The information contained in this document will help you ensure that you get a long life from the
Lithium Battery supplied with your Batribike Electric Bicycle or Tricycle.
Battery Life
Most electric bicycle companies quote the number of “charge cycles” when describing battery life.
This can be somewhat misleading or confusing to the consumer as many factors, including time and
the way a battery is used will affect its life span.
Batribike Lithium batteries have been tested by the manufacturer in their
factory to 1000 charge cycles. This is done on a test rig which fully charges
and then immediately discharges the battery (this is what is classed as 1
charge cycle). This procedure is then continually repeated until the battery
has reached 1000 charge cycles. The battery is deemed to have passed the
test if, after 1000 charge cycles, the battery still has at least 80% of its
original capacity.
The testing is carried out under controlled conditions of constant
temperature and constant discharge rate, and each charge cycle is
repeated immediately after the last one. Clearly in a real usage situation these conditions cannot be
replicated. Although the number of charge cycles is an indication that can be used to compare
different batteries, it is not realistic to expect a battery to last 1000 charge cycles in normal use. If the
battery was not used very often and was just charged at the minimum required interval of 1 month,
then 1000 charge cycles would be the equivalent of 1000 months or 83
1
/
3
years!
Without doubt you cannot expect a battery to last 83
1
/
3
years, so it is important to understand that
other factors, as well as charging and discharging, affect its lifespan. Rechargeable Lithium batteries
like to be used regularly. A battery used every day is likely to last more charge cycles than one used
infrequently. This can be seen in rechargeable batteries that are used in everyday objects such as
mobile phones and power tools. Those items that are used and charged regularly have a better
lifespan than those that are left inactive for periods of time.
Factors that can affect the lifespan of a battery include:-
• Heavily loading the battery – such as always setting off using the throttle (rather than using
pedal assist mode) or constant uphill use. (This does not
mean that the power should not be used in this way, only
that it will have an effect on the battery)
• Temperature fluctuation
• Time – Batteries slowly deteriorate with time, whether in
use or not.
• Frequency of use – a battery used every day is likely to
last more charge cycles than one used infrequently.
From the information above it can be seen that it is impossible to give an accurate guide to the actual
number of charge cycles that a battery can achieve.
Some Batribike owners are still using their original batteries over 5 years from their original purchase
date but it would be sensible for someone who commutes regularly on their Batribike to budget for a
new battery every couple of years.
Instead of giving the number of charge cycles as an indication of battery life, Batribike gives a 1 year
warranty which will be increased free of charge to 2 years
*
if the warranty is registered within 28 days
of purchase.
*
applies to new electric bicycles purchased from 11th March 2013 and subject to conditions published on the Batribike website.
WWW.BATRIBIKE.COM
BATTERY INFORMATION
Lithium Atom
