FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: DO I NEED TO “BREAK IN” MY BATTERIES?
A: Yes, it is recommended that you perform a “break-‐in” cycle consisting of three
discharge/charge cycles to allow your batteries to reach optimum performance. This
involves three complete discharges and three complete recharges. After this initial
“break-‐in” cycle the batteries will have maximum possible performance and less line
voltage fluctuations under load.
Q: IS IT NORMAL THAT THE BATTERIES GET WARM WHEN RECHARGING?
A: Yes, it is normal that the batteries will become warm to the touch during the
recharging process. This is because the increase of internal resistance and less
energy conversion efficiency from electric energy to chemical energy.
Q: HOW LONG WILL MY BATTERIES LAST BEFORE NEEDING REPLACEMENT?
A: Average battery life depends on use and conditions. Even with proper care,
rechargeable batteries do not last forever. Conservatively, an SLA battery will come
to the end of its useful life after ~200-‐300 full discharge/charge cycles, while Li-‐Ion
batteries will last about 500-‐2000 cycles depending on quality and technology of the
battery. This product has been fitted with the latest LiFePO
4
(Lithium Iron
Phosphate) battery technology to maximise the battery design life.
A partial charge/discharge counts fractionally against those numbers; running the
battery down halfway then recharging it completely uses up one half of a charge
cycle. “End of useful life” refers to the point at which a battery can no longer supply
80% of its original rated capacity in ampere-‐hours. After this point, the aging process
will accelerate and the battery will need to be replaced.
Q:I HAVE HAD MY ELECTRIC BIKE A WHILE NOW AND ITS NOT GOING AS FAR AS IT
DID WHEN NEW, DOES THE BATTERY NEED REPLACING?
– Yes, quite possibly, but
not always. There may certain other factors causing this -‐
•
Are your tyres inflated correctly? It’s important to keep your tyres inflated to the
correct pressure as stated on the side of the tyre. It’s amazing how much effect
this can have, in fact a tyre that is half the pressure it should be can affect your
range up to 40%! So check them every couple of weeks and inflate as necessary.
•
When was your bike last serviced? Something as simple as a brake pad rubbing
can slow you down considerably. With the extra assistance on an electric bike,
you may not even notice the extra drag. But the motor will be working much
harder to assist you and therefore will drain the battery faster. Its best to get
your bike serviced once a year to keep it in good shape, which can rub off well on
your battery. (electric bikes are very similar in design to a regular push bike, your
local bike shop should be able to assist you in maintaining your bike).
