The warning signs that your e-cycle battery could be a fire hazard include:

Heat

It’s normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use, but if it feels extremely hot to the touch, it may be defective and at risk of fire, so stop charging it immediately.

Bulging, lumps and leaks.

A battery bulging or swelling out of shape is a common sign of it failing. You should stop using it immediately. The same applies if there is any type of lump or leak from the device. There are no liquids used in the battery construction. So, any leak of liquid indicates that there is an unexplained chemical reaction in the battery.

Noise

Failing lithium batteries have been reported to make hissing or cracking sounds.

Smell

A strong or unusual smell (which could be toxic) from the battery could be a sign that it’s failing.

Smoke

If your battery or device is smoking, a fire has already started. Raise the alarm, get out, stay out and call 999 immediately.

Conclusion

Chargers should always be stored and used in dry places. Do not leave chargers connected to the battery for long periods after charging has finished.

Ensure that you are using certificated batteries and chargers that are appropriate to the voltage of the bike motor.

Keep batteries well topped-up, ready for instant use. Keep them as away from excessive wet conditions and look out for any damage – especially after being dropped. Be aware of the dangers of a faulty batter