Chamrider Battery is an ebike battery manufacturer and electric bicycle battery factory with 12 years of experience. 

               

The world of electric bicycles is rapidly gaining momentum, captivating cycling enthusiasts worldwide. These innovative vehicles offer a plethora of advantages over conventional pedal bikes, revolutionizing the way we ride. However, amidst this growing trend, many riders find themselves grappling with questions about their e-bike's battery and its optimal charging routine.

One recurring query revolves around the frequency of charging an e-bike battery. Is it best to wait until the battery is completely drained or should you avoid it altogether? The answer lies in the electric bike's built-in battery indicator, which simplifies the charging process for riders. By heeding the indicator's suggestion, you can ensure optimal battery performance and longevity.

An e-bike battery is typically discharged when it reaches its maximum range, indicating the farthest distance it can cover on a single charge. This range varies depending on the e-bike model, with some offering only pedal-assist mode while others boast a throttle mode for effortless propulsion. Additionally, the level of assistance provided by the motor significantly affects the achievable range, even without utilizing the throttle mode.

Most electric bicycles offer a range of 22 to 50 miles, though certain models can surpass these limits. These estimates are based on relaxed pedaling. However, with consistent pedaling and a high-quality e-bike, you can extend the range to approximately 80 miles, unlocking a world of possibilities.

While the battery's capacity plays a crucial role in charging frequency, other factors also impact the range:

Battery Capacity: The battery's capacity determines the frequency of charging, with higher capacity batteries requiring less frequent charges.

Terrain Type: Uphill journeys necessitate increased motor assistance, drawing more current from the battery and reducing the range. Similarly, riding against strong headwinds mimics uphill terrains, albeit on a smaller scale.

Rider's Weight: Heavier riders demand more power from the motor, resulting in increased electric current consumption from the battery.

On the other hand, descending hills or utilizing minimal assistance on flat terrain can conserve battery power. But should you deplete the battery entirely during every ride?

To maximize battery life, it is advisable to avoid frequent full discharges. Instead, aim to charge the battery when it reaches around 30% capacity and alternate between charging at 30% and 60% remaining capacity. This alternating charging pattern helps preserve the longevity of lithium-ion batteries commonly found in e-bikes. However, a complete discharge once every 30 or 40 charges can be beneficial but is not necessary. Embracing the 30%-60% rule ensures regular charging, thereby extending the battery's lifespan and your riding pleasure.

When initially charging a new e-bike battery, a 12-hour charge is recommended to ensure all cells receive an ample supply of electric current. Subsequently, avoid fully charging the battery to prevent accelerated degradation. Instead, maintain a charge level between 40% and 70% for extended storage periods. Additionally, when charging, disconnect the charger once the battery reaches 90%-95% capacity to prevent overcharging.

To further enhance battery longevity, consider the following vital charging tips:

Storage Conditions: Avoid storing the battery in excessively hot or cold environments. Optimal storage temperatures range from 59 °F (15 °C) to 77 °F (25 °C) in a dry location.

Temperature Considerations: Refrain from charging the battery in temperatures below 32 °F (0 °C). Before charging during winter, ensure the battery reaches room temperature.

Safety Precautions: Place the battery and charger on a dry surface, away from flammable materials, humidity, and heat sources. Avoid covering the battery or charger during the charging process.

Manufacturer's Charger: Always utilize the charger provided by the manufacturer to prevent potential damage to the battery.

Monthly Charges: Even during extended periods of non-use, charge the battery at least once a month to maintain its health and performance.

In summary, a simple rule of thumb is to charge your battery after each ride, adhering to the 30%-60% alternating pattern. This ensures your e-bike is always ready to hit the road whenever you desire.

However, with high-capacity batteries like the Delfast 3.0, boasting an impressive range of 200 miles (321 km), less frequent charging may be necessary for short commutes or leisurely rides. The Delfast 3.0's control display provides accurate battery charge information, making it effortless to follow the 30%-60% rule and optimize your battery usage.

Embrace these charging tips and unlock the full potential of your e-bike battery. Ride with confidence, knowing you have extended the lifespan of your battery and embarked on countless electrifying adventure

Almost all electric bicycles are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries have a very high energy density, which makes electric bikes relatively lightweight while providing long range. Despite the advantages of lithium batteries, one major challenge they face in terms of safety is the potential release of energy in the form of a fire if something goes wrong.

