How long does an electric bicycle last?

When you buy your own electric bike, you might wonder... "How long will this bike last? What can I do to maximize the lifespan of my e-bike?"

How long does an eBike last?

Electric bikes typically last around ten years, but this can vary depending on several factors. Electric bikes share many structural components with regular bicycles, such as gears and brakes, making it easier to learn how to care for and maintain them to maximize their lifespan. This article explores the question of how long an e-bike lasts and examines some common factors that can affect its lifespan, including battery quality and durability, maintenance, and environmental factors. Let's take a look.

Battery

Generally, an e-bike battery lasts between 800 and 900 charges and between three and five years. After that time, your e-bike will still have power, but it will be less efficient. However, in many cases, if your e-bike is in perfect condition, the battery can even last up to eight years. Considering the cost of replacement, be sure to take good care of the battery. Don't let it get too cold: sub-zero temperatures can permanently damage the battery. We already discussed e-bike range and battery care in a previous post!

Engine

Typically, an e-bike motor lasts over 10,000 km, which is longer than other e-bike components. To prevent motor failure, please do not leave your e-bike outside in the rain; proper care and maintenance will help extend the motor's lifespan.

Chains

An average e-bike chain should last between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. Depending on your daily riding habits and how often you pedal, the chain's lifespan can vary by 20 to 50%. Regular chain lubrication is essential; it helps reduce damage caused by chain and gear friction and enhances your riding experience!

Brakes

A good set of brakes can last up to 4,000 miles. Again, it depends on the type and intensity of your brakes, and there's a big difference here. If you have disc brakes, you need to have the brake pads checked around 1,500 km (9,000 miles), and when they're very worn, they need to be replaced! With hydraulic brakes, you need to regularly check if the brake fluid is leaking. If the brake fluid is leaking, clean up the leaking area and take your vehicle to a workshop to find out the cause and get it repaired promptly. You also need to regularly change the brake fluid, check if the level is below the minimum line, and inspect the wear on the brake pads and discs.

Tires

The lifespan of ebike tires varies widely, depending on the type of tire. Ordinary bicycle tires can last between 2,000 and 4,800 km, while 20-inch wide tires can last between 4,000 and 6,000 km. We need to inflate the tires regularly, and if we feel the air pressure is insufficient, we should replenish it promptly to maintain consistent pressure in the front and rear tires. Low tire pressure makes the tire wear more easily, reducing its lifespan. If the rear tire pressure is too low and the tire runs completely flat, it can easily cause engine damage or even engine deformation. Since tires are made of rubber, they should not absorb oil, kerosene, gasoline, or other oils from the vehicle to prevent premature aging and deterioration. Similarly, if the electric vehicle is not used for an extended period, it's essential to ensure the tires are stored in a dry environment, avoiding humid conditions that accelerate tire wear.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to the elements can affect your e-bike's battery and seriously impact its lifespan. In all seasons, you should take care to protect your e-bike from environmental damage; otherwise, it may not perform at its best because rusted parts wear out faster. For example, you should use a dry cloth to clean your e-bike during rainy periods and keep it dry at all times.

 

When we incorporate these factors into our daily lives, we can extend the lifespan of our electric bike. Conversely, if we fail to focus on every detail and this leads to a problem with one of our e-bike's components, it's time for a thorough inspection and to replace any damaged parts to ensure the safety of the bike and your riding experience. The above discusses the lifespan of the e-bike. Although it's designed to withstand all weather conditions and seasons, a little maintenance can extend its lifespan. I hope you have a happy riding life!