In terms of suppliers, ChamRider ensures that we use the highest quality materials in our batteries, such as LG/Panasonic lithium-ion batteries. They also design batteries with protections against overcharging, overdischarging, overcurrent, temperature cutoff, and many other safety features.

At ChamRider, everyone shares the core belief in educating customers about the potential hazards and the importance of taking preventive measures to ensure their safety.

This article aims to provide you with a useful guide. Therefore, we will discuss tips for safe charging and storing of lithium-ion batteries, as well as measures to take in case of emergencies.

How to Safely Charge an Electric Bicycle Battery

Most reported battery fires occur during the battery charging process. Therefore, consumers must be extra cautious when charging. Here are some tips regarding the correct charging process:

Always use the charger recommended by the manufacturer; if you purchase an aftermarket charger, ensure that it has UL certification and specifications identical to the original charger. Using a fast charger for non-fast-chargeable batteries can be dangerous.

Avoid placing the battery near heat sources such as heaters. High temperatures can damage lithium-ion batteries and lead to thermal runaway incidents.

Do not place the charger or battery on or near flammable materials like wooden furniture or building structures. Always try to place the charger and battery on a fire-resistant surface or space.

Always keep the battery within sight while charging. As an additional precaution, place a smoke alarm near the battery.

In the event of a fire, the initial few seconds are crucial as you still have a chance to extinguish it before it becomes uncontrollable; therefore, prompt response is essential.

Turn off the battery while charging.

It is normal for the charger to become warm during the charging process, but the battery should never become hot (warm to the touch). If you notice the battery becoming hot, disconnect it.

Avoid charging in temperatures below zero degrees as this can cause dendrite growth on lithium-ion batteries, leading to short circuits and fire incidents.

Charge in a well-ventilated area.

Do not leave the battery charging overnight.

Proper Storage of Lithium-Ion Batteries

The lithium-ion battery of your electric bicycle requires proper storage, and you can take some measures to ensure appropriate storage.

When storing the battery for an extended period, charge it to around 60%.

Avoid storing it in extreme temperatures or high humidity.

Do not use damaged batteries that are dropped, punctured, squeezed, or otherwise compromised.

If a lithium-ion battery catches fire, use a fire extinguisher to put it out (be cautious as such fires produce toxic smoke).

Avoid extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires with water, although it can be used to extinguish the fire, a report by the U.S. Department of Energy found that it requires excessive amounts of water.

Do not store batteries or charge them near a single point of exit.

Safe Use of Lithium-Ion Batteries

If the battery starts smoking, making unusual noises, or shows signs of melting, stop using it immediately and place the battery in a safe location.

If you notice drastic changes in voltage/performance, discontinue using the battery.

If you immerse the battery pack/bicycle in water, have it professionally inspected before using it again (moisture inside the battery pack indicates water has entered and may cause a short circuit).

Always use the battery with the product it comes with; do not use it for any other purposes.

Emergency Response Measures

For any electric bicycle owner, following the tips mentioned earlier can reduce the likelihood of emergencies. However, accidents can still happen. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with measures to ensure the safety of yourself, loved ones, or anyone around you.

In general, when a lithium-ion battery catches fire, you can take the following three steps:

Use a fire extinguisher:

Depending on the size and type of the battery, there are several methods to extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire. You need to react quickly and prevent the fire from spreading.

Since fires caused by lithium-ion batteries are classified as Class B fires, you should choose a standard ABC or dry chemical fire extinguisher. The Class B classification is intended for distinguishing flammable liquids. As lithium-ion batteries contain liquid electrolytes, they fall under this category.

When burning, toxic liquid acts as a conduit for the fire, aiding in its rapid spread.

You can use the fire extinguisher to spray the flames until the fire is extinguished. The steps are as follows:

Pull out the safety pin to enable the use of the fire extinguisher.

Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the handle firmly.

To ensure the flames are completely extinguished, sweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of the fire.

Take the battery outside the building:

If you suspect any issues with the battery, such as excessive heat, liquid leakage, or unusual noises, you should place it in a safe, open outdoor space and wait for the battery to return to normal. Note that you should not attempt to handle a battery that is on fire or leaking, as it may pose a danger to you.

If the battery catches fire, wait for all the batteries to burn out, and then attempt to extinguish the fire.

Call the fire department:

Fires caused by lithium-ion batteries fall under the category of thermal runaway incidents. Subsequently, a fire involving an electric bicycle battery can present multiple hazards, such as toxic smoke, flames, and metal projectiles. After taking the necessary measures mentioned above, if you are unable to control the fire, contact the nearest fire department in your area.

Assess the severity of the situation and avoid approaching a burning battery. If you are not comfortable handling the fire, wait for the firefighters to arrive.

             

What safety features does ChamRider Electirc Bike Battery contain?

In order to ensure that our products meet your highest quality and safety expectations, ChamRider seeks and has been granted Canada's first UL 2849 electric bicycle certification.

The latest advancements in Battery Management Systems (BMS) allow for better control of the electric bike's battery pack from various aspects, such as battery operation and its charging and discharging. ChamRider's ultimate goal is to optimize the battery's performance and lifespan.

While we ensure to provide electric bike batteries that exceed industry standards, here are some safety features of ChamRider batteries.

Charging Protection (Voltage and Current)

If the charging voltage or current exceeds the specified range, ChamRider batteries will cut off the charging process; this ensures that charging is stopped in case of any faults.

Battery Balancing

Battery balancing improves the available capacity of the battery; additionally, unbalanced batteries may be damaged and result in malfunction over the long term. That's why ChamRider batteries are equipped with battery balancing and battery balancing cutoff functions. This way, if one of the batteries is permanently damaged and unable to balance, the battery will shut down.

Discharge Protection (Voltage and Current)

During product operation, voltage and current values are measured; if the voltage is too low or the current value is too high, the BMS will cut off the battery for safety reasons.

Short Circuit Protection

Short circuits in lithium-ion batteries are always dangerous. They can damage your battery and shorten its lifespan. In the worst-case scenario, a short circuit can pose serious risks such as battery fires or explosions, resulting in personal injury, property damage, or even death. ChamRider batteries have short circuit protection designed to monitor battery voltage and prevent hazardous situations caused by battery short circuits.

Temperature Cutoff Protection

ChamRider lithium-ion batteries incorporate temperature cutoff protection mechanisms that shut down the battery when the temperature exceeds the safety threshold.

Conclusion

Today, lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric bikes. While these batteries themselves are not inherently dangerous, improper handling by some electric bike users has resulted in numerous fire incidents. This article discusses the safety measures to be taken during lithium-ion battery charging.

We also discuss the proper usage and storage methods that can be followed when dealing with such batteries.

Lastly, we discuss the safety measures taken by ChamRider to ensure the use of high-quality batteries in our electric bikes. These measures include short circuit protection, battery balancing, discharge protection, and temperature cutoff protection.

The speed at which the electric bike system disconnects and your riding style are crucial for battery performance. Almost all major bicycle manufacturers now offer a range of road and off-road electric bikes.

From cargo commuting e-bikes to sleek carbon fiber electric road bikes that are almost indistinguishable from non-motorized bicycles, electric bikes have evolved from novelty to practicality in the cycling world.

Anyone who has invested in battery-powered consumer electronics can attest to the noticeable decline in battery performance over time. Therefore, for anyone considering purchasing an electric bike and existing owners alike, e-bike battery maintenance is an important consideration.

The best electric bikes

The best electric road bikes

The best commuting electric bikes

With the rapid pace of development, some potential electric bike owners are concerned that the premium they pay today will be frustratingly outdated in a few months. This is not entirely accurate and largely depends on your usage.

Take the electric bike motor, for example. Mid-drive motors come in two rated output powers: 250W and 500W. More powerful motors may be enticing, but they also consume more battery energy. For regular commuting, a 500W motor is almost entirely unnecessary.

As more research and development resources are poured into the electric bike market, mid-drive motors may become more efficient or lighter, but riders don't necessarily need greater output power. The key is finding the right balance between power and efficiency based on your specific riding needs.

What you should consider is battery technology and how the usage of an electric bike affects battery life.

Learning from the lessons of other digital devices

Battery suppliers in the electric bike market have chosen lithium-ion as the standardized chemistry. This battery composition has been validated in consumer electronics and automotive industries. Therefore, there is a wealth of user data available regarding the health of lithium-ion batteries.

The motor of your electric bike will last a long time, with fewer moving parts prone to damage or heavy maintenance. Where performance may decline over time is in the battery pack.

Most smartphone or laptop users have experienced battery degradation over time. However, the loss of energy capacity can be mitigated. The most crucial impact on the health of electric bike batteries is the frequency of charging from very low energy levels.

If you frequently drain the battery to almost empty in most rides, the likelihood of significant degradation is very real. Ideally, you want to minimize the time spent at zero energy consumption and at 100% energy consumption.

Most electric bikes come with three-mode configurations, roughly divided into thirds. The lowest pedal-assist mode uses one-third of the available motor power, the middle setting uses two-thirds, and the third setting provides full power.

By default, using the eco mode, you should complete your electric bike rides with the maximum battery capacity possible.

Use it sparingly as needed

Limiting the depth of discharge is the most important way to maintain the health of electric bike batteries.

While we all occasionally enjoy maximum motor assistance, it is quite unnecessary, especially considering the lower limits imposed on electric bike systems in the EU/UK, which are set at 25 km/h.


The only time you should use the full power of the electric bike is when conquering the steepest slopes during challenging climbs.

By judiciously using only the battery capacity you need and not excessively consuming all the extra watts, you will enjoy better and more stable battery health over time.

The electric bike motor also prefers a consistent cadence, preferably in the range of around 80 RPM. To achieve the best match between your input and the motor's output, it is better to ride with higher cadence and lower gears.

If you frequently ride your electric bike and fully deplete the battery, you may consider models with larger battery capacity. Alternatively, you can choose plug-in range extenders to balance the overall load of the electric bike's energy system.

Rethinking the "free" speed

Different countries and regions have different regulations regarding the speed and specifications of electric bikes.

In the United States, the maximum power limit for electric bike motors goes up to 750W and disengages assistance at speeds of 32 km/h. Europe and the UK have adopted stricter definitions, with a power output limit of 250W for electric bikes used on roads, disengaging electric assistance at 25 km/h.

As a result, electric bike riders in the EU and the UK generally experience less battery degradation due to the configuration of their bikes. By using more conservative pedal-assist software to manage their energy usage, electric bikes in the EU/UK theoretically operate more efficiently than similar products in the US market.

Commuting and active transportation electric bikes were never designed to be speed machines. The value of these pedal-assist bikes lies in alleviating the challenges of long-distance commuting along hilly routes or reducing the pain of riding against the wind on the way back home in the afternoon.

Electric bikes are most useful when enhancing the rider's power on steep climbs or against headwinds. In both cases, speed is low. Active commuters don't need to climb steep hills at 40 km/h.

For electric bike enthusiasts in the EU and the UK, the more conservative assist setting of 7 km/h for mid-drive motors can provide an excellent ownership experience and contribute to healthier long-term battery health.

Based on type and capacity, the weight of electric bicycle batteries can range from 5 pounds to 40 pounds or even heavier. Typical lithium-ion electric bicycle batteries can weigh as light as 5 pounds and go up to 20 pounds. On the other hand, lead-acid electric bicycle batteries are larger in size and heavier, starting from 30 pounds.

The weight of electric bicycle batteries is not randomly determined; factors such as voltage, ampere-hour capacity, anode and cathode materials, and other metal components contribute to the weight.

In simple terms, batteries with higher voltage and larger capacity tend to be heavier, while batteries with lower voltage and smaller capacity are lighter.

Most riders prefer lightweight and maneuverable bicycles. Since it's not possible to reduce the weight of the electric bicycle frame or the weight of the motor and other key components, the only reasonable way to make the bicycle lighter is by adjusting the weight of the battery.

Whether it's an internally integrated frame battery or a simple removable external battery, understanding the weight of the electric bicycle battery and, if possible, replacing it with a lighter battery can help make your electric bicycle lighter.

Comparison of Different Bicycle Weights

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the best lightweight electric bicycles. Hopefully, it will help you find your ideal bicycle.

             

Types and Weight of Electric Bicycle Batteries

There are various types of electric bicycle batteries, and each type has a different weight value.

We can certainly discuss the weight of internally integrated or externally removable or fixed batteries. However, it would be easier to understand if we categorize the batteries based on their chemistry and material composition.

Lithium-ion Batteries:

Well-made removable internal and external lithium-ion batteries typically weigh around 8 pounds to 17 pounds.

Lead-acid Batteries:

Lead-acid batteries are cheaper but heavier compared to lithium-ion batteries. You would typically find lead-acid batteries weighing between 30 pounds to 40 pounds.

What factors affect the weight of electric bicycle batteries?

Voltage and Capacity:

Electric bicycle batteries are a combination of interconnected batteries. The more batteries there are, the higher the ampere-hour capacity and voltage flow. These batteries have a metallic body along with metal anodes and cathodes, so their weight is definitely noticeable.

Material Composition:

Graphite, nickel, copper, lead or lithium-ion, metal oxides, and zinc—all these battery types have composition components, most of which are metals, making them a significant factor behind the heavyweight batteries.

Are there weight limits for electric bicycles?

Yes, electric bicycles have weight limits. The weight of leisure bicycles typically ranges from 200 pounds to 300 pounds, while cargo/load-carrying bicycles weigh around 450 pounds to 550 pounds.

Please note that weight limits refer to the bike's ability to withstand a certain weight. Therefore, a weight limit of 200 pounds means that your electric bicycle weighing 50 pounds or 60 pounds will be able to comfortably carry around 200 pounds without affecting performance.

Is the weight of your electric bicycle important?

The weight of a bicycle is indeed crucial. A heavy electric bicycle may be reliable and comfortable to ride, but storing or carrying it can be a hassle. If you have to transport a bike weighing around 70 pounds to 80 pounds (including the weight of the battery) to your office or home, it can be quite inconvenient.

If you are a racer or seeking additional speed with an electric bicycle, a heavy bike will not provide satisfactory performance. Yes, the motor can certainly provide enough power to reach a certain speed, but the weight of the bike will be the biggest drawback in terms of speed.

If you are a racer or enthusiast looking to enjoy decent speed on an electric bicycle, you can certainly opt for a carbon fiber frame and rims, remove suspension systems, and add tubeless tires to shed a few pounds. However, in doing so, you may have to compromise on comfort.

Does the weight of the electric bicycle battery affect speed?

The weight of the electric bicycle battery certainly affects speed.

Let's consider a real scenario where you participate in a race, and you've done everything to make your bike lighter—using tubeless tires, carbon fiber rims and frame, and even removing suspension systems; you are satisfied with the weight of the bike.

But when you add a 20-pound battery to the bicycle, firstly, the weight distribution becomes uneven. The motor can provide enough torque to increase speed, but the weight of the battery makes it challenging to maneuver the electric bicycle.

Despite having a lightweight bike, the weight distribution, maneuverability, and ultimately the speed of your electric bicycle will be affected; all the blame falls on the battery.

How much does a lithium-ion battery weigh?

A decent lithium-ion battery weighs around 17 pounds. You may also find batteries weighing around 8 pounds, but their performance may not meet the standards.

Generally, lithium-ion batteries containing lithium, graphite, nickel, and metal oxides may have relatively higher weights compared to regular batteries. However, efforts are constantly being made to make them lighter while maintaining the standards of electric bicycles.

Why are electric bicycle batteries so heavy?

Electric bicycle batteries are heavy due to their construction materials and configuration. If you want the battery to have a larger capacity and voltage, you need to incorporate a sufficient number of individual batteries inside the battery pack.

These batteries have anode and cathode structures made of metals, along with copper, graphite, metal oxides, and other essential components. The weight of the plastic casing around the battery is negligible; it is primarily the inherent weight of these materials that adds to the overall weight of the battery.

It's a simple trade-off: if you want higher capacity in your electric bicycle battery, you will have to accept the burden of its weight.

Conclusion

For riders who value speed, having a lightweight electric bicycle is essential. The best way to reduce the overall weight of an electric bicycle is by using lightweight batteries.

The weight of the bicycle frame and motor is fixed and cannot be changed, but using a carbon fiber frame can help. Tubeless tires and carbon fiber rims can also significantly reduce weight.

Lead-acid batteries may be cheaper, but they are heavy to carry. For leisure use, an 8-pound lithium-ion battery would be the best choice